SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 - 17th Santa Cruz Festival October 8-13th, 2019 - Squarespace
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17 Santa Cruz Festival
th
October 8–13th, 2019
2019
SANTA CRUZ
FILM FESTIVAL
Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
A Delighted sponsor of Santa Cruz Film Festival
SANTACRUZ.COM • GOODTIMES.SC
2 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019
Welcome to the Santa Cruz Film Festival
The Santa Cruz film festival is now in its 17th year, and films, and to balance this out with a nod to the “Keep
it continues to evolve while keeping certain traditions Santa Cruz Weird” slogan, we are presenting a category
alive. As we have for the first 16 years, we continue to in the program for “Out of this World: Experimental,
present a category of Earth Vision Environmental films. Sci-Fi, Frights, and Thrills” for your enjoyment. New
These films are now more important than ever, and this year is a special section for “California Stories”
viewers can discover new ways to appreciate our envi- where you can discover films with a West Coast theme
ronment through films that turn a lens on the effects of including “The Tony Alva Story” our opening film which
climate change and propose solutions through climate documents the culture of skateboarding, a popular
activism. We had so many wonderful films dealing with Santa Cruz pastime. And as we have for the last 4 years
animals that we have created a special Earth Vision we present a special section on “Arts and Music” to
category “Animal Pack” section in our program guide. celebrate our vibrant arts community. Santa Cruz is
The Santa Cruz Film Festival has always been known a place for fun, and we hope you’ll enjoy a good time
for its social justice films, and many of the films this attending some of the films in our comedy section. If
year are centered on climate activism, as well as peace, I were to pick one overall theme to the festival this year
mindfulness, and marginalized members of society, so it would be “journeys.” Let us take you on new journeys
we have combined films into an Earth Vision and Social around the world in the films of this year’s festival. And
Justice category in the guide. The Santa Cruz Film thank you for joining us on our journey as we continue
Festival always presents a good amount of intellectual to evolve The Santa Cruz Film Festival.
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 3
Venues
THE COLLIGAN THEATER
The Colligan Theater is a stage theater, seating 189 people. During
the film festival, the stage is set with a 11 x 20 ft movie screen and
surround sound. After films enjoy an intimate Q&A as filmmakers
take the stage under well lit stage lights, discussing their art with
the audience under house lights. TANNERY WORLD DANCE
AND CULTURAL CENTER
DREAM INN (TWD STUDIO #110)
Closing night awards ceremony venue Enjoy our art house film venue, where audiences enjoy an up-close
viewing environment and intimate discussions with filmmakers.
The Dream Inn is a beloved local landmark on the historic Beach
Boardwalk. Effortlessly captivating longtime guests with its colorful Tannery World Dance studio #110 seats 100 people. A 16 x 9 foot
retro-chic style while delighting newcomers who appreciate movie screen and draping, surround sound, blackened windows,
modern services and amenities, this full-service beachfront hotel and comfortable chairs, transforms this studio into an intimate
features 165 guest rooms (all with ocean views), an outdoor pool theater. After the screenings enjoy Q&A with filmmakers under
steps from the sand, and state-of-the-art meeting and event full house lighting.
space for up to 200 guests.
THE RIVERFRONT THEATER
Opened as the UA I & II on July 10, 1970, this once boasted one
of the largest indoor movie theatre screens in Santa Cruz County.
The main house, which once sat over 500 patrons, had 70mm
capabilities. In June 2019 it reopened as DNA’s Comedy Lab.
4 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019
UCSC COMMUNICATIONS
BUILDING 150 (STUDIO C)
Set in the redwood forests above the Pacific ocean on the beauti-
ful UCSC campus, the Studio C film venue is an intimate theater
seating 95 people and is run by the University film and digital
media division. It comes complete with a 7.1 Dolby Digital and DTS
surround sound system.
STUDIO 119 — FILMMAKER
LOUNGE AND FESTIVAL HUB
LANDMARK’S
Studio 119 is an oversize artist studio with high ceilings that was
converted into an art studio from a former leather tanning factory
DEL MAR THEATER
along with a collective of 85 new art studios which opened in 2012.
The Del Mar Theatre stands as the oldest theater in the city of
For the film festival we will convert Studio 119 into a festival hub
Santa Cruz. Originally built as a vaudeville theater in 1936, the
where tickets, passes, and merchandise can be purchased. We’ll
Del Mar is best known for its vibrant exterior lights and Art Deco
also welcome filmmakers to enjoy a place to relax and unwind
architectural design—both inside and out. The Del Mar opened
during the festival (filmmaker pass required) in a comfy rear
its doors as a cinema palace on August 14, 1936. The theater was
lounge area of the studio. Film posters, postcards, and other film
recently renovated in 2001, keeping the original Zig-Zag Moderne
memorabilia will be on display.
architecture and design intact, while updating the theater seating, THE DEL MAR MEZZANINE
restrooms, and lobby.
Opening reception venue
Constructed in 1936, the Del Mar was the last movie palace con-
structed in Santa Cruz.. Renovation in 2000 included restoration
and preservation of the original mezzanine. Much of the original
interior detail that remained was cleaned and touched up. Enjoy a
glimpse into the Art Deco architecture and style of the 1930’s with
a visit to the Del Mar Theater mezzanine.
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 5
CONTENTS
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Venues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Feature Premieres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Shorts Premieres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
California Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Arts & Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
World Cinema: Universal Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
World Cinema: Documentary Passport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Out of this World: Experimental, Sci-Fi, Frights, and Thrills . . . . . . . . . 29
EarthVision: Environmental and Social Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
EarthVision: Animal Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Screenings at UCSC (free with UCSC ID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
The Team, Donors, and Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Venues Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
TICKETING INFORMATION
INDIVIDUAL FILM TICKET SALES $10
ONLINE: AT SANTACRUZFILMFESTIVAL.ORG OR ON BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM BY MOVIE TITLE.
IN PERSON: CASH AT THE DOOR OR CREDIT CARD SALES IN STUDIO 119 AT THE TANNERY ARTS CENTER
SPECIAL EVENTS
OPENING NIGHT (FILM + PARTY): $35
CLOSING NIGHT (FILM + PARTY): $45
CLOSING PARTY AND AWARDS CEREMONY ONLY: $35
PURCHASE ONLINE IN ADVANCE AT SANTACRUZFILMFESTIVAL.ORG OR IN PERSON AT THE DOOR
6 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019
Special Events
OPENING RECEPTION Closing Night Film:
Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre Mezzanine
Tues, Oct 8, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Wed, Oct 9, 1:30PM – 10:30 PM
Opening Night Film:
JUST BELIEVE (IO C’E’)
Sunday, Oct 13, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater
Comedy
Massimo Alberti (Edoardo Leo) is the owner of the “Miracolo Italiano” (The Italian Miracle),
a bed and breakfast now reduced to a dilapidated building. Too few customers and too many
taxes. Massimo has an epiphany: in order to survive, he has to transform the B&B into a place of
worship, where he will host tourists in exchange for a donation. Tax-free. And to do so, he must
THE TONY ALVA STORY establish his own religion. “Selfism” is born, the first religion in which you can be absolved from
taxes and contributions. Get ready to convert!
Tuesday, Oct 8, 6:30 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre in the Grand Auditorium 100 MINS, ITALY, DIRECTED BY: Alessandro Aronadio; Sponsored by the Dante Alighieri Society
ENCORE SCREENING Wednesday, Oct 9, 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater of Santa Cruz
Documentary
Skateboarding did not start out as a rebellious, anti-authority lifestyle activity. One of the
key figures in the early evolution of skateboarding from a wholesome, contest based “sport” AWARDS CEREMONY
AND CLOSING PARTY
into the freewheeling art form that it is today was Tony Alva. At 61-years-old, Alva, the oldest
professional skateboarder in the world, is considered by many to be the godfather of modern
day skateboarding. Alva’s brand of aggression and bravado in the 70s set the stage for the way
skateboarding would be forever defined. Sunday, Oct 13, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Closing Party
in Surf View Room, Dream Inn
The Tony Alva Story chronicles its subject’s humble beginnings on the streets of Santa Monica
to his rise to superstardom as part of the legendary Z-Boys, his inevitable drug-induced implo-
sion and his ultimate rise from the ashes to accept his rightful place as a beacon of hope and
inspiration for generations of skateboarders the world over.
54 MINS, UNITED STATES, DIRECTED BY: Graham Nash
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 7
Feature Premieres
CAMPESINO LIFE AFTER LIFE
California Premiere California Premiere
Thursday, Oct 10 4:45 PM: Sunday, Oct 13 2:30 PM:
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
(IN)VISIBILITY: 16 MIGRATIONS GO TO HELL AND TURN LEFT MAN IN CAMO
World Premiere US Premiere California Premiere
Wednesday, Oct 9 7:00 PM: Del Mar Theatre Wednesday, Oct 9 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater Saturday, Oct 12 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater
Sunday, Oct 13 4:45 PM:
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
8 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019
REACHING REALITY: THE BUTTERFLY TREES THE END OF THE VALLEY IS
A SAILING ADVENTURE OF California Premiere NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
MAKING A DREAM INTO REALITY Thursday, Oct 10 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater US Premiere
Sunday, Oct 13 12:00 PM: Thu, Oct 10 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater
World Premiere
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
Sunday, Oct 13 2:30PM: DNA’s Comedy Lab
RUTH WEISS, THE BEAT GODDESS THE CONDOR & THE EAGLE THIS IS LOVE
US Premiere California Premiere California Premiere
Saturday, Oct 12 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater Friday, Oct 11 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater Sunday, Oct 13 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 9
Shorts Premieres
...AND THEN THERE’S AQUARIUM COME NIGHTFALL
ANTHONY PALMER World Premiere
World Premiere Screening with FISH & MEN
Screening with THIS IS LOVE Sunday, Oct 13 12:00 PM: DNA’s Comedy Lab
Sunday, Oct 13 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater
ADELIA’S ROAD TRIP AVARYA
California Premiere California Premiere
Screening with ROAD MOVIES (Shorts Program) Screening with OTHERWORLDLY SHORTS: SCI-FI,
Thursday, Oct 10 12:00 PM: HORROR, EXPERIMENTATION (Shorts Program)
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Wednesday, Oct 9 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater
Saturday, Oct 12 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
(Studio C)
ANYONE LIKE ME
California Premiere
Screening with CREATING COMMUNITY (Shorts Program)
Friday, Oct 11 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
10 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019CARRY MY HEART TO DISTANT VOICE ELEPHANTBIRD
THE YELLOW RIVER California Premiere California Premiere
California Premiere Screening with CREATING COMMUNITY (Shorts Program) Screening with ROAD MOVIES (Shorts Program)
Screening with ROAD MOVIES (Shorts Program) Friday, Oct 11 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Thursday, Oct 10 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center
Thursday, Oct 10 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance &
Cultural Center
DETROIT HIVES ELDER ABUSE FIRE & GRACE IN IRELAND
California Premiere California Premiere World Premiere
Screening with BEES, SEAS, AND WEED: ACTIVISM Screening with OTHERWORLDLY SHORTS: SCI-FI, Screening with MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND
ON LAND AND SEA (Shorts Program) HORROR, EXPERIMENTATION (Shorts Program) THE WORLD SHORTS (Shorts Program)
Wednesday, Oct 9 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater Theater Wednesday, Oct 9 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater Thursday, Oct 10 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Friday, Oct 11 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Saturday, Oct 12 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150 Center
(Studio C)
DIARY 2013-2018
California Premiere
Screening with RUTH WEISS, THE BEAT GODDESS
Saturday, Oct 12 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 11FORTY-SEVEN JUMER NEW MATCH California Premiere California Premiere World Premiere Screening with COMING OF AGE IN THE SCREEN AGE Screening with MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND Screening with FRIDAY NIGHT COMEDY: (Shorts Program) THE WORLD SHORTS (Shorts Program) MODERN LIFE IS STRANGE Saturday, Oct 12 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Thursday, Oct 10 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Friday, Oct 11 9:15 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Center Center HELISAD A ROMANCE LARRY ROSENBERG: SIGNATURE FOR AN AGAMA LONG PATH HOME California Premiere World Premiere California Premiere Screening with BEES, SEAS, AND WEED: Screening with MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND Screening with MASTERS OF MINDFULNESS ACTIVISM ON LAND AND SEA (Shorts Program) THE WORLD SHORTS (Shorts Program) (Shorts Program) Wednesday, Oct 9 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater Thursday, Oct 10 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Sunday, Oct 13 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater Friday, Oct 11 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Center 12 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019
SUNNY SIDE UP THE CURIOUS SCROLL WHEN NOVEMBER CAME
California Premiere World Premiere World Premiere
Screening with OTHERWORLDLY SHORTS: SCI-FI, Screening with MASTERS OF MINDFULNESS (Shorts Screening with MOVEMENT FOR PEACE (Shorts Program)
HORROR, EXPERIMENTATION (Shorts Program) Program) Saturday, Oct 12 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Wednesday, Oct 9 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater Sunday, Oct 13 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater Center
Saturday, Oct 12 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
(Studio C)
THE BEGINNING THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING XXY [EKS/EKS/WAI]
World Premiere California Premiere US Premiere
Screening with ROAD MOVIES (Shorts Program) Screening with MASTERS OF MINDFULNESS (Shorts Screening with SING
Thursday, Oct 10 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Program) Wednesday, Oct 9 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater
Center Sunday, Oct 13 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 13California
Stories
BEES, SEAS, AND WEED: (IN)VISIBILITY: 16 MIGRATIONS
ACTIVISM ON LAND AND SEA World Premiere
(SHORTS PROGRAM) Wednesday, Oct 9, 7:00 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
Documentary
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
Friday, October 11, 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural (IN)VISIBILITY: 16 Migrations is a collectively-made film about
Center migration in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. This film makes
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Films visible the often unseen stories of those who migrate, including
undocumented students, kitchen and construction crews, workers
These works prove that environmental justice and social justice at a a fortune cookie factory, and even elephant seals. Created by
go hand in hand. Learn about the Japanese-American immigrants UCSC undergraduates in Film 175.
who created a flourising flower-growing industry in Salinas, the
growing pains of cannibus legalization in California, surfing activ- 97 MINS, DIRECTED BY: Tyler Bray, Tristin Brown, Diana Bucio,
ists, and urban beekeepers in these short films set in the Golden Celene Curlee, Vanessa Di Franco, Miguel A. Estrada Machado,
State and beyond. Sakoya Hart, Zoe-Manon LeCheminant, Veronica Luke, Tia
Mayer, Jose Luis Mendoza, Thomas Moreno, Jonah Nuñez, Dylan
DETROIT HIVES. Pritchett, Autumn Racherbaumer, Keanu Ramos, Julia Schrader,
DIRECTED BY: Palmer Morse & Rachel Weinberg, United Siming Zheng
States (5 mins): California Premiere
GAMBATTE KIMASHITA:
JAPANESE FLOWER GROWERS
OF THE SALINAS VALLEY.
DIRECTED BY: Eric Palmer, United States (25 mins)
Local Work!
HIGH HOPES.
DIRECTED BY: Marjan Riazi, United States (28 mins)
SIGNATURE.
DIRECTED BY: Per Anderson, United States (5 mins)
California Premiere
TO THE SEA.
DIRECTED BY: Carolina Butrich, Peru (32 mins)
14 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019CREATING COMMUNITY GENERAL MAGIC GO TO HELL AND TURN LEFT
(SHORTS PROGRAM) Wednesday, Oct 9, 2:30 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre North American Premiere
Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater Wednesday, Oct 9, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater
Documentary Documentary Sunday, Oct 13, 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center
Joining a community of allies can be a life-changing and life-af- The side of Silicon Valley you never see. General Magic, the multi-
Comedy
firming experience. These short films profile individuals and award winning documentary, is a tale of how a great vision, a grave
groups who put their hearts and souls into creating community betrayal, and an epic failure changed the world. Spun out from Few comedies center on a deaf character, and fewer still are made
and celebrate the magic that results. The diverse subjects include Apple in 1990 to create the ‘next big thing’, General Magic shipped with a deaf audience in mind. This slapstick play on Hitchcock’s
a coach of the world’s only collegiate deaf and hard of hearing the first handheld wireless personal communicator in 1994. From Vertigo centers on a deaf painter named Oif Schmilblitz. When Oif
football team, the founder of a micro bakery making handcrafted the first smartphones to social media, e-commerce and even sneaks into a private reception to play spy for his agent, he spots a
sourdough bread accessible through a community barter market, emoji, the ideas that now dominate the tech industry and our day- guest who bears a striking resemblance to his late wife. As he tries
a self-described queer fat southern freak whose photography to-day lives were born at General Magic. to find out who she is, Oif is caught in a whirlwind of misunder-
work with fat bodies in nature transgresses reality, an experimental standing, mistaken identity, and marital intrigue - all to the tune of
musician, and older lesbians facing the challenges of aging with an Combining rare archive footage with contemporary stories of the minimal dialogue and an endless stream of gags.
irreverent spirit and a heartening delight in living. Magicians today, this documentary tracks the progress of anytime,
anywhere communication from a thing of sci-fi fiction in 1994 to 82 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Carlo Caldana
ANYONE LIKE ME. a reality in our pockets today. This is the story of one of history’s SCREENING WITH:
DIRECTED BY: Mimi d’Autremont, United States (26 most talented teams and what happens when those who dream
big fail, fail again, fail better and ultimately succeed. TWO BALLOONS. DIRECTED BY: Mark Smith,
mins): California Premiere
United States (9 mins)
93 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Sarah Kerruis & Matt
ALCHEMY. Maude
DIRECTED BY: Remington Long, United States (10 mins)
BODIES LIKE OCEANS.
DIRECTED BY: Kat Cory, United States (13 mins)
DISTANT VOICE.
DIRECTED BY: Alix Spence, United States (14 mins):
California Premiere
A GREAT RIDE.
DIRECTED BY: Deborah Craig.
United States (33 mins)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 15REACHING REALITY: ROAD MOVIES COMING OF AGE IN THE SCREEN AGE
A SAILING ADVENTURE OF (SHORTS PROGRAM) (SHORTS PROGRAM)
MAKING A DREAM INTO REALITY Thursday, Oct 10, 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Saturday, Oct 12, 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center Center
World Premiere
Dramatic Narrative Dramatic Narrative
Sunday, Oct 13, 2:30 PM: DNA’s Comedy Lab
Documentary Being neither at home nor yet at our final destination, traveling can These short works offer fresh perspectives on what it means to
make us see our lives in new ways. It’s no wonder that road movies come of age today and imagine what’s in store for future genera-
Reaching Reality is a story of surf exploration at sea and the deeper are so often stories of self-discovery through unexpected turns. tions.
discovery of what it takes to make a dream into reality. Traveling These diverse works feature animation, digital, and Super 8 cine-
from San Francisco through the Santa Cruz coast and onto Cabo matography. Set in a variety of locations, their protagonists embark SCREEN AGE.
San Lucas on a 24-foot boat, three friends battle the elements on life-changing journeys in California and beyond. DIRECTED BY: Ronald Chase, United States (6 mins)
to explore seven-islands for untouched surf and magnificent
beaches. In the process they uncover the known, the unknown, ELEPHANTBIRD. THE GOLDFISH.
and the reality of what it means to live out of a dream at sea.
DIRECTED BY: Masoud Soheili, Afghanistan (15 mins): DIRECTED BY: Ronald Chase, United States (4 mins)
107 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Barry Walton California Premiere
HOW TO BE O.K.
TREACLE. DIRECTED BY: Graham Halstead, United States (13 mins)
DIRECTED BY: Rosie Westhoff, United Kingdom (18 mins)
AS ADVISED.
THE BEGINNING. DIRECTED BY: Quinn Halleck, United States (19 mins)
DIRECTED BY: Sonni Rossi, United States (4 mins)
TIGER TRAP.
ADELIA’S ROAD TRIP. DIRECTED BY: Brandon Lee, United States (11 mins)
DIRECTED BY: Viktoria Eve Schultz, United States (4
mins): California Premiere NUDE TERRITORY.
DIRECTED BY: Matthew Looney, United States (11 mins)
CARRY MY HEART TO THE YELLOW RIVER.
DIRECTED BY: Alexis Van Hurkman, China (21 mins) FORTY-SEVEN.
DIRECTED BY: Sarah Mondragón.
THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH SEA. (6 mins) California Premiere
DIRECTED BY: Isaac Kerlow, Singapore (6 mins)
WHALEFALL.
THIS IS FINE. DIRECTED BY: Angie Yang, United States (10 mins)
DIRECTED BY: Roth Rind, United States (7 mins): Local
work! DIFFICULT PEOPLE.
DIRECTED BY: Sohil Vaidya.
United States (20 mins): Northern California Premiere
16 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019THE TONY ALVA STORY
Opening: Tuesday, Oct 8, 7:30 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
Encore screening: Wednesday, Oct 9, 12:00 PM: Colligan
Theater
Documentary
Skateboarding did not start out as a rebellious, anti-authority
lifestyle activity. One of the key figures in the early evolution of
skateboarding from a wholesome, contest based “sport” into the
freewheeling art form that it is today was Tony Alva. At 61-years-
old, Alva, the oldest professional skateboarder in the world, is con-
sidered by many to be the godfather of modern day skateboarding.
Alva’s brand of aggression and bravado in the 70s set the stage for
the way skateboarding would be forever defined. The Tony Alva
Story chronicles its subject’s humble beginnings on the streets of
Santa Monica to his rise to superstardom as part of the legendary
Z-Boys, his inevitable drug-induced implosion and his ultimate rise
from the ashes to accept his rightful place as a beacon of hope and
inspiration for generations of skateboarders the world over.
54 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Graham Nash
THE WEDNESDAY ENCORE SCREENING WILL FEATURE:
THE VIDEO SHOP.
DIRECTED BY: Isaac and Jacob Seigel-Boettner, United
States (13 mins): Northern California Premiere
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 17Arts
& Music
AMERICAN MIRROR: BAKOSÓ: AFROBEATS OF CUBA
INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY Saturday, Oct 12, 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center
Northern California Premiere
Documentary
Saturday, Oct 12, 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater
Experimental Documentary What do “Está Rico” by Marc Anthony, Will Smith & Bad Bunny
have in common with “Made For Now” by Janet Jackson x Daddy
American Mirror - Intimations of Immortality is a cinematically Yankee? They both high-jacked AfroBeats and did not give the
beautiful and fascinating look into the artistic process of world genre’s origin props. Bakosó is a film that does the opposite,
renowned portrait painter Tigran Tsitoghdzyan as Susan Sarandon following DJ Jigüe to his hometown of Santiago de Cuba to find
sits for him. An exploration of identity, beauty, and finding happi- inspiration from the new sounds. He finds Afrobeats has helped
ness in life transpires in this award-winning documentary. create a new genre called Bakosó, which itself is beautiful proof
62 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Arthur Balder that the exchange between Cuba and Africa did not end with the
SCREENING WITH: Transatlantic slave trade. Through stunning visuals and a score
created by the founders of the genre, the film shows the tech-
GLORIA’S CALL. nology, culture and landscape that shape this African-Caribbean
DIRECTED BY: Cheri Gaulke, United States (17 mins) fusion.
49 MINS; CUBA; DIRECTED BY: Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi
18 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019CAMPESINO IT WAS ALL SO WONDERFUL: LIFE AFTER LIFE
California Premiere THE EVERYDAY MAGIC World Premiere
Thursday, Oct 10, 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural OF MARY PRATT Sunday, Oct 13, 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center Center
Friday, Oct 11, 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
Documentary Documentary
Documentary
An amateur photographer from Utah finds purpose in document- When Sarah, Eneida, and Juanita join a dance outreach program
ing the disappearing way of life of Cuba’s Campesino farmers over Feminist painter or traditional housewife? Displaced and isolated, for seniors, they catch the eye of a local choreographer who
15 years. His stunning photographs capture his subjects’ dignity Mary Pratt’s life was a highly complicated one of delicate rebellion. challenges them to create and perform an original modern dance
and sacrifice while introducing us to an unforgettable cast of Award-winning filmmaker, Kenneth J Harvey, reconstructs Mary in one week. As the recital approaches, the women struggle to
characters. Pratt’s life from archival footage dating back to the 1950s, across overcome a range of mental and physical limitations. What they
decades, and up to Mary’s final interview conducted by Kenneth create, and their journey along the way, offers an intimate look at
89 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Mia Tate in 2017. what happens to the creative process when every body dances.
75 MINS; CANADA; DIRECTED BY: Kenneth J. Harvey Life After Life is a poignant, surprising, and at times hilarious docu-
SCREENING WITH: mentary about aging, ability, and artistic expression that shows it is
never too late to explore the unknown.
CARLOTTA’S FACE. 61 MINS; DIRECTED BY: Christopher Boulton
DIRECTED BY: Fabian Driehorst, Germany (5 mins) SCREENING WITH:
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
DIRECTED BY: Carmen Rozestraten, United States (7
mins)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 19MAN IN CAMO MUSIC AND DANCE FILMS FROM RUTH WEISS, THE BEAT GODDESS
California Premiere AROUND THE WORLD North American Premiere
Saturday, Oct 12, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater (SHORTS PROGRAM) Saturday, Oct 12, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
Documentary Documentary
Thursday, Oct 10, 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Man in Camo is an explosive commentary on the life and times Center A film about an extraordinary woman, “The Goddess of the Beat
of filmmaker and artist Ethan Minsker, a Washington D.C. native. Documentary, Performance Generation,” ruth weiss. In a life that has spanned 90 creative years,
Growing up on the turbulent streets in D.C. in the 1980s was escaping the Nazis with her family in Vienna ruth became a Jazz
violent and uneasy, but Minsker found solace in his home, making Experience the world through the eyes of artists in these classical troubadour exemplifying the zeitgeist of Chicago, New Orleans, and
films and growing his own artistic credibility. Navigating a diagnosis and modern dance and musical performances. These lively films San Francisco. She has overcome the unimaginable. Known around
of dyslexia, the abrasiveness of the punk scene, and political feature tanbour makers and players in Nubia, the graceful cho- the world, ruth weiss continues to this day to perform her poetry.
parents, Minsker takes us on a journey through the mind of a man reogrpahy of Iranian wildlife set to music, modern dancers in San Inspired by her work this documentary uses poetic imagery through
who has leapt over hurdles in order to make art that matters. He Francisco, and a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the music of Bach dance, art, animation, and music to embody her oeuvre.
displays his thought process from making creative films to fanzines and the music of Ireland in County Kerry.
77 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Melody C. Miller
and aggressively reiterates why a creative life is important to
society and to life itself.
JUMER. SCREENING WITH
DIRECTED BY: Ibrahim Farag Ali, Egypt (15 mins):
84 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Ethan Minsker California Premiere DIARY 2013-2018.
SCREENING WITH: DIRECTED BY: Soyeon Kim, United States (3 mins):
HELISAD A ROMANCE FOR AN AGAMA. California Premiere
EXPOSED: THE PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTED BY: Yousef Safari & Meysam Safari, Iran (30
OF JACK GRISHAM. mins): World Premiere
DIRECTED BY: Brian McHugh, United States (15 mins):
Northern California Premiere BURDEN HALVED.
DIRECTED BY: Kitty McNamee, United States (8 mins):
Northern California Premiere
FIRE & GRACE IN IRELAND.
DIRECTED BY: Andy Zenczak, United States (19 mins):
World Premiere. Local film!
20 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019SING THIS IS LOVE
Wednesday, Oct 9, 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater West Coast Premiere
Documentary Sunday, Oct 13, 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater
Documentary
In Russia’s remote Tuva Republic, throat singing (khoomei) is the
chief symbol of national culture. But, according to Tuvan tradition, You may not know Rudy Love’s name, but you will almost certainly
only men are allowed to perform khoomei and it is forbidden to know his voice. Mick Fleetwood, Sinbad, and George Clinton
women. Those who break this rule face serious consequences. unveil an unsung hero of soul in this investigation of a singer who
Despite the ban, some women in Tuva sing. turned down fame to make music with his family. Just when it
52 MINS; RUSSIAN FEDERATION; DIRECTED BY: Olga Rodionova seems all his music is lost, it shows up on the other side of the
SCREENING WITH: world.
83 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: John Alexander
XXY [EKS/EKS/WAI]. SCREENING WITH:
DIRECTED BY: Clotilde Rullaud, France (32 mins): North
American Premiere …AND THEN THERE’S ANTHONY PALMER.
DIRECTED BY: Jesseca Ynez Simmons, United States (18
mins): World Premiere
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 21World
Cinema:
Universal
Stories
ABOVE THE CLOUDS BOOK WEEK
Saturday, Oct 12, 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater Wednesday, Oct 9, 4:45 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar
Comedy Theatre
Thursday, Oct 10, 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
When headstrong Charlie discovers her parents have been keeping
Center
her biological father secret from her, she does what any 18-year old
would do – recruits a homeless man to be her ‘responsible adult’ Comedy
and sets off for Scotland on her provisional driving licence to go When it seems his novel will be published, high school English
and find him. teacher and once famous novelist Nicholas thinks his luck has
87 MINS; UNITED KINGDOM; DIRECTED BY: Leon Chambers changed. Unexpected events make him reconsider what’s import-
ant in life. Superb performances make this shaggy dark comedy a
highly relatable story of redemption.
96 MINS; AUSTRALIA; DIRECTED BY: Heath Davis
SCREENING WITH:
FUSE.
DIRECTED BY: Shadi Adib, Germany (7 mins)
22 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019CURTIZ FREE SLAVE FRIDAY NIGHT COMEDY:
Friday, Oct 11, 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater Thursday, Oct 10, 9:15 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural MODERN LIFE IS STRANGE
Dramatic Narrative Center (SHORTS PROGRAM)
Dramatic Narrative
As America prepares to enter WW2, Hungarian film director Friday, Oct 11, 9:15 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
Michael Curtiz grapples with political intervention and a dysfunc- Mehmet, being an idealistic man of principle, has decided to leave Comedy
tional relationship with his estranged daughter amid the troubled his job as an Imam to become a movie director. But now, he finds
production of Casablanca in 1942 in this stylish neo-noir. himself unable to raise the money he needs to fund his new film Friday night comedy returns to SCFF! Start your weekend off right
project. with these hillarious short films about our strange modern lives.
98 MINS; HUNGARY; DIRECTED BY: Tamás Yvan Topolánszky
109 MINS; TURKEY; DIRECTED BY: Tarik Tanrisever ABORTION MARY.
DIRECTED BY: Rui Niu, China (6 mins)
IS THIS YOU, TOO?.
DIRECTED BY: Anthony Meindl, United States (8 mins)
SOMEONE YOU KNOW.
DIRECTED BY: Bryan Erwin, United States (14 mins):
Northern California Premiere
NEW MATCH.
DIRECTED BY: Collin Kornfeind, United States (17 mins):
World Premiere
CANNONBALL.
DIRECTED BY: Sean Fredricks, United States (17 mins)
DRIP.
DIRECTED BY: Jillian Cantwell, United States (9 mins):
Northern California Premiere
DEBBIE & DOUG DROP ACID
IN THE DESERT.
DIRECTED BY: Scott Brown, United States (25 mins):
Northern California Premiere
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 23GO TO HELL AND TURN LEFT JUST BELIEVE (IO C’E’) SAFE SPACES
North American Premiere Sunday, Oct 13, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater Thursday, Oct 10, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater
Wednesday, Oct 9, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater Comedy Saturday, Oct 12, 9:15 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Sunday, Oct 13, 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
Massimo Alberti (Edoardo Leo) is the owner of the “Miracolo
Center Comedy
Italiano” (The Italian Miracle), a bed and breakfast now reduced
Comedy to a dilapidated building. Too few customers and too many taxes. A New York City professor spends a week re-connecting with his
Few comedies center on a deaf character, and fewer still are made Massimo has an epiphany: in order to survive, he has to transform family while defending his reputation over controversial behav-
with a deaf audience in mind. This slapstick play on Hitchcock’s the B&B into a place of worship, where he will host tourists in ior at his college. The moving performances from Safe Space’s
Vertigo centers on a deaf painter named Oif Schmilblitz. When he exchange for a donation. Tax-free. And to do so, he must establish star-studded cast (including Fran Drescher, Justin Long, Kate
sneaks into a private reception to play spy for his agent, he spots a his own religion. “Selfism” is born, the first religion in which you Berlant, and Richard Schiff) are not to be missed.
guest who bears a striking resemblance to his late wife. As Oif tries can be absolved from taxes and contributions. Get ready to
convert! 91 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Daniel Schechter
to find out who she is, he is caught in a whirlwind of misunder- SCREENING WITH:
standing, mistaken identity, and marital intrigue - all to the tune of 100 MINS; ITALY; DIRECTED BY: Alessandro Aronadio
minimal dialogue and an endless stream of gags. SPONSORED BY THE DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY OF SANTA CRUZ REDDOG.
82 mins DIRECTED BY: Will Whitney, United States (11 mins):
United States Local Work!
Directed by: Carlo Caldana
SCREENING WITH:
TWO BALLOONS.
DIRECTED BY: Mark Smith, United States (9 mins)
24 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019COMING OF AGE IN THE SCREEN AGE
(SHORTS PROGRAM)
Saturday, Oct 12, 2:30 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Center
Dramatic Narrative
These short works offer fresh perspectives on what it means to
come of age today and imagine what’s in store for future genera-
tions.
SCREEN AGE.
DIRECTED BY: Ronald Chase, United States (6 mins)
THE GOLDFISH.
DIRECTED BY: Ronald Chase, United States (4 mins)
HOW TO BE O.K.
DIRECTED BY: Graham Halstead, United States (13 mins)
AS ADVISED.
DIRECTED BY: Quinn Halleck, United States (19 mins)
TIGER TRAP.
DIRECTED BY: Brandon Lee, United States (11 mins)
NUDE TERRITORY.
DIRECTED BY: Matthew Looney, United States (11 mins)
FORTY-SEVEN.
DIRECTED BY: Sarah Mondragón.
(6 mins) California Premiere
WHALEFALL.
DIRECTED BY: Angie Yang, United States (10 mins)
DIFFICULT PEOPLE.
DIRECTED BY: Sohil Vaidya.
United States (20 mins): Northern California Premiere
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 25World
Cinema:
Documentary
Passport
¡BOZA! CREATING COMMUNITY
Northern California Premiere (SHORTS PROGRAM)
Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150 Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
(Studio C) Documentary
Documentary
Joining a community of allies can be a life-changing and life-af-
¡Boza! is a feature length, character-driven documentary that
follows the lives of three young sub-Saharan African immigrants firming experience. These short films profile individuals and
who left home in their teens to embark on their years-long journey groups who put their hearts and souls into creating community
to Spain. Crost the Sahara Desert by foot, spending months to and celebrate the magic that results. The diverse subjects include
years living in the forests of Morocco, and finally making the a coach of the world’s only collegiate deaf and hard of hearing
dangerous crossing to the Spanish mainland or territories by land football team, the founder of a micro bakery making handcrafted
or sea, these three distinct immigration stories have one thing in
common: their incredible optimism in the face of inconceivable sourdough bread accessible through a community barter market,
adversity. The dynamic structure jumps between present day a self-described queer fat southern freak whose photography
observational footage of life in Spain and reconstructing their work with fat bodies in nature transgresses reality, an experimental
migration story using animation and archival footage. Through musician, and older lesbians facing the challenges of aging with an
parallel storytelling, the film compares these three inspiring stories irreverent spirit and a heartening delight in living.
of success to the hopes of a group of migrants living in the slums of
Tangier, Morocco. ANYONE LIKE ME.
70 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Sydney Bowie DIRECTED BY: Mimi d’Autremont, United States (26
mins): California Premiere
ALCHEMY.
DIRECTED BY: Remington Long, United States (10 mins)
BODIES LIKE OCEANS.
DIRECTED BY: Kat Cory, United States (13 mins)
DISTANT VOICE.
DIRECTED BY: Alix Spence, United States (14 mins):
California Premiere
A GREAT RIDE.
DIRECTED BY: Deborah Craig. United States (33 mins)
26 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019GENERAL MAGIC PERIPHERIES THE END OF THE VALLEY IS
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2:30 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar (SHORTS PROGRAM) NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
Theatre Saturday Oct 12, 2:30 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150 North American Premiere
Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: Colligan Theater (Studio C) Thursday, Oct 10, 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater
Documentary Documentary Documentary
The side of Silicon Valley you never see, General Magic, the multi- These documentary shorts feature underrepresented groups and The End of the Valley is not the End of the World offers a contem-
award winning documentary, is a tale of how a great vision, a grave their struggles. The films depict collective and individual stories of plative look at how the seasons shape life and landscape in tiny,
betrayal and an epic failure changed the world. Spun out from identity, economic equality, modernity, and life. Sometimes surreal, cheese-producing villages at the end of the Swiss Rovana valley.
Apple in 1990 to create the ‘next big thing’, General Magic shipped always powerful and evocative - these works make realities and Down to about 50 members, the villagers ponder self-sufficiency
the first handheld wireless personal communicator in 1994. From experiences neglected by mass media visible. and purpose as they work, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
the first smartphones to social media, e-commerce and even Thirty years ago there were a thousand inhabitants. Today there
emoji, the ideas that now dominate the tech industry and our day- LA FLACA (THE BONY LADY). are about fifty. Recently, there has been a certain revival of interest
to-day lives were born at General Magic. DIRECTED BY: Adriana Barbosa and Thiago Zanato, in the area.
United States (20 mins)
Combining rare archive footage with contemporary stories of the 63 MINS; SWITZERLAND; DIRECTED BY: Peter Frei
Magicians today, this documentary tracks the progress of anytime, BAYANDALAI - LORD OF THE TAIGA.
anywhere communication from a thing of sci-fi fiction in 1994 to DIRECTED BY: Aner Etxebarria Moral & Pablo Vidal
a reality in our pockets today. This is the story of one of history’s Santos, Spain (11 mins)
most talented teams and what happens when those who dream
big fail, fail again, fail better and ultimately succeed. BATAY LA.
93 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Sarah Kerruis & Matt DIRECTED BY: Malia Bruker, United States, (25 mins)
Maude
THE HEAD & THE HAND.
DIRECTED BY: Marc Serpa Francoeur, Portugal (23 mins)
PRISONER OF SOCIETY.
DIRECTED BY: Rati Tsiteladze, Georgia (15 mins)
THE NIGHT SHIFT.
DIRECTED BY: Max Mollring & Ian Burris, United States
(5 mins)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 27THE RETURN OF ELDER PINGREE — WHY CAN’T I BE ME? AROUND YOU
MEMOIR OF A DEPARTED MORMON Friday, Oct 11, 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater
Friday, Oct 11, 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater Saturday, Oct 12, 4:45 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
(Studio C)
Documentary
Documentary
Lapsed Mormon Geoff Pingree retraces the steps he took twen-
ty-five years earlier in Guatemala as devout missionary ‘Elder Albuquerque’s Rusty Tidenberg, auto mechanic and drag-racing
Pingree’. Combining archival material and contemporary footage aficionado, shocked friends and family by coming out as trans.
as it moves from jungle village to national capital, THE RETURN Followed for eight years by filmmaker Harrod Blank (son of Les
OF ELDER PINGREE pairs the young Elder Pingree’s earlier, Blank), Rusty guides us through the aftermath of her transition,
single-minded journey with the older Geoff Pingree’s ambivalent as growing acceptance among her straight-talking Southwest
return to Guatemala now as he seeks to discover what has become community still doesn’t ease her romantic and professional woes.
of the Guatemalans who once trusted him with their religious Interwoven with lively tales of gender non-conforming individuals
faith, attempts to understand the violent and unsettling political on the art-car circuit, Blank’s film — a hit at South by Southwest —
conditions of which he was ignorant as a regimented missionary, is a sensitive and unpredictable love letter to people who fight to
and grapples with the basic human dilemma of how one might do be unapologetically themselves.
good in the world. 93 MINS; DIRECTED BY: Harrod Blank
84 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Geoff Pingree SCREENING WITH:
WELCOME TO THE BALL.
DIRECTED BY: Adam Vincent Wright, United States (5
mins)
28 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019Out
of this
World:
Experimental,
Sci-Fi, Frights, THE BERLIN BRIDE OTHERWORLDLY SHORTS: SCI-FI,
and Thrills Thursday, Oct 10, 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater
Experimental Narrative
HORROR, EXPERIMENTATION
Wednesday, Oct 9, 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater
A near-silent tale 30 years in the making. The Berlin Bride was Saturday, Oct 12, 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
inspired by the silent film era, the writings of Poe and the German (Studio C)
fantasist E.T.A Hoffmann. Two oddball Berliners discover indi- Genre and Experimental Narratives
vidually the parts of a department store mannequin in a city park
occupied by nude sunbathers. Under the mannequin’s spell, and These imaginative shorts offer visions of fantastic worlds that are
with harrowing consequence, the men come to terms with their strangely like our own. Lovers of science fiction, strange tails, and
disjointed mate. A cautionary tale of unrequited sexuality and the experimental: get ready for a cinematic adventure!
blurring gender identity. A surreal vision of sexual evolution and
misguided passion shot on digital and 16mm film.
REMISSION.
DIRECTED BY: John Charter and Artist Paul Kaiser, United
72 MINS; DIRECTED BY: Michael Bartlett States (7 mins): Central California Premiere
SCREENING WITH:
THE INTERVIEW.
GONE SALE. DIRECTED BY: Nate Duncan, United States (15 mins)
DIRECTED BY: Matt Meindl, United States (5 mins)
A SWEET MAN.
DIRECTED BY: Javier Chavanel, Spain (10 mins)
THE BUMBRY ENCOUNTER.
DIRECTED BY: Jay K Raja, United States (17 mins)
THROATS WILL BE CUT.
DIRECTED BY: Joshua M.
Thomas, United States (7 mins): Local work!
ELDER ABUSE.
DIRECTED BY: Drew Durepos, United States (9 mins):
California Premiere
SUNNY SIDE UP.
DIRECTED BY: Marie Karkehabadi, United States (10
mins): California Premiere
AVARYA.
DIRECTED BY: Gökalp Gönen, Turkey (20 mins)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 29REBORN SELF DISCOVERY FOR
Wednesday, Oct 9, 9:15 PM: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre SOCIAL SURVIVAL
Saturday, Oct 12, 9:15 PM: Colligan Theater Friday, Oct 11, 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
Dramatic Narrative (Studio C)
Experimental Documentary
REBORN is a supernatural thriller about a 16-year old girl with
electrokinetic powers who escapes her captors and searches for Self Discovery for Social Survival is a collaborative film from record
a mother she has never met, leaving a trail of destruction in her label Mexican Summer and surf and outdoor brand Pilgrim Surf +
wake. Cinephiles and fans of ‘80s horror will appreciate references, Supply. Filmed in Mexico, the Maldives, and Iceland in three sep-
familiar stars, including Barbara Crampton (Reanimator) and Peter arate vignettes, musicians (Allah-Las, Connan Mockasin, Andrew
Bogdanovich, and bloody good special effects. VanWyngarden of MGMT, and Peaking Lights) and pro-surfers
80 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Julian Richards (Stephanie Gilmore, Creed McTaggart, Ryan Burch + more)
SCREENING WITH: embark on sound and surf journeys that conjures a surreal and
serene symbiosis of music, the environment, and local culture. The
LEMONS. film is poetically narrated by the legendary avant-garde filmmaker
DIRECTED BY: Simon Werdmüller von Elgg, United States Jonas Mekas, one of his last recorded testaments.
(13 mins) 54 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Chris Gentile
SCREENING WITH:
LAS SHAPERS.
DIRECTED BY: Camila Saldarriaga, United States (8 mins)
SHAPED.
DIRECTED BY: Andrew Daughters, United States (9 mins)
30 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019EarthVision:
Environmental
and Social
Justice
BEES, SEAS, AND WEED: DOSED
ACTIVISM ON LAND AND SEA Sunday, Oct 13, 4:45 PM: DNA’s Comedy Lab
(SHORTS PROGRAM) EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Film
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater After years of prescription medications failed her a suicidal
Friday, October 11, 12:00 PM: young woman, Adrianne, turns to underground healers to try and
Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center overcome her depression, anxiety, and opioid addiction with illegal
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Films psychedelic medicine like magic mushrooms and iboga.
82 MINS; CANADA; DIRECTED BY: Tyler Chandler
These works prove that environmental justice and social justice
go hand in hand. Learn about the Japanese-American immigrants
who created a flourising flower-growing industry in Salinas, the
growing pains of cannibus legalization in California, surfing activ-
ists, and urban beekeepers in these short films set in the Golden
State and beyond.
DETROIT HIVES.
DIRECTED BY: Palmer Morse & Rachel Weinberg, United
States (5 mins): California Premiere
GAMBATTE KIMASHITA:
JAPANESE FLOWER GROWERS
OF THE SALINAS VALLEY.
DIRECTED BY: Eric Palmer, United States (25 mins) Local
Work!
HIGH HOPES.
DIRECTED BY: Marjan Riazi, United States (28 mins)
SIGNATURE.
DIRECTED BY: Per Anderson, United States (5 mins):
California Premiere
TO THE SEA.
DIRECTED BY: Carolina Butrich, Peru (32 mins)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 31MASTERS OF MINDFULNESS MOVEMENT FOR PEACE THE CONDOR & THE EAGLE
(SHORTS PROGRAM) (SHORTS PROGRAM) California Premiere
Sunday, Oct 13, 12:00 PM: Colligan Theater Saturday, Oct 12, 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Culture Friday, Oct 11, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Films Center EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Film
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Films
In a world of distraction and busyness, these films show how we Four Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraor-
can choose to focus and experience a different kind of life through This program of shorts brings together profiles of peace activists dinary trans-continental adventure from the Canadian plains to
attentiveness, creativity, and stillness. They feature a Santa Cruz and artistic expressions calling for social justice. deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples
artist prompting ordinary people to express their feelings about of North and South America and deepen the meaning of “Climate
the world in creative ways, a woman whose Buddhist retreat has AND THE BRAVE SHALL RISE. Justice.”
lasted 24 years, unexpected revelations from gazing at a wild snail, DIRECTED BY: Adam Schlachter, United States (15 mins) 80 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Sophie and Clement
and a profile of the founder of the Cambridge Insight Meditation
Guerra
Center. WHEN NOVEMBER CAME.
DIRECTED BY: Paul Bronisław Kmiec, United States (5
THE CURIOUS SCROLL. mins): World Premiere
DIRECTED BY: Andrew Purchin, United States (18 mins):
World Premiere. TANK MAN.
Local work! DIRECTED BY: Robert Anthony Peters, United States (15
mins)
ON RETREAT.
DIRECTED BY: Jessica Bernstein-Wax, United States (11 TRUMPNATION.
mins) DIRECTED BY: Per Haaland, United States (7 mins): Local
work!
THE SOUND OF A WILD SNAIL EATING.
DIRECTED BY: Elisabeth Tova Bailey, United States (15 ARMISTICE100 SANTA CRUZ.
mins): California Premiere DIRECTED BY: LB Johnson, United States (56 mins):
Local work!
LARRY ROSENBERG: LONG PATH HOME.
DIRECTED BY: Marty Ostrow, United States (38 mins):
California Premiere
32 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019EarthVision:
Animal
Pack
ELEPHANT PATH FISH & MEN
Friday, Oct 11, 4:45 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Sunday, Oct 13, 12:00 PM: DNA’s Comedy Lab
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Film EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Film
An indelible tale of friendship and commitment set against the Today, 91% of our fish is imported and the U.S. is flooded with six
luminous beauty of the Central African Rainforest. Together, ele- billion tons of imported seafood. Consumers across America eat
phant behavioral biologist, Andrea Turkalo, and indigenous tracker, blissfully unaware of the dire consequences that a demand for five
Sessely Bernard, will be tested by the realities of war and the limits species of fish sourced from distant oceans brings to our shores.
of hope for the majestic animals they have committed their lives to
study and protect. FISH & MEN exposes the high cost of cheap fish in the modern
seafood economy that threatens both the commercial fishing
52 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Todd McGrain
industry and America’s public health.
But, a new movement is underway – an opportunity to return
sustainability to both fish and fishermen. Thriving on local com-
munities, pioneering fishermen and celebrated chefs are leading
a revolutionary new model, a ‘Catch of the Day’ revival based on
local, seasonal, sustainable fish - introducing consumers to discov-
er new varieties of storied seafood and reconnect us with those
who risk their lives to harvest the bounties of the sea.
84 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Darby Duffin
SCREENING WITH:
AQUARIUM COME NIGHTFALL.
DIRECTED BY: Shelby Johnson, United States (5 mins):
World Premiere
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 33PARIAH DOG SWARM SEASON THE BUTTERFLY TREES
Thursday, Oct 10, 4:45 PM: Colligan Theater Saturday, Oct 12, 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural California Premiere
Saturday, Oct 12, 7:00 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150 Center Thursday, Oct 10, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
(Studio C) Documentary Sunday, Oct 13, 12:00 PM: Tannery World Dance & Cultural
Documentary Center
On a remote volcanic island, ten year old Manu and her mother
catch swarms of wild honeybees in order to breed disease resistant Documentary
Pariah Dog is a creative documentary focusing on several eccentric
dog lovers in Kolkata, India. Shot over two-and-a-half years, the colonies. Her father is taking part in a native Hawaiian movement The Butterfly Trees is a Documentary film that captures the trans-
film paints a kaleidoscopic picture of the city of Kolkata, seen to protect the sacred Mauna Kea mountain from the construction continental journey of the eastern monarch butterflies on their
through the prism of four outsiders and the dogs they love. These of a massive telescope. On the nearby slopes of Mauna Loa, six epic migration from the forested shores of Southern Canada to the
men and women have found meaning and purpose in their shared NASA scientists are participating in a yearlong mission designed to rare and ancient oyamel fir trees of Central Mexico.
mission to care for these neglected street dogs, who have existed prepare for life on Mars. Meanwhile, the Kilauea volcano is stirring.
in the towns and villages of India for thousands of years. For some The intricate workings of the honeybee hive offer a prismatic view Part science, part adventure, and part love story, the film is a
this mission is enough, for others, dreams of a better life are always of a precarious reality for Hawaii and beyond. If honeybees-- one captivating reflection on the profound mysteries of the natural
near. of the most resilient and cooperative species on the planet-- are world and the ties that irrevocably connect us all. The story
being pushed to the point of extinction, what kind of future do weaves together a wondrous tapestry of stunning visuals, passion
77 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Jesse Alk humans have on earth? for discovery, and the eclectic mix of the people for whom these
85 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Sarah Christman butterflies have become a magnificent obsession.
Filled with allegory and poetic contemplations, The Butterfly Trees
brings to the screen a universal story of life and the search for
legacy and meaning by using the monarch migration as a poignant
metaphor that embodies love, hope, transformation and connec-
tions that transcend borders.
82 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Kay Milam
34 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019VIOLET IS BLUE:
A TALE OF GIBBONS AND GUARDIANS
Sunday, Oct 13, 2:30 PM: Colligan Theater
EarthVision Environmental and Social Justice Film
This heartwarming, sometimes heart-wrenching story will draw
you into a world; the likes of which you’ve never seen. A fasci-
nating society of Gibbons and their Guardians in a Conservation
Center. The film shows the leadership of a few women who, at
the time of crisis and despite the personal cost, rose to face major
challenges and save a conservation center.
40 MINS; UNITED STATES; DIRECTED BY: Alex M. Azmi
PRODUCED BY: Michael Thau & Dan Watts
SCREENING WITH:
NOW OR NEVER.
DIRECTED BY: Matt Senior, United Kingdom (25 min)
SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019 35Screenings
at UCSC
(FREE with UCSC ID)
¡BOZA! OTHERWORLDLY SHORTS:
Friday, Oct 11, 7:00 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150 SCI-FI, HORROR, EXPERIMENTATION
(Studio C) Saturday, Oct 12, 9:15 PM: UCSC Communications Building 150
Documentary (Studio C)
¡Boza! is a character-driven documentary that follows the lives (Additional screening Wednesday, Oct 9, 9:15 PM: Colligan
of three young sub-Saharan African immigrants who left home Theater)
in their teens to embark on their years-long journey to Spain. Genre and Experimental Narratives
Crossing the Sahara Desert by foot, spending months to years
living in the forests of Morocco, and finally making the dangerous These imaginative shorts offer visions of fantastic worlds that are
crossing to the Spanish mainland or territories by land or sea, these strangely like our own. Lovers of science fiction, strange tails, and
three distinct immigration stories have one thing in common: the experimental: get ready for a cinematic adventure!
their incredible optimism in the face of inconceivable adversity.
The dynamic structure jumps between present day observational
REMISSION.
DIRECTED BY: John Charter and Artist Paul Kaiser, United
footage of life in Spain and reconstructing their migration story
using animation and archival footage. Through parallel storytell- States (7 mins): Central California Premiere
ing, the film compares these three inspiring stories of success to
the hopes of a group of migrants living in the slums of Tangier, THE INTERVIEW.
Morocco. DIRECTED BY: Nate Duncan, United States (15 mins)
70 MINS; UNITED STATES, SPAIN; DIRECTED BY: Sydney Bowie A SWEET MAN.
DIRECTED BY: Javier Chavanel, Spain (10 mins)
THE BUMBRY ENCOUNTER.
DIRECTED BY: Jay K Raja, United States (17 mins)
THROATS WILL BE CUT.
DIRECTED BY: Joshua M. Thomas, United States (7 mins):
Local work!
ELDER ABUSE.
DIRECTED BY: Drew Durepos, United States (9 mins):
California Premiere
SUNNY SIDE UP.
DIRECTED BY: Marie Karkehabadi, United States (10
mins): California Premiere
AVARYA.
DIRECTED BY: Gökalp Gönen, Turkey (20 mins)
36 SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL 2019You can also read
