SF Indie Fest

This was my first film festival of any kind and it blew me away. There were some terrific documentary-​style films and some very entertaining although slightly weird offerings. I enjoyed going to different venues around town and sampling the restaurants close to each. I’m looking forward to «DocFest» and «Another Hole In The Head» later this year!

I emailed the box office with an issue and got a reply within a few hours. Ben was extremely. helpful and he was able to take care. of my needs. I am extremely pleased with the service and his consideration.
Thanks, Ben!!!

Always a pleasure to support budding artists/​filmmakers! Many of the short films last night were created by MFA students (either from Cal or Stanford.) Title of the shorts — «Real Talk, «which ranged from a film about the oil rigs in N. Dakota («white earth») to a very cool pharmacist in Colorado in «The Apothecary» to the film that might’ve turned me vegan «I Kill,» which documents the life of the guy who actually pulls the trigger on cows & pigs before the hit the butcher. OMG, I kept hiding my eyes behind a bunch of papers, I just couldn’t watch the carnage. Loved the two films shot in SF — «Sex: M» (a story about transforming from female to male) & «Piano Heights.»
The other film we saw was a Japanese one entitled «There is Light» about an escort who caters to handicapped male clients.
If these descriptions don’t make you wanna check out our indiefest, I don’t know what will because who doesn’t like prostitutes, the transgendered journey, & applauding a guy for being the only doctor-​like person within 4000 square miles?

I received 2 ticktes, compliments of Unilocal,to watch Edible City, a food documentary about the bay area. Thanks Unilocal!The theatre at New Parkway in Oakland is laidback and relaxed with tables in the theatre so you can eat and drink as you watch the movie. It was like watching a movie at a low key restaurant as you can order food from the table as well as outside. Simple menu items like pizza, burger and salads were on the menu. My sister and I got a bowl of popcorn to share and the movie was about growing food locally and building a sense of community back into the city. The movie was great until they showed a graphic clip of someone killing and then skinning a sweet bunny. I did not think that was necessary and was appalled. Bunnies are pets, not food and even if the movie promoted raising your own livestock and eating it, the graphic scene of skinning a rabbit was unnecessary and cruel.
I’m disgusted and disappointed with the film maker and director thinking that this is something they needed to show in the movie. Hope they realize that violence scenes involve killing animals is not necessary in food documentaries about raising local awareness on growing your own food.

Went to see «Languages of Love», a series of short films, and I liked the format a lot. Saw 6 short films — some were great, some were mysterious, all were enjoyable. I’m sure none of them will see any real distribution outside the festival. I like offbeat films so this was right up my alley.
I won’t have time to attend any of the events associated with this fest — but 80’s Power Love Ballads sing-​a-​long on Valentine’s Day? I’m not sure if there could be a better idea. Big Lebowski party? Dance party with Girl Talk movie length video? What a fun festival!

Limited review on the Super Bowl Men in Tights 2012… Just awful… the «suggested donation of $ 12» was worth losing just to leave the theater. We were expecting the quality of Nerd Night at the Rickshaw but were very disappointed.

SF Indie Fest is more than just another film fest, it is a San Francisco institution and one of those local events that give the Bay Area its flavor.
Indie Fest is not just a single film festival. It is also Doc Fest and Another Hole in the Head Fest. It is Roller Disco nights and Big Lebowski themed parties. It is live music — this year, Fishbone at the DNA. This last summer, SF Idiesfest produced its first play.
Indie Fest is how I got to meet, and hang out with at an after party, Bruce Campbell when Indie Fest held the national release of Bubba Ho-​tep.
If you haven’t checked out any of the offerings SF Indie Fest you are really missing out.

SF Indie Fest RULES!

Premier night for 2008 SF Indie Fest included
1) Shotgun Stories at the Castro theater which with director present for Q&A
2) Afterparty at Cell space
First of all the movie was very well done. A great story about a feud between two semi related families highlighting the family members (brothers) relationship to one another. The story was dynamic and the filming was beautiful. Also seeing it at the Castro theater was a treat, I love the live music at the beginning, the plush chairs. The theater just seems to take you back in time to a less commercial place.
After the film screening the director/​writer took Q&A. It was really intersting to hear his ideas about the movie and the creative process he went through to create it.
The after party was a lot of fun. There were several alcohol sponsors so there was free red hook, barefoot wine, pama vodka, and makers mark. (The selection of free liquor definitely made me happy). Plus there was a mechanical bull which was definitely the center piece of the party. Finally after several hours I did get the nerve to try it and it was a blast (for the minute I was on). I was told I actually rode pretty well (if I do say so myself). Cellspace was a huge warehouse with great vantage points to check out the crowd. The only downside was that it was so far from Castro theater.
I can’t wait to check out more films during the festival.

Even if you don’t know the genre understand the point or are just weirded out by the topic, you gotta see at least something independent in between the mainstream blockbuster or romantic comedy. An expanded worldview is a good thing!
I saw three features and six shorts, all worthwhile. Crazy talented people out there!