The Observer, March 18, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 21
Festival offers taste of Sundance at Tower City
For 11 days in March, Tower City isn't simply Cleveland's pathetic excuse for downtown shopping, but also the home of Ohio's premier film event. From March 10-20, Tower City Cinemas hosts the 29th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival, which features over 180 contemporary films from over 50 countries.
Of course, this is Cuyahoga County, not Cannes, so don't expect to glimpse Paris Hilton strolling by Sbarro on her way to the theatre. To its credit, though, the festival draws its share of film-world luminaries, including actor Steve Buscemi and director Todd Solondz. Overall, the festival is expected to attract nearly 40,000 film buffs.
Sponsored by the Cleveland Film Society, the festival's selections run the gamut from beautiful to bizarre to brazen. Whether its American documentaries, Scandinavian dramas, or Estonian comedies, the CIFF spotlights flicks that you can't find at your local Blockbuster – or on the network. For your viewing pleasure, The Observer plucks some gems from this weekend's lineup:
The Graffiti Artist (USA, 2004)
Focusing on the relationship between Nick, a street-wise loner, and Jesse, a suburban kid with art gallery aspirations, this film explores the underground subculture of the graffiti artist who tag the trainyards and back alleys of Seattle. With a hypnotic score and stunning cinematography, The Graffiti Artist employs dazzling visuals over a sparse script. Director: James Bolton. Time: 9:45 p.m. tonight, 5 p.m. Saturday.
Eating Out (USA, 2004)
According to this film's tag line, the best way to get to a girl is through her gay best friend. Meet Caleb, who is muscled, horny, and, despite all signs to the contrary, 100 percent straight. Unlucky with the ladies, he decides to bat for the other team in order to win the affection of bitchy, beautiful Gen, who is only attracted to gay men. This quip-filled sex comedy is reeks of John Waters-type brilliance, sans the excessive crudeness. Director: Q. Allan Brocka. Time: 10 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Seeds (USA, 2004)
Teenagers from warring parts of the world converge at a Maine summer camp sponsored by Seeds of Peace International, a nonprofit organization founded by journalist John Wallach. Young adults from Palestine and Israel, India, and Pakistan meet to discuss their differences – and discover their similarities. Director: Marjan Safinia. Time: noon Sunday.
Happiness (USA, 1998)
Interweaving the lives of three New Jersey sisters – an underachiever, a domestic goddess, and a successful author – who are looking for love with the wrong men – a pedophile, a thief, and a stalker – this film takes a dark, comic look at the strength of human desires and the weakness of family bonds. Director: Todd Solondz. Time: Noon today.
The Edukators (Germany, 2004)
When thieves Jan and Peter ransack wealthy homes, they aren't in it for personal gain; instead the political radicals plunk fine china in the toilet and lodge the stereo in the microwave. Their only trace is a note with a simple, anti-capitalistic message: "Your days of plenty are numbered." The real trouble, however, starts when a robbery turns into an improvised kidnapping coupled with a love triangle. Director: Hans Weingartner. Time: 7:15 p.m. tonight, 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Little Man (USA, 2005)
Nicolas James, son of filmmaker Nicole Conn, entered the world 100 days early, weighing one pound, with a .0004 percent chance of surviving. This film portrays Conn's struggle to keep her premature baby alive, offers a glimpse inside the neo-natal intensive care unit, and includes intimate interviews with doctors, nurses, friends, and Conn's husband, Gwen Baba. Director: Nicole Conn. Time: 4:45 p.m. today, 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
Millions (United Kingdom, 2004)
Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) departs from his typical zombies and smack addict-centered films with Millions, his self-described cross between Amelie and Trainspotting. The film focuses on two motherless brothers, Anthony and Damien, who discover a bag containing $400,000. Kindly Damien wants to donate money to the poor while entrepreneurial Anthony wants to spend it. This decidedly British story unfolds when an evil-looking pauper and a suspicious charity worker start taking an unusual interest in the boys. Director: Danny Boyle. Time: 7:30 p.m. tonight, 12:15 p.m. Sunday.
All CIFF tickets are $8. For more information, check out www.clevelandfilm.org
