The Dallas International Film Festival 2013 introduced me to the wonderful work being made by New Zealand film production outfit, Candlelit Pictures. The film was part of Shorts Program 1 and had a beautiful grittiness that I couldn’t get out of my mind. I reached out to Producer Alix Whittaker to learn more about the Auckland film outfit. Click thru for our interview with Founder of Candlelit Pictures Alix Whittaker.

1. Where did the idea for Candlelit Pictures come from and what about the name’s significance?

Candlelit Pictures is an excuse for us to make things we like, with an active disregard for financial gain. We all got tired of working on average projects for money, so we’re building a company where we never have to choose between being proud of our work or paying rent – we just don’t pay rent.

For us the name Candlelit implies a lack of expensive lighting, which speaks to both our love of realism in filmmaking, and our obsession with the impressive lenses that make a Candlelit scene possible (like in Barry Lyndon).

2. On the site you’re highlighted as well as Producer Anna Duckworth and Writer/Directors Jordan Dodson and Oliver Page, can you talk about how you all came to work together?

Jordan and Oliver have been making short films together since they discovered pubic hair – and then in 2011 I produced Oliver’s We Talk About Loss, and after that, we all decided to work together on the regular. Anna Duckworth is a talented Writer/Director/Producer who came into the mix when we needed someone to produce part of a mumble-core film we did in New York. She basically saved the project from collapsing. When she returned to NZ from NYC this year we scooped her up straight away, now she’s a staple part of the company.

3. Can you talk a bit about the movie scene in New Zealand, where are most films shot, typical budgets and equipment used? The first thing that pops into my mind is, Lord Of The Rings.

The industry here is sustained by those foreign projects – and lucky for us they leave the crews and equipment suppliers wealthy and willing to help ambitious up-and-coming people like us. The government gives out short film grants that range from $10k to $90k NZD – but most shorts aren’t so lucky, they get made on good will and ingenuity. We are lucky enough to have access to some great equipment, our last few projects have been Arri Alexa, 16mm, RedEpic, and 35mm.

4. Music Video work is in all of your resumes can you talk about what you enjoy most about shooting videos and the best lesson learned from those experiences.

We’re moving picture addicts – and truthfully, it’s just a lot easier to get something made when you don’t have to worry about sound. Music videos are a great medium to play and learn in because the constraints are so broad. They’re also instant gratification – we can finish them relatively quickly and upload them straight to the internet where we can share them with the world.

5. Was We Talk About Loss based on any one of yours losing a friend or even the plot device of having a friend lost in the “wilderness”?

Yes, Oliver lost a friend (not in the wilderness) – and nothing can really prepare you for that emotional fallout – you find yourself expecting them to turn up at your house, or call you, so there’s this strange waiting period that he found very painful. Someone walking away into a field and just never coming back was, for him, the cinematic equivalent of what he was going through.

6. Andy was shot predominately in a theater, can you talk about the elements that made that shoot easy and tough.

It’s always such a relief to be working in one place – we lose so much time in location moves. But then the challenge of keeping up the forward momentum of the story becomes harder – you have to get more creative with the coverage, and be sure that the performances are as good as they can be.

7. Cheap Tuesday is the only story written by Nick Sampson, can you talk about what attracted you to this script and how Nick’s voice added to the Candlelit team?

Nic writes great comedy. That project came about because we asked him to write a film for us, and Cheap Tuesday is what he came back with. He’s great at taking things too far, you never see his next move coming, I guess he’s probably quite a disturbed individual.

8. Runaways was bitter-sweet in its plot, can you talk about whether the old couple or the kids characters came first?

That’s a very interesting question. We actually wrote a feature film about two young half-brothers on a pseudo-criminal adventure to find their father – but then when we tried to adapt it into a short film, we flipped the perspective and told the story of an old couple the kids encounter on their adventure – using the kids as a catalyst for the bickering couple.

9. Where is the farm located and how long was the film shoot? The Behind the Scenes video was a great look inside the expansive nature of the set can you talk about any fun stories from the shoot itself?

We found that farm about an hour outside of Auckland – and we just showed up and asked the farmers if they’d be cool with us taking over their house for three days. The shoot was painfully short, and we were all really wrecked afterwards. We spent a lot of the time chasing runaway pigs, cause we had a male and female, and he was kinda rape-y.

10. Casting Donogh Rees did what to your short film…? What about finding Stephen, Mitchell and Thomas?

We wrote Runaways with Donogh in mind, and before she agreed to do it we pretended she was on-board. Then once she agreed to be in the film we paired her up with a bunch of men, and Stephen just had this amazing look – he’s also a really generous, available actor. Mitchell was one of a bunch of young guys we saw for the part, and Thomas was actually his half-brother.

11. What have you learned about filming shorts with kids?

Keep it fun. Kids are often the best actors available, just because they don’t really act. So we have to approach them differently, psychology and silly result-oriented direction doesn’t work – they just want to play.

12. What is next for Runaways?

We’ll be sending Runaways the short out to some more festivals – and we’re still developing the feature film, but we don’t anticipate anyone giving us the kind of money we’d need to make that anytime soon so it’s scheduled for a later date.

13. What is on the slate for Candlelit Pictures.

We’re developing a feature film about a group of university students in New York who are facilitating organized crime to finance their educations, we’re looking to start finding finance for that later in 2013. We’re also working on a handful of short films and music videos here in New Zealand. Check out the latest information on Candlelit Pictures Facebook page

Before we jump into the wonderfully inventive mind of young talent Terence Nance, how about we look at some other movie releases this weekend. Click thru for all the greatness.

JJA congrats on bringing back KAHN in a wonderful way via the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch, who is now officially more than just an English Bad Ass…He’s an otherworldly Bad Ass. Theaters are packed with Iron Man 3, Great Gatsby (YAWN!!), and about to be the Trekkie nation. So I thought it would be important to highlight films that you can catch if your three-headed monster is sold out.

I’ll keep telling folks about the greatness of MUD. Jeff Nichols has made a real masterpiece and easily is one of the top ten films of 2013. Speaking of movies that have ISLANDS, how about this…

Can’t go wrong with a Duplass/Asleton film.

Another Top Ten film so far this year is the chilling true life tale of Richard Kuklinski, The Iceman

The film has a wonderful pace that flies along as do the mustaches in this bloody mafia film. Powerful and stoic performance by Michael Shannon.

Winona Ryder channels Talia Shire from Rocky but then transforms into Talia Shire from Godfather 2 (or 3 for that matter) by the end of the film. It’s a smaller role that packs a real punch and mingled with the secrecy of the mob characters is rather moving.

Ever great mob film has to have those quirky supporting mobsters, killers, and cops. Chris Evans is one of the more well done, as he’s almost unrecognizable and his upbeat chilling demeanor is worthy its own film. Also enjoy the Friend’s star playing a gangster and of course the staples like Ray Liotta, John Ventimiglia, and Robert Davi.

And one for you VOD/DVD lovers. The moving military film about redemption, Least Among Saints.

Enjoy those fine films.

Here is our interview with An Oversimplification of Her Beauty Writer/Director Terence Nance.

The Dallas native and I jumped into the back story of the film.

Terence Nance – 1 Day Write

All written in 1 night?

Terence Nance – Different Narrators 1 Night

I asked about the actual shooting process.

Terence Nance – Shoot

The guerrilla style shooting had me curious about working with his DP.

Terence Nance – DP

We got into a fun chat about what inspired the film.

Terence Nance – Terry Gilliam and Old Blues Music

The film has numerous animation styles and really give the film its bold nature.

Terence Nance – Animation

We talked about the music in the film.

Terence Nance – Music

Terence gave a poignant explanation of film itself.

Terence Nance – poignant

From The Reading Event Page:

“Ballroom Marfa’s distinguished Filmmakers’ Selection Committee has chosen Academy Nicholl Fellow James DiLapo’s script “Devils at Play” for the 2013 production of The Reading on Saturday, May 18 at the Crowley Theater in Marfa, Texas.”

Click through for our chat with James and Director for the Reading Julia Dyer.

The Crowley Theater is the venue for The Reading.

DEVILS AT PLAY.

“Set in the Soviet Union circa 1937, “Devils at Play” centers on an officer of the secret police who finds a list of traitors that he believes could be his ticket out of the repressed existence he struggles with day to day.”

Interview with Director Julia Dyer and Writer James DiLapo.

Dallas’ Julia Dyer and I started our chat by talking about the connection to The Reading’s Producers

Nancy Sanders

“Julia shared a vibrant, life-long creative partnership with her late sister, the screenwriter Gretchen Dyer, who penned both The Playroom and Late Bloomers.”

This year’s performances are dedicated to Gretchen Dyer, here is a thoughtful article about her importance to the Dallas film and writing world.

Julia talks about the reading environment.

The Reading Environment

I asked about how she’ll approach the preparation.

Julia Dyer – Her Approach

Julia got more in-depth about the action sequences that will in the performances.

Julia Dyer – Stage Fighting

Casting for The Reading:

“Fresh off the set from the Tom Hanks-produced film Parkland, thespian Chuck Huber has been cast in the lead role of Stepan. Award-winning Dallas actor Drew Wall returns to The Reading stage opposite Huber, in the role of Ilich. Wall’s turn as a paramedic with Tourette syndrome in Andrew Lanham’s “The Jumper of Maine” captivated audiences at the inaugural performance of The Reading in 2011.

Other casting announcements include Thiago Martins and Alexandra Ruddy. Martins recently appeared in the Berlin and Sundance hit film Upstream Color. Ruddy was last seen on-screen alongside Tyler Perry in Alex Cross for director Rob Cohen. Ruddy has also worked with directors Mitch Glazer, David Fincher and Tony Goldwyn in Passion Play, The Social Network and The Last Kiss, respectively.”

Julia talked about the exciting battle between Chuck Huber and Drew Wall in the performances.

Julia Dyer – Drew & Chuck

Julia sums up the power of this screenplay by giving James DiLapo high praise.

Julia Dyer on James DiLapo

She then ended our chat with this wrap of the full event.

Julia Dyer – Closer

James DiLapo Interview:

We started our chat by talking about where James’ calls home.

James DiLapo – Home

I asked about the impact NYU has had on his writing.

James DiLapo – NYU and Story

James and I chatted more about the NYU experience.

James DiLapo – Friendship

Make sure you check out the poignant introduction and James’ acceptance speech at the Academy’s The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenplay.

I asked about that ending in particular.

James DiLapo – Star Wars

James talked about the inspiration of his stories and also about the recent honors he’s received.

James DiLapo – Conception and Recognition

“In addition to being selected for The Reading and awarded a coveted Academy Nicholl Fellowship, “Devils at Play” also made the 2012 Black List of the year’s top 10 unproduced screenplays. In January, Warner Bros. hired DiLapo to write a futuristic re-telling of Homer’s The Odyssey.”

I asked about that awesome honor.

James DiLapo – The Odyssey and Beyond

We continued to talk about James’ potential script choices.

James DiLapo – Script Choices

James talks about Marfa.

James DiLapo – Marfa

For more information on the event click, here.

From Desperate Acts of Magic Website:

“A magician competes in an international magic contest where he goes head-to-head with a female street magician he has fallen in love with.”

Click through for our chat with the Co-Directors Joe Tyler Gold and Tammy Caplan.

Desperate Acts of Magic Co-Directors Joe Tyler Gold and Tammy Caplan.

We started our chat by talking about Joe’s magic background and the evolution of the story.

Joe & Tammy – Origin

I asked about all the Magicians in the film.

Fellow Magicians

The male dominated magician world is a central theme of the film and I asked about wanting to highlight female magicians.

Magician Male Dominated World

I then asked about the female lead in the film played by Valerie Dillman.

Valerie Dillman Talk

Another casting choice I asked about was the great John Getz as “Don Tarzia”

John Getz

We got technical by talking about shooting on the Canon 7D.

Canon 7D

One of the interesting issues with filming over a long period of time was the impact of Joe’s Car.

Joe’s Car

Joe gave information about upcoming screening, especially for our DFW folks.

Screenings

To get more info on the TUGG screening in Dallas – click HERE!!

We ended our chat with a chat about the humor in the film.

BM Talk

Click thru for our chat with Generation Um Writer/Director Mark Mann

From Generation Um Press Notes – Log Line:

“After partying in New York City last night, John and his beautiful girlfriends Mia and Violet form an intimate bond as their deepest secrets from their past are revealed.”

Interview with Mark Mann.

I started out asking about the documentary style of the film.

Generation Um – Concept of Film

Quick cuts are throughout the film and I asked about using that type of editing structure.

Generation Um – Quick Editing

We talked about the Big Apple.

Generation Um – Big Apple

Of course I asked about Keanu Reeves.

Generation Um – Keanu Reeves

We then talked about the two bold actresses playing the girls in the film.

Generation Um – Adelaide and Bojana

We talked a bit more about Mark’s background being captured by the film.

Generation Um – Personal

I asked Mark about having experience producing, editing, camera operating, writing and directing and whether the Narrative medium is the direction he’ll continue to work at.

Generation Um – Mark

What is next for Mark Mann?

Generation Um – Next Up

From ATTPAC site:

“Ryan Thomas Becker has been nominated for “Best Instrumentalist”, “Best Group” (RTB2), “Best Male Vocal”, “Best Solo Performer”, and “Best Blues Act” (RTB2) by the Dallas Observer, and can be seen about town playing in RTB2, Ryan Thomas Becker & Last Joke, and Hares on the Mountain. Friendly, neighborhood Dallas singer-songwriter Madison King’s brand of rock lurks in a darkened alley, barely holding its rockabilly impulses in check…”

The full Patio Sessions schedule is here and click thru for the rest of our Must-See’s for May 2013.

Summer time is perfect time for zombies, aliens, and all manner of hell raising. But after you’ve got your fill of blood and guts make sure you go read a book.

This past Monday night was the premiere of The Big C‘s final farewell a 4-part series that wraps up the shows wonderfully moving story and Dallas has been blessed to have stars Laura Linney, Gabourey Sidibe, and Gabriel Basso all join us. On Monday May 6th, John Benjamin Hickey comes to Dallas for the Texas Bound series at the DMA. But then get ready for a wild Broadway experience!

Fela opens on the 7th and stay tuned for a giveaway on PSD for 5 pairs of tickets!!!

The Institute is always holding great events and one that is a wonderful introduction to wide array of lovely folks is Friday Night Salon.

Oral Fixation concludes season 2 with May 14th “Old School” theme.

The greatness of Air Review followed by a screening of Life of Pi at the

Deepak Chopra visits the Winspear on May 29th. We’ve had the chance to interview his son Gotham, late last year.

O and a few summer time movies come out:

Sorry but the oldest trailer is my favorite because of Jack White. Anyways how about this big film and more in-particular the 2013 BEST VILLAIN AWARD GOES TO.

If that’s not Epic enough, how about EPIC!

But if you’d like three other May time films to see add these three to your Must-See list. Easily one of my top 5 favorites from DIFF 2013 and out now is MUD.

How about a real life tale!?

And we’ll end things with Morgan Freeman talking.

From Stryngs Facebook:

“Stryngs is a fantastical tale of life and death as seen through the eyes of an aging puppeteer!”

Click through for our chat with Director Derek Presley, Producer Geoff McGee and Star Grant James

INTERVIEW:

I started the chat off by asking where Director by Derek Presley came across the story.

Stryngs – Derek Talks Story Origin

We then quickly jumped to talking about Grant James involvement.

Grant James 1

The location of the short film was at a long-time attraction of the North Texas Area.

Stryngs – Renaissance Fair

We got into the actual 3 day shoot.

Stryngs – Hot 3 Days

35MM chat time.

Stryngs – 35MM or Nothing

I had to ask about the wonderful score in the film.

Stryngs – Score of the Film

So where did all those puppets come from?

Stryngs – Puppets

We then talked about the casting of the kids in the short.

Stryngs – Kids

I asked about casting of Ted Ferguson.

Stryngs – Ted Ferguson

Cannes talk!

Stryngs – Cannes

Grant shared a lovely story about Director Richard Linklater.

Stryngs – Richard Linklater

The Bounceback, along with short SLASH, were real highlights from DIFF 2013. Here is our chat with Director Bryan Poyser and Writer Steven Walters

The Bounceback Crew

Interview Bryan and Steve:

I started our chat by asking Bryan about his producing partnership with Megan Gilbride.

Bryan Poyser talks Megan Gilbride

Bryan talked about being able to showcase Austin.

Bryan – Austin

Steven talked about the origins of the story.

Steven Walters talks Backstory

I asked about working with PJ Raval on the look of the film.

The Bounceback – Tech Talk

The next few clips contain Spoilers :

A few clips about sex, love and beautiful montages.

Spoiler Alert Clip 1

Spoiler Alert – Clip 2

Spoiler Alert – Clip 3 – Shout out to Tim League and Alamo Drafthouse

I ended our chat by discussing the SXSW experience for The Bounceback.

The Bounceback – SXSW Talk

And now the Red Carpet with the gang.

From The Bad Kickstarter:

“A comedic webseries following the trials and tribulations of the world’s most unsuccessful and delusional garage rock band, The Bad.”.

Click thru for our chat with Blair Rowan and Chris Gardner and also the 1st episode in the web series!

Interview: Blair Rowan and Chris Gardner

We started our chat with, when did the guys shoot the 1st episode.

Blair & Chris – When Did You Film This

The guys talked about the original idea for the series coming from Blood On The Highway (BOTH 2 & 3).

Blair & Chris – Origins

I asked about the character’s names being Clark & Ira and then the guys took the name discussion into another level!

Blair & Chris – Names AND FUNNY

The guys talked about why they chose to do a Web Series and not a film.

Blair & Chris – Web over Film

Blair started talking about season 1 breakdown. (Enjoy the plane flying over in this clip!)

Blair & Chris – 1st Season and Deva

I asked about web series that have influenced The Bad.

Blair & Chris – Breaking Bad

Chris & Blair talk about how the show gets much more thoughtful and dark with its material.

Blair & Chris – Episode 2 and Beyond

I asked how big of a team the guys had for the show.

Blair & Chris – Size of Team

We talked about doing a Kickstarter campaign.

Blair & Chris – Kickstarter

I asked about writing for the female character in the show.

Blair & Chris – Female Character’s Growth

We ended our chat by talking about growth, Lena Dunham, & Eastbound and Down

Blair & Chris – Ending

and now for Episode 1

The guys also brought up the great help Farah White has been to the whole production.

Ok a few moments from our chat that is just crazy.

Dick Talk?? – Yep!!??

Blair & Chris – Dicks and Sports

How about Knife Stabbing??

Blair & Chris – Knives

More Stabbing talk!

Chris Gardner loves to Stab people

Citizen Twain himself just completed his run here in Dallas and it was a funny thoughtful and yet utterly brazen one man show. Val was kind enough to venture to the Dallas International Film Festival awards show to give a STAR Award to William Friedkin. A big closing moment for the festival and it inspired us to make a look back piece. Click thru for a breakdown of the award winners from DIFF 2013 as well as our Top 5 Films, Interviews and Moments from the festival.

From fun chats to moving films and into heartfelt debates the festival experience is always a unique one. Whether you go to see films, party with industry folks and/or to take part in everything else that goes down at the festival. It’s from that space that we can see talented filmmakers come into their own, be enlightened from a moving panel, or see the next great thing before it hits the masses. Lets start with the festival big award winners.

Dallas International Film Festival 2013 Award Winners

A TEACHER receives $10,000 Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature.

Easily one of the more captivating films that highlights, Austin based filmmaker, Hannah Fidell’s bold storytelling eye. The film navigates the fine line of what is to far. Beautiful running sequences throughout the film help navigate the emotional state of the “teacher” who’s slow demise is captivating.

­­­­­­GOD LOVES UGANDA receives $10,000 Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Feature

A haunting look into a country’s blind faith in the teachings by well-intended groups of evangelical Christians. The story showcases how the message has been warped over the years into a hate filled concept. Director Roger Ross Williams has given us a terrifying look into the realities of mission work across the world and the truth in that Uganda has become a real warning to the rest of us.

PIT STOP receives $30,000 camera rental package Grand Jury Prize for the Panavision Texas Competition.

Malaysian-Texan wonder Yen Tan is a well-respected and loved member of the Texas film community. His feature film Pit Stop takes us on a unique journey into a realistic and open group of connected characters. It tackles gay themes in a bold and personal angle that doesn’t go for the same old conclusions. Seeing Texas highways from a different perspective is a fascinating feeling as a viewer.

TOMLINSON HILL receives $10,000 Embrey Family Foundation Silver Heart Award

Racism is still a haunting consequence of our shared histories. Tomlinson Hill showcases a modern twist of what one’s real racial background is truly made of. A tough film to get through but in the end it does paint the picture of how we still have a lot of dreaming to do to really conquer racism in our world.

BLACK METAL, THE FIRST HOPE AND HEAD OVER HEELS are named winners for Best Short Film, Student Short and the REEL FX Animated Short.

Our interview with Black Metal filmmaker Kat Candler and star Jonny Mars.

Black Metal is a heartwarming slice of reality. Head Over Heels is an also a heartwarming short that utilizes a unique flip of perspectives to tell a love story.

Audience Awards go to THE KINGS OF SUMMER for Narrative Feature, THE CRASH REEL for Documentary and HEAD OVER HEELS for Short Film.

Our chat with one of the stars of Kings of Summer, Gabriel Basso (enjoy our soccer chat at the end!).

TXU ENERGY “Light Up the Red Carpet” VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS FOR HIGH SCHOOLS:

Grand Prize winner ($7,500 prize) – DAY IN, DAY OUT

DIR: Taylor Martin, student at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas

First Place winner ($3,000 prize) – POSTIVE VIBES

DIR: Malak Abdallahi, student at Fossil Ridge High School

Community Choice winner ($1,000 prize) – THE ELECTRICITY BETWEEN US

DIR: Rachel Cocke, student at Wakeland High School

TXU ENERGY “Light Up the Red Carpet” VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS FOR COLLEGES:

Grand Prize winner ($7,500 prize) – THE GIANTS IN THE SKY

DIR: Robert Ochoa, student at Baylor University

First Place winner ($3,000 prize) – THE MAKEOVER

DIR: Samantha Gipson, student at the Art Institute of Dallas

Community Choice winner ($1,000 prize) – SPIRITS

DIR: Jeremy Williams, student at Northlake College

Top 5′s

Interviews:

William Friedkin – Legendary Director and all around awesome dude!

Calvin Lee Reeder

Good Night Cast and Crew

Jeremy Scahill

Sharon Robinson – Jackie Robinson’s daughter

Top 5 Films:

Good Ol’ Freda

Documentary that takes us back into the magic power that was the Liverpool Lads, but through the POV of one of the band’s closest connections. Freda’s tale is a beautiful and insightful look into the 1950s,60s, & 70s of Beatlemania from her insider perspective.

The Bounceback/SLASH

The hilarious sexual antics of these two wonderful Texas films is surprisingly heartfelt and moving. Clay Liford’s innocent short film, SLASH, pokes a lot of fun at geeks & nerds by also showing a real passion for that world. Couldn’t stop laughing at the young Harry Potter-fan/sensual-writer and Nate Rubin’s Star Trek Douche.

The Bounceback

Easily one of the highlights of the festival. The film showcases Director Bryan Poyser’s sexual-filled films have so much depth and heart in them. The vulgarity behind the actions of the characters is merely a genius coating for a realistic love story. The film doesn’t mind breaking a few hearts along the way as long as it makes your sides hurt from laughing so much. A wonderful orgasm of a film.

The Dirties

College aged kiddos in Toronto have made a hell of an important film. The issues behind school shootings seems to massive and unconquerable that to see a film show the story in a compelling way was mystifying. A film that all teenagers should see. Doesn’t have the realities of documentaries like Bully, but rather its unique POV style really tackles the issue from a captivating angle. The amazing references and title sequences also allude to a group of intelligent filmmakers to keep a watchful eye on.

Mud

Jeff Nichols latest feature is nothing but superb. He’s somehow mixed in the majestic world of the Mississippi with the harsh realities of Arkansas’ tough demeanors. Matthew McConaughey totally transforms himself into a low-life fugitive who just so happens to have abs of steel. The real treat of the film is the young duo of Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland who’s country boy smarts lead to a wild ride in Mud. The fears are based in reality and the truths of the area are all mingled in with a wild coming of age story. Broken hearts, broken bones and broken bodies riddle the film and yet all comes together in a moving way that shows you just have to keep on “L-I-V-I-N”. No doubt about it Jeff Nichols is a force in the film world and you should have had a watchful eye on him since Take Shelter. By the way his Take Shelter lead, the magical Michael Shannon, has a hilarious small role in the film.

Rising From Ashes

The sad past of Rwanda is a constant filler for the background of this moving documentary. The tale of the 2012 Olympic Cycling Bid for a Rwandan team may harp back to narrative films like Cool Runnings, but its the riders dark pasts that truly highlight their tremendous heart. The determination shown in the film is life changing. No matter what has happened to you, you can succeed at the dreams of your life and this film shows that in its entirety. Beautifully shot and exhilarating lived by the hopeful Rwandan team marks one of the best documentaries of 2013.

Top 5 Moments:

KLYDE WARREN PARK – Family Day

Sherry Lansing at Crow and Billie Friedkin at Exorcist Q & A.

Drum Moment for Chasing Shakespeare at Red Carpet.

Interviews with the Chasing Shakespeare team, here, here, here and here.

Bounceback LOST Interview – Sadly a somber note. I had a wonderful interview sit down with The Bounceback team of Director Bryan Poyser and Co-Writer Steven Walters. We discussed the Austin locations highlighted throughout, the urgency of filming Air-Sex Championship (at the Alamo Drafthouse!), the sexual themes and elements, and a talented group of young actors. Later that day, I lost my trusty recorder I’ve had for the past few PSD years. Well enough crying, I’d like to end the Festival “Look Back” with this fun final moment.