SPECIAL! 2011 TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL
JULY 28 - 31 / www.topangafilmfestival.com
Around Our Digital Campfire Insider’s Guide by Flavia Potenza new to pave the way. We are all • Jalan Jalan Imports at Owl Falls storytellers, and we have over our will host our opening party on lifetimes chosen various modes of Thursday evening, July 28, as well dispersing those stories. Films are as our signature International Short but another method of expressing Film Competition screening on humanity.” Saturday night, July 30. The key to our success is our • The Main Stage, located at small community, carved into the the Topanga Elementary School hills of Topanga. We have often auditorium will be transformed into come to the brink of defeat, only a magnificent 350-seat screening to be resuscitated by our fellow room. Topangans. If it weren’t for the • The local country church will warmhearted community that we transform into the Church of call home, we never would have Cinema, the home of our Salon survived for the seven years that we Discussions and location for proudly claim this year. neurocinematic exploration. TFF, in conjunction with the Topanga • Ribbit Tree & Plant will host film Film Institute — created in 2010 to workshops in its Dojo, and Salon inspire, inform and interconnect a Discussions in their brand new generation of filmmakers to pioneer amphitheater. This location will a fertile new era of global trans- come to life with its bar and music, format content creation — fosters that is open to all. unbridled creativity. • The Topanga Canyon Gallery will This year we’ve converged with the lend their beautiful space for us to neuroscience community to explore More than a place and purpose, it is a state of mind. install our “Böx,” that you simply the biology of creativity and how will have to experience. elcome to the Seventh days of adventuring into the world the human brain leads us to more • The El Coyote will serve to W Annual Topanga Film of film and its myriad facets of dynamic storytelling through film. accommodate many other Festival (TFF) where Nature and human expression. “The Festival is a We’d like to extend our gratitude showcases, local and others. Technology conspire in the Grand digital campfire,” says founder Urs to the Topanga Messenger for Art of Storytelling. Baur. “We appreciate storytelling its support as it walked with us • Finally, RedHanded will be project- Topanga Canyon provides the in all its forms. We admire the through the production of this ing films onto sails billowing above backdrop and inspiration for four traditional, while we look to the 20-page Festival Program. and hung from the oak tree.
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SALON DISCUSSIONS / CHURCH OF CINEMA
ACTORS – STRIP IT DOWN NEUROSCIENCE OF DIRECTING – DO DIRECTORS Thu., July 28, 3pm / Church Of Cinema REALLY CONTROL THE RESPONSE TO A FILM? We will explore the actor’s craft. How do they get into the moment? What types of roles move them? How do they get into a role that Fri., July 29, 5pm / Church Of Cinema they’re not that passionate about? What is the biology of emotion? What happens to the brain, when an actor ‘tricks’ the brain into How are emotions stimulated through visuals? Sound? If more areas of believing that the imaginary circumstances are real? Rehearsed lines the brain are used while watching a film, does that make the film better? vs. Improv. – an artistic and cognitive explanation. Neuromarketing – Invasive? Scientifically proven? Will this new analysis Moderator: LG Taylor change the way stories are told? Panelists: Melissa Leo, Diane Louise Salinger, Ellen Geer Moderator: LG Taylor Ellen Geer Neuroscientist: Dr. Jonas Kaplan Panelists: Catherine Hardwicke, James Ponsoldt Neuroscientist: Dr. Amir Vokshoor, Dr. Steven Quartz DOCUMENTARY – ART AND SCIENCE OF EMPATHY Thu., July 28, 5pm / Church Of Cinema MUSIC – SCORE THIS! What makes a good documentary? Why do we need empathy in good storytelling? What is empathy? How do you create it? Where does it take place in the brain? Documentaries Sat., July 30, 2:30pm / Church Of Cinema Discussed: ReGeneration, The English Surgeon, I’m a Muslim, and the BNP Got My Vote!, Moderator: LG Taylor Panelists: Phillip Montgomery, Geoffrey Smith, Tre Azam Neuroscientist: Dr. Jonas Kaplan TRANSFORMAT MEDIA Fri., July 29, 1pm / Church Of Cinema Nic Harcourt Rosanna Arquette Cliff Martinez Sherry Whitfield Transmedia storytelling uses multiple media platforms to tell a single, coherent story or narrative that unfolds across time. Each media piece- Film scores and the Mind – We will discuss how music is used in film’s, how decisions are made whether it’s a website, novel, video game, mobile app, or a film-provides about what to use and how music can impact, effect and mark a film, the scientific correlation different points of access and can engage different demographics. Each between music and emotion, and music and inspiration. media component adds to the story while functioning as a standalone Moderator: Wendy Smith experience and invites some level of participation. What does this mean to the storyteller? To Panelists: Nic Harcourt, Rosanna Arquette, Cliff Martinez, Sherry Whitfield the audience? The boxoffice? Moderator: Urs Baur Panelists: Brent Bushnell, Tre Azam, Michael Epstein NEUROCINEMA – PERSPECTIVES ON THE SCIENCE BEHIND CINEMA WRITERS – GETTING TO THE CORE A COGNITIVE AND ARTISTIC ANALYSIS OF FILMMAKING. Fri., July 29, 3pm / Church Of Cinema This salon discussion explores the human urge toward story, and how to Sat., July 30, 4:30pm / Church Of Cinema go about unlocking the stories that need to be told. The panelists will offer How are the director’s stylistic intentions recognized by film viewers? various perspectives on the creative process from the very inception of What is the neurological basis for cinematic styles? We will explore the our story ideas through their cultivation and development into a form that director’s creative decisions, especially how artistic devices affect the can be shared with others. As we peel away the layers to reveal the very way viewers segment and categorize events in film. In unraveling the essence of our urges, a picture emerges of the centrality of narrative in our cognitive neuroscience behind this process, we examine an important lives: face-to-face, online, and everywhere in between. What is going on in facet of neurocinematics: film neuroaesthetics or the brain’s response our brain during this creative process? to movies as works of art. Moderator: LG Taylor Moderator: LG Taylor Panelists: Karin Gutman, Laura Milner, PhD, and Joan Scheckel Panelists: TBA Neuroscientist: Dr. Robert M. Bilder Neuroscientist: Dr. Mark Rollins
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SALON DISCUSSIONS / MAIN STAGE
3D – THE FUTURE OF STORYTELLING? Sat., July 30, 3pm / Main Stage What happens to our spatial perception in the brain as we watch 3d Films? Does it affect how we view reality? We will discover the science behind vision. We will also explore: • 3D as a character of your story • The creative challenges of 3D • The audience response, how it varies from 2D.
Moderator: Urs Baur Panelists: Ted Kenney, Wayan Palmieri, Max Penner, Michael Page Neuroscientist: Dr. Alan Horsager
SALON DISCUSSIONS / RIBBIT TREE AMPITHEATRE
ELDERS - THE WISDOM OF STORYTELLING FROM PRODUCTION TO DISTRIBUTION – SO IT’S IN Thu, July 28, 3pm / Ribbit Tree Ampitheatre THE CAN, NOW WHAT? How do we keep the spirit of story in a world where we no longer make time Sat., July 30, 3pm / Ampitheatre to sit around a campfire and share our humanity? We will discuss the producers role and explore the 21st century platforms Moderator: Joan Scheckel of distribution. Panelists: Chief Golden Light Eagle, Joan Borysenko, Amor Luz, Deena Metzger Lee McCormich Moderator: LG Taylor Panelists: Trez Azam, Stuart Volkow, Beth Portello, Lawrence Inglee, Seamus Conlan
Chief Golden Light Eagle
COMEDY – WHAT’S SO FUNNY? GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT Fri., July 29, 3pm / Ribbit Tree Ampitheatre Sun., July 31, 3pm / Ribbit Tree Ampitheatre What is laughter? Where does it come from? What is the science of comedy? Only a New Seed will Yield a New Crop: New Entertainment Moderator: Dan Ewen and Media Values for a New World. Panelists: Dana Eagle, Seth Morris, Chris Hooper Neuroscientist: Dr. Jonathan E. Sherin, John Ennis Moderator: John Raatz Panelists: Scott Carlin, former President, Domestic Television Distribution HBO, Producer, RosieO’Donnell LIGHTING THE FUTURE - EMERGING CINEMATOGRAPHERS Wendy Newman, Co-Executive Director, Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment, Randy Goff, Co-Executive Director, Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment, Fri, July 29, 12pm / Ribbit Tree Ampitheatre Jeff Valdez, Co-Chairman, Maya Entertainment, The International Cinematographers Guild’s panelists will discuss the importance Dan Burrier, Chief Innovation Office, Ogilvy and Mather of training in today’s rapidly evolving technological changes. They will discuss the values of film and digital photography. Today’s smaller, smarter cameras make it easier and less expensive for first-time filmmakers to work, however knowledge of CREATIVITY DOESN’T NEED CAPITAL.... lighting and lenses is still essential. BUT CAPITAL PAYS OUR BILLS. Moderator: David Geffner, who is the editor of award-winning ICG Magazine Panelists: James Chressanthis, Marco Fargnoli, John Snedden, Rodney Taylor, Todd A. Dos Reis Please support us. www.topanga-film-institute.com
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FEATURE DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION / MAIN STAGE
Family Of Wa’a (89 min | USA) Bag It (78 min | USA) Thu., July 28, 11am / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 10:30am / Church Of Cinema An ‘Ohana’ - or family - of unrelated men and “Bag It” is a compelling documentary that examines women paddle a Hawaiian outrigger canoe societies use and abuse of plastic. Jeb, an average 1750 miles across the length of the Hawaiian American guy makes a pledge to stop using plastic archipelago to honor a sacred promise, or Kuleana bags, and after doing so, is inspired to embark given to their leader, Kimokeo, by his deceased on a journey around the world to unravel the uncle. Part obligation, part oath, in traditional complexities of our plastic world. His findings reveal Hawaiian culture a Kuleana binds a person to their the tremendous impact that society’s throwaway culture and to their ancestors. This unprecedented mentality has on our environment. Hosted by Think voyage across vast expanses of open water mirrors Blue, City of San Diego. Part of the “Green Screen Kimokeo’s personal and spiritual transformation Series.” *Experience: Come recycle your plastic from a troubled youth known as ‘Bully’ to a man worthy of the respect of his people. While the bags in exchange for a Think Blue reusable bag. journey is ultimately Kimokeo’s, each member of this ohana dedicates their life to the journey Director: Suzan Beraza, Writer: Michelle Curry Wright and in the process realizes their own sacred promise has been fulfilled. Director: Alyssa Fedele Producer: David Cumming My Playground (50 min | Denmark) Fri., July 29, 5:30pm / Main Stage The Road To Nkunda (79 min | USA) Mainly set in Copenhagen the film follows Team JiYo as they explore the city and encounter the Thu., July 28, 1:30pm / Main Stage obstacles it presents. Award winning architect In the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo, Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG Architects, is two filmmakers journey on a quest for answers. fascinated by the way Team JiYo convey However there is no preparing for what they are architecture and takes the team to his buildings, about to experience. They must become outlaws to explore and unfold their skills, that may be just themselves in order to locate and interview the as groundbreaking as the architecture itself. The notorious and elusive Rebel General-Laurent film travels around the world from Denmark to Nkunda. Japan, United States, United Kingdom, and China to explore where the urban mobility is heading. Director: Kaspar Astrup Schröder
Director: Douglas Busby, Codirector: Antonio Arbini Happy (75 min | USA) Sun., July 31, 10am / Main Stage HAPPY takes us on a worldwide adventure from The First Movie (76 min | Canada) desert of the Kalahari bushmen, to the alligator Thu., July 28, 4pm / Main Stage infested Louisiana Bayou to discover what the new science of happiness can teach us about More a pro-childhood movie than an anti-war ourselves. movie, The First Movie celebrates happiness. Director/Screenwriter: Roko Belic Filmmaker Mark Cousins travelled to Goptapa, a Executive Producer: Tom Shadyac small village in Iraqi Kurdistan, where he erected a Producers: Eiji Shimizu, Frances Reid and Roko Belic screen in the village square to show classic family films to the locals. Later, the kids get cameras to make movies … One captures a powerful interview with a woman who lost 15 family members in the chemical gas attack, but the star of the show is ReGeneration (75 min | USA) eight-year-old Mohamad, who crafts a remarkably Sun., July 31, 12:00 noon / Main Stage moving piece about a boy giving his wishes to the water. Cousins has crafted an intriguing and inspiring documentary exploring the dreams and aspirations of children who have lived Phillip Montgomery’s documentary through and experienced war, losing 50 per cent of their town’s inhabitants to the kidnapping “ReGeneration,” about the causes of rampant of Saddam Hussein. cynicism in today’s youth and their apathetic view towards social and political causes. The late Director/Screenwriter: Mark Cousins, Producer: Gill Parry, Trish Dolman Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky and Talib Kweli also Cinematographer: Mark Cousins make appearances in the movie which is narrated by actor Ryan Gosling.
Director: Philip Montgomery
The Highest Pass (90 min | USA ) Thu., July 28, 7:30pm / Main Stage This documentary takes us on a motorcycle Special Cinema Preview (75 min | USA) journey through the Himalayas of India. over the Sun., July 31, 6:30pm / Closing Night Film / OUT OF COMPETITION highest motorable road in the world, and follows a daredevil yogi leading seven Americans to make “Very moving...great characters and good story- decisions about life and death while traversing telling...great work.” - John Sayles, Director/Writer steep, icy cliffs and the chaos of India’s “road - Academy Award nominee, Writers Guild Award killer” traffic. Carrying a prophecy of death in his winner “Matewan” late twenties, their Yogi leader Anand inspires us “A powerful, engaging and enlightening film. to question what it means to truly live and pushes Lynne Littman, Director - Academy Award winner them to the limits of his teachings: “Only the one “Number Our Days” who dies, truly lives”. “A brilliant and comprehensive film. Kudos to all involved.” Mark Rydell, Director - Academy Award Director: Jon Fitzgerald, Producers: Adam Schomer and Jon Fitzgerald Nominee “On Golden Pond” Director: Secret Cinema
SHOWCASE FEATURES / CHURCH OF CINEMA
Wake Up Oh My God (89 min | USA) Thu., July 30, 11am / Church Of Cinema Sat., July 30, 10am / Church Of Cinema Jonas Elrod was leading an ordinary life until he woke up one day to a totally new reality. He This visual odyssey travels the globe to examine suddenly could see and hear angels, demons, auras the idea of God through the minds and eyes of and ghosts. WAKE UP is a call to consciousness multiple religions and cultures. Interviewing foreveryone who sees it; an invitation to accept that everyday people, spiritual leaders and celebrities, there is more to this life than meets the eye. Rodgers seeks to find a visceral, reasonable, meaningful definition to the word God. His quest leads from USA to Africa, to the Middle to Far East. in candid discussions, fundamental issues such as “is there one God for all religions?” and “if God exists, why does he allow so much suffering?” Director : Jonas Elrod are explored. Visiting places we would never normally see, we hear inspiring music, words that educate and bring understanding and tolerance of other individuals. In turn, we are enriched. Dreaming Heaven (75 min | USA) Starring Hugh Jackman, Seal, Ringo Starr, Sir Bob Geldof, Princess Michael of Kent, David Copperfield and Jack Thompson. Thu., July 28, 1pm / Church Of Cinema Director: Peter Rodger DREAMING HEAVEN is the first documentary film ever to explore the 4000 year-old epicenter of spiritual transformation in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Mystical pyramids, altars and transformative energy make this location one of the great pathways through time, truth and consciousness. It is a place where man awakens to God. For the first time ever, several of the most prominent Toltec guides invite a handpicked camera crew to film this journey as it unfolded in real time over 5 powerful days. www.menlozone.com Pround Supporter of The Topanga Film Festival. Director: Dana Walden 310-455-2221
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DANCE FILM SHOWCASE / PRESENTED BY CARI ANN SHIM SHAM* / MAIN STAGE
Stairhead (3 min | USA) May And June / Sneak Peak (10 min | USA) Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage A young woman discovers a host of strange and elusive Two imaginative sisters live their entire lives in 11 minutes on creatures while ascending a paradoxical staircase. a couch. Director: Erin Beneze Director: Rachael Lincoln
Black Train is Coming (2 min | USA) Two Seconds After Laughter / Sneak Peak (14 min | USA) Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage “Black Train is Coming” is based on the 1926 sermon, An original intersection of documentary, dance-for-camera, “Death’s Black Train is Coming” by Rev J.M Gates, one of the and dream-like fantasy, Two Seconds After Laughter creates most prolific black preachers in the United States. Many of a border-jumping dialogue on a universal irony: The heart his sermons were strong warnings of the hellish punishments longs most for the one place to which it can never fully that awaited sinners. The film blends this old time sermon return… home. With a narrative inspired by choreographer with modern day Flex and Turf dance style. Sri Susilowati’s experience of returning to her native Director: John T. Williams Indonesia after 20 years of living and dancing in America, Two Seconds… is a meditation on the nature of memory; a cry of longing caused by separation; and a fable-like tale of the joys and emotional dislocation experienced by contemporary Next (5 min | Germany) immigrant peoples. Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage Writer / Director: David Rousseve A young dancer auditions for a role. Relayed in a striking new format, her personal, contemporary choreography intimates her private passions and artistic dreams, culminating in the rev- Vías de Vuelo / US Premier (35 min | Mexico) elation of a peculiar practice – the secret of her preparations. Director: Joshan Esfandiari-Martin Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage A contemporary Icarus in search of its own freedom. An epic tale to conquer itself in a metaphorical tunnel that reminds about inner confinement. A brief humorous insight about the Outside In (10 min | Sweden) meaning of freedom in human life. Fri., July 29, 7:30pm / Main Stage Director: A. Salomón Cecilia dances inside a forest. She moves in front of a film crew who direct her movements. Eventually Cecilia has had Director: Tove Skeidsvoll & Petrus
SHOWCASE FEATURES / EL COYOTE
Mikis Theodorakis, Composer (53 min | Germany) Chaplin Showcase (90 min | USA) Fri., July 29, 12 noon / El Coyote Sat., July 30, 3pm / El Coyote In slightly under an hour, the chronologically structured The Topanga Film Festival honors Chaplin as a film pioneer documentary gives a concentrated overview of Theodora- whose creativity and soul motivate filmmakers, actors and kis’ seven-odd decades of artistic creation - from the first films being shot today. This is an appreciation of where film songs and the Kassiani liturgy of a young Theodorakis, over has been and where it is going, recognizing the brilliant the chamber music pieces and sinfonietta of the ‘forties minds that encourage us all. Chaplin brought to the film and the Suite Nr. 1 for Piano and Orchestra, amongst other community a blend of calmness and chaos that got proj- works from his Paris years, to the wide-ranging song writ- ects accomplished. The drive and desire to succeed were ing of the ‘sixties, the Canto General Oratorio, the Synphony No 4, the rhapsodies for guitar part of the foundation of Chaplin’s films, portrayed through character work and single image and cello and the operas. The film aproaches the phenomenon that is Theodorakis by letting camera shots. His films were rooted in emotion and real family dynamics. The stories of love the composer expound, and the music and images speak for themselves. were blossoming and tragic and the spirit of life was shown in every slapstick and humorous facial expression Directors: Asteris Kutulas and Kalus Salge Presented by Jim Chressanthis Presented by Miranda...
Cine Institute Haiti / Maswife: Life in Camp Pinchinat Under The Covers (130 min | USA) (30 min | Haiti) Fri., July 29, 3pm / El Coyote Sat, July 30, 12pm / El Coyote Return to a classic era of rock-n-roll with the community Following a catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, 1.5 million of artists making legendary music during the ‘60s and people are homeless, living under tarps and in tents. Refugee ‘70s. Get to know these musicians and the music they cre- camps are the new communities of a battered nation. For ated as they unlock personal memories of those carefree four months, students from Haiti’s only film school lived in a times. You’ll be amazed to see how this group of musical camp. This is the story they’ve told. artists became a family of friends. Seen through the eyes of world-famous photographer Henry Diltz and three time Grammy-nominated art director/artist Gary Burden, Under The Covers contains a remarkable Directors: Students of Ciné Institute selection of touching and amusing stories, interviews and photographs, which humanizes these rock-n-roll icons. Under The Covers features legendary music, never-before-seen home videos and photos, and candid conversations with these renowned artists. Hang out with the Doors, Eagles, Mama Cass, Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and many more! Aparajita (120 min | USA) Directors: Bill Day, Terry Schwartz Sat, July 30, 12pm / El Coyote Within the chaos of Indian society, there is a clear indica- tion that women must be the force that holds society to- gether. The same stands true for the grassroots develop- (80 min | USA) American Renegade ment. The exploration started with a simple idea to meet Fri., July 29, 5pm / El Coyote women who are active in social work and we encountered three women who have dedicated their life to bring en- Through the unflinching lens of this documentary feature, lightenment into the society. Through conversations, they Abe Osheroff’s confessions present a passionate, irreverent ponder their thoughts about current society, their work, and where they think we are heading. portrait of a radical humanist and his exploits as a lover, philosopher and visionary across 75 years of activism. The Director: Perez Vertti Yunuen film includes many who loved and were influenced by him, including fellow activists: Harry Belafonte, Richard Drey- fuss and Ed Asner. But this uncompromising film goes be- yond hero worship to reveal the cost of Oserfoff’s obsession and the conflicts of his pesonal The Canoe Way - The Sacred Journey (53 min | USA) life through four failed marriages, to his final awakening with the woman who stood up to his larger-than-life personality. For over seven decades, Oseroff never stopped. An Activist before Sat., July 30, 5pm / El Coyote it was fashionable, and a renegade philosopher who would chew up today’s pundits for break- Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey documents the annual fast, Osheroff’s confessions strike a resounding chord in today’s world with a singular voice Tribal Journeys of Pacific Northwest Coast Salish people. and an exhilarating vision. Indigenous tribes and First Nations from Oregon, Wash- Director: Scott Garen ington, Canada and Alaska follow their ancestral pathways through the waters of Puget Sound, Inside Passage and the Northwest Coast. Families and youth reconnect with the past and each other. Ancient songs, dances, regalia, cer- emonies, and language were almost lost and are coming back. Agua Caliente Film FestivalWit- Sound Systems Courtesy of ness first hand, through the words and images of a proud people, as they share the story of the resurgence of the cedar canoe societies – and how it has opened a spiritual path of healing Ozone Sound Engineering Company, Topanga. through tradition.idel molore quae net. Director: Mark Celletti
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COMMUNITY VOICES / MAIN STAGE
World’s Apart (USA) Hold My Hand (USA) Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage Flight starts with one feather. This film follows Rose, a The world as seen through the eyes of difference. Hold My young Native American woman trapped between two Hand explores the significance of difference and equality worlds; the success and distance of college, and the roots in the life of Eliza Schaaf, a 20 year old woman with Down and challenges of life on the reservation. syndrome. Raised under the principle of inclusion. Eliza has always been included with her peers. Now, as she reaches for a higher education, she must face rejection because of her difference. Director: Brendan Nahmias Director: James M. Parker
Mountain Man (13 min / USA) Among Giants (13 min | USA)
Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage There are countless organizations and activist groups As clearcutting continues to ravage California’s coastal in Orange County that aim to protect our environment. redwood region, Farmer, an environmental activist decides Naturalist for You headed by Joel Robinson takes a to tree sit to defend the McKay Tract. A hundred feet up unique approach that focuses on personal inspiration over in the ancient redwood canopy, Farmer must battle the political activism. He believes that connecting individuals elements and avoid isolation as he fights for a sustainable to nature first hand is much more powerful than signing future. petitions and lobbying congress. Driven by breathtaking scenery of Orange County’s ‘unknown’ canyons and Directors: Chris Cresci, Ben Mullinkosson, Sam Price-Waldman waterfalls, ‘Mountain Man’ will take the audience on a journey through the natural beauty in their own backyard. Director: Alexandra Santoro The Modern Man (USA)
A Salton Soul (13 min | USA) Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage Fernando, a young male dancer, confronts life’s challenges Fri., July 29, 1:30pm / Main Stage through dance. June Eilers came to the Salton Sea when her father opened the Date Palm Beach resort in the Roaring Twenties. From Director: David Elliott Thompson, Haley Quartarone, and simple summer swimming to a backdrop for meeting her Malica Cherhzad future husband, the Salton Sea has provided June with a lifetime of priceless memories. As the sea slowly begins to dry up, she reflects on the importance of nature and enjoying the outdoors in our lives. Director: Greg Balkin
SHORT FILM SHOWCASE / MAIN STAGE
Your Way Home (17 min | USA) The Goner Prologue (10 min | USA)
Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage One crucial day in the life of Massimo, a young Italian boy A young girl’s encounter with a mysterious stranger triggers faced with the idea of never being adopted. Full of love and a series of events that will unfold over the next 70 years of anger like many other children who share his same situation, her life. Massimo struggles between his desire of a family and the Laying the foundation of the The Goner Short Film Trilogy, trauma of abandonment. Set on the seaside of Sicily. The Goner Prologue is set on a dusty road in rural America during the 1930’s. It is on this desolate path that 10-year-old Anna encounters a mysterious stranger and triggers a series Director: Pierto Nigro Famulari of events that will unfold over the next 70 years of her life. Director: Shane Dewalt GU YEO-RUM-EUI-BA-DA - A Scene at the Sea (22 min | South Korea)
Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage Secret Cinema Preview (12 min | USA) A father and son, roles now reversed as one becomes the caretaker of the other, execute a delicate dance at the edge Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage of the sea. This “Secret Cinema Preview” is a dramatic comedy about Director: Jaehee Lee 2 longtime friends who are on polar opposites on all things political.
Certified(9 min | USA) Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage Spiritus A postman’s first day takes a terrifying turn when a preco- cious young girl tells him of her family’s horrible tragedy. Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage A glimpse at the unseen and unseeable. A witnessed event, Director: Luke Asa Guidici the understanding of which spirals upon itself to poignantly express the vital beauty of life, and simultaneously represent our tragic oblivion to the universe within and around us. This story unfolds, literally, as a bag is animated and anthropomorphized by the freezing predawn wind of the S73 (9 min | USA) first snow on a street in New York City. The imagery and the story are gripping and interactive as the viewer/participant is carried away into the moment. Fri., July 29, 3:30pm / Main Stage Director: Brian Herman Underwater photography plays with time and space in this beautiful black and white art film.
Directors: Adam Santelli, Cliff Martinez
THE BÖX @TOPANGA CANYON GALLERY LOCAL ART AT REDHANDED
Topanga Film Festival premieres MyndPlay, RedHanded will be projecting films onto sails the world’s first mind controlled video and movie billowing above and hung from oak trees. platform technology that allows the viewer to Preceding the films each night, there will be an control movies through the power of mind. It all roster of live music, live painting, silk-screening, happens in an art installation / mobile screening and more. The event will start at approximately that the TFF team has built for the occasion and 6pm, followed by films as soon as dark. These housed inside the gallery. The Böx is created out events are sure to offer a magical four days of of salvaged and recycled materials and tricked out local creativity, collaborations, and screenings with a state of the art video and audio system. under the stars.
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 16 TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL / SCHEDULE
INTERNATIONAL SHOR TFILM / JALAN JALAN
It’s Natural To Be Afraid (10 min | United Kingdom) The Philosopher (16 min | France) Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan Mya is coming into this country. Sam is coming out of Baggio, a man successful in life, decides to strip him- mourning. Ryan is coming into adulthood. Are any of self of all material objects seeking to attain a clear, pure them where they want to be?Challenged to regain his Philosophical mind. Renting a van, he empties his apart- life following a period of deep mourning, Sam steps ment and lays his belongings to the world, only to be back into the world at exactly the same time Mya arrives surprised none of it is taken. in town from Israel. Their lives seem destined to just miss each other until a young man, unsure of his own place in After failed attempts to convince those passing to col- the world, intervenes dramatically. lect his freewill, he stumbles across Leo, who agrees to take it. While gradually forming a friendship with Leo, Baggio leads a simple life, finding Director: Justin Doherty his inner happiness not as a Philosopher, but rather from his friendship with Leo, a man with whom, in his past, Baggio would have never socialized. Director: Abdulla Alkaabi Thief (25 min | USA) Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan Iraq, 2003. Struggling to survive, Mehdi lives a solitary Clear Blue (21 min | USA) life, until one morning a grizzled stranger arrives. As the man sits down to eat, Mehdi realizes the two have met Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan before, forty years earlier, when Iraq was a very different Clear Blue tells the haunting story of Simon, A young place... lifeguard working his first few days at a community pool. Director: Julian Higgins The mundane quickly becomes mysterious when Simon notices Flova, an older woman with an exceptional ca- pacity to stay submerged under water. As Simon follows Flova into the pool he makes a startling discovery. What Fakara (25 min | USA) follows is a story of temptation and pursuit. Clear Blue is a tale of impossible love and ultimately, its harrowing consequences. Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan Director: Lindsay Mackay Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Today, three years and a recession later, his wife and son join him. A Short Film (3 min | USA) Director: Soham Mehta Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan The epitome of a short western film; short actors, short horses and long credits. I currently live in Los Angeles, California. My wife lost her job due to cutbacks. When Adam’s Tallit (16 min | Australia) she got her severance package, I asked her for a portion of it to make a short film that would make her laugh. I Sat., July 30, 8:30pm / Jalan Jalan hired an actor, a great DP, a fantastic crew, a stunt co- Recently widowed Madga has become hardened. She ordinator, a horse and a wrangler. We set out to make tried to temper her grief and resentment within the the simplest, funniest short film ever, just to make my wife laugh. I did make her laugh. self-imposed confines of her sewing room, creafting In fact, a lot of people laughed. They laughed in the editing room, they laughed at our “tallit” (trayer shawls) for Jewish boys. Madga just wants movie in our home and they laughed in theatres all across the United States and all over to be left alone, but when she recluctantly babysits the world. It was just a basic idea to make one person laugh over a negative experience, her vivacious young grandson, Adam, he unknowingly and it rippled out from LA to around the world. We have won awards for this little short empowers her to realise that what she wants isn’t film, but the true win is seeing all the happiness that it created. actually what she needs. Director: Rick Williamson Director: Justin Olstein
3D SHOWCASE / MAIN STAGE
Our 3D showcase is curated by Eric Kurland, from the LA 3-D Movie Festival. Eric, Max Penner of Paradise FX Presents has been gracious enough to present some of the following 3-D shorts, and more.
Uyuyu! (7 min | Colombia)
Sat., July 30, 10am / Main Stage UYUYUI! is not just a film but an elaborate piece of artistic cre- ation where technology highlights the work of manual illustra- tion, real imagery and composition. The story introduces us to US a fantasy world where the skies are populated by curious life PREMIERE! forms and strange robotic creatures lurk the forest.
Director: Santiago Caicedo
27 Years Later (6 min | Korea)
Sat., July 30, 10am / Main Stage Dr. Sim, who has developed Time Machine which can be used just once, turns clock back a year with lottery information. However, the time setting has changed from a year to 27 years back because of a suspicious mans disturbance.
Director: Shinterra
“3D has found its true purpose - backflips, tight torsoes Thicker Than Water (2:30min | USA) and making London look cool” Sat., July 30, 10am / Main Stage Catherine Shoard, guardian.co.uk A young man meets the love of his life at a family party only to discover a disturbing secret that will change everything. A TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE
... and more! (Feature Film | 98 min | France) Director: Tommy Tripodes
SATURDAY, JULY 28 / INTERNATIONAL SHORTFILM COMPETITION AT JALAAN JALAAN
NIC HARCOURT PRESENTS: “BLESSED LE STRANGE”
CATERING BY JEFFREY KRAMER/TOPANGA CATERING
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 17 JURY / TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION / JURY
• WILLIAM H. MACY • ELIJAH WOOD • RONNIE YESKEL Actor Actor Casting Director
A consummate After being a noticed A suporter of the character actor made child star, Elijah Jordan festival since its earlier his biggest impression Wood began appearing days, and a fellow off-Broadway, in films such as Paradise Topangean. Ronnie embodying a host of unhappy, hapless (1991), and Forever Young (1992), with has been a casting director for the LA souls. Macy’s breakthrough came as a Mel Gibson. Elijah later appeared in North Theater Center.. Some of her favorite desperate car salesman in Fargo (1996). (1994). Although it was deemed a flop at Films and TV projects have included Pulp In the ’00s, Macy was incredibly prolific, the box office, Elijah was praised as the Fiction, Rservoir Dogs, L.A. Law, Curb Your appearing in big-budget flicks (Seabiscuit), only good thing to come out of it. Elijah Enthusiasm. She recently completed work indies (The Cooler) and a number of next went to work on what has been called on THE SURROGATE with John Hawkes, critically acclaimed TV-movies. He recently the biggest project ever to hit the movies, Helen Hunt, W. H. Macy, The Man Who finished shooting The Surrogate. the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, based on Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez with the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. He is currently Ernest Borgnine. staring in the hit TV show Wilfred on FX.
PRESENTER • RANDALL EINHORN • BRENT HOFF INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION Director/Cinematographer Co-founder of Wholphin • WENDY HAMMERS (Director) — Our Brent Hoff is the editor Actor longest-standing judge and co-founder of Wendy Hammers has not slowed down. Wholphin DVD where loves to act. And We have followed he films drunk bees, act up. Here’s the him shape his role on The Office as The crying competitions, and illegal trans- damage she’s done so far: Confused Tony Documentarian’s lens and become the border volleyball matches. Before that he on The Sopranos; Annoyed Larry on Curb series’ most prolific director as well as a authored Mapping Epidemics, a book on your Enthusiasm; Pissed off Bernie on creative consultant for the multiple Emmy- pandemic disease transmission, made TV The Bernie Mac Show. She murdered her winning series. Other credits include It’s at The Daily Show, VH1, and Nickelodeon, lesbian girlfriend (played by Kathy Griffin) Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Wilfred and wrote articles about squid. His feature in the Roger Corman slasher pic The for FX, Parks and Recreation. Randall, a script “El Diablo Rojo” recently was Unborn (the demented baby made her do Topanga resident, is set to direct his first awarded the Tribeca Sloan grant. it). As a comic, Wendy has teased Oprah feature film, Late Bloomers for Alcon Winfrey in the daytime. Entertainment and Warner Bros.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITON / JURY
• STEPHEN NEMETH • BETH PORTELLO • MALCOLM PULLINGER Producer Filmmaker Produer
Stephen founded Beth Portello, Director of Malcolm Pullinger is Rhino Films, an Events at Adidas, oversaw an Emmy-nominated offshoot of iconoclast the brand’s major events filmmaker based in San record label Rhino including the NCAA Final Francisco. He pro- Records. The film company produced Four, Women’s World Cup, (Men’s) World duced and edited the critically acclaimed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Dogtown Cup and the Olympics in Atlanta and Sydney. Winnebago Man, which was released the- and Z Boys, War/Dance, Fuel and several Before leaving Adidas, Portello was a Brand atrically in 2010. documentaries. Stephen is also very Concept Manager and led the development engaged in the world around him as board and execution of a global marketing campaign member of The Collaboration Foundation, around Los Angeles Laker, Kobe Bryant. In a non-profit organization devoted to 2002, Portello became one of the founding creating collaborative art and films that partners of Cinema Libre Studio and is address various social issues. currently producing her first film, “Phenom”.
PRESENTERS • ADAM SILBAR • SEAMUS CONLAN • BILL FAGERBAKKE • TARA FARELL PARTY. FILMMAKER’S
Actor, Entrepeneur, Co-Founder Objective Cinema Actor, Voiceover, Topangan Co-Founder Objective Cinema
Topangan
FOR HOSTING THE SECRET SECRET THE HOSTING FOR
THE INN OF THE 7TH RAY RAY 7TH THE OF INN THE TFF THANKS THANKS TFF
• WENDIE MALICK • ARATI MISRO • MIRANDA ROBIN • MAX PORTMAN Actor Presenter Chaplin Showcase
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 18 OPENING NIGHT PARTY @ JALAN JALAN & SHORT FILM 2011 TOPANGA COMPETITION
Our opening night party, Thursday July 28th. Celebrate against the FILM backdrop of a stunning waterfall– Live music, DJ Mac Quayle. Then our Short Film Competition, Saturday evening, July 30th will be held here – open-air screening under the stars – and surrounded by exquisite works of FESTIVAL art imported from Bali. NIC HARCOURT presents BLESSED LE STRANGE live & DJ. AT A GLANCE Topanga Film Festival premieres MyndPlay, the world’s first mind controlled video and movie platform. The Böx @ Topanga Canyon Gallery. Salon Discussions DOCUMENTARY FEATURE CHURCH OF CINEMA: MAIN STAGE: COMPETITION / • Thu., July 28, 3pm / Actors - Strip It Down • Sat., July 30, 3pm / 3D - The Future Of INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM Storytelling? • Thu., July 28, 5pm / Documentary - Art and COMPETITION Science of Empathy AMPITHEATRE AT RIBBIT: • Fri., July 29, 1pm / Transformat Media An eclectic line-up of feature documentaries • Thu., July 28, 3pm / Elders - The Wisdom Of • Fri., July 29, 3pm / Writers - Getting To Storytelling and International shorts will be competing The Core • Fri., July 29, 12pm / Lighting The for THE COVETED COYOTE AWARD. • Fri., July 29, 5pm / Neuroscience Future - Emerging Cinematographers Of Directing - Do Directors Really • Fri., July 29, 3pm / Comedy - Control TheResponse To a Film? What’s So Funny? • Sat., July 30, 3pm / OPENING NIGHT FILM • Sat., July 30, 2:30pm / Music - From Production To Distribution – Score This! PRESENTED BY KPFK So It’s In The Can, Now What? • Sat., July 30, 4:30pm / • Sun., July 31, 3pm / GATE- “THE HIGHEST PASS” Neurocinema - Perspectives On Global Alliance For A world premiere, THE HIGHEST PASS is The Science Behind Cinema Transformational Entertainment a documentary feature film about a young man who under the mentorship of his atypical yogi guru, Anand Mehrota, embarks on a motorcycle road trip adventure red-handed through the world’s most treacherous, RedHanded will be projecting films ranging from ambient, artistic, avant- highest motorable mountain roads. Is Truly Living Worth Dying For? Directed garde to experimental. Live Music. Custom Silkscreening, treasure hunts, and by Slamdance founder Jon Fitzgerald, written by Adam Schomer. many more interactive, collaborative, and creative happenings • Friday - Sunday / 6:00 Events, 8:30 Films, 9:30 Live Music
For information please email [email protected] or visit www.redhandedtopanga.com DAY 3D + CHURCH of CINEMA RealD, 3ality, > MAIN STAGE Paradise FX & Christie Thursday, July 28 Friday, July 29 Saturday, July 30 Digital present exciting STREET DANCE 3D • 11:00: Wake Up • 1:00: Transformat Media/ • 10:00: Oh My God Salon Discussion 3D showcases, including US PREMIERE 3D FEATURE • 1:00: Dreaming Heaven • 12:00: The Power And Passion • 3:00: Getting To The Core/ To Create/Workshop excerpts from U2 and • 3:00: Actors/Salon Discussion Salon Discussion • 2:30: Music/Salon Discussion Black Eyed Peas plus • 5:00: Documentary/ • 5:00: Neuroscience of Directing/ • Sat., July 30, 3pm / Salon Discussion • 4:30: Neurocinema/ award winning short films. Salon Discussion 3D - The Future of Storytelling? Salon Discussion
RIBBIT TREE AND PLANT
DOJO AMPITHEATRE LIVE LOCAL MUSIC The serene and intimate ambiance of the Dojo A newly created 150 seat open air ampitheater Accoustic, local performers entertain at the is the ideal environment for focused workshops under the oaks will host some of our Salon Ribbit Tree bar. Meet here and recharge. Discussions Produced by John & Jewels Nation Thursday, July 28 Thursday, July 28 Thursday, July 28 • 12:30: G. Charles / Workshop • 3:00: Elders / Salon Discussion 12:00: Bandname / 2:00: Bandname 4:00: Annemarie Solo / 6:00: Curly Karen Friday, July 29 Friday, July 29 • 12:00: Unlocking Your Story / Workshop • 12:00: Emerging Cinematographers / Friday, July 29 Salon Discussion 12:00: Joee Corso / 2:00: City Fritter Saturday, July 30 4:00: Preston Smith / 6:00: Susan James • 10:00: Andrea Morris / Workshop • 3:00: Comedy / Salon Discussion • 12:00: Stuart Valkow / Salon Discussion Saturday, July 30 • 3:00: No Subtitles Necessary / Saturday, July 30 11:00: Bryan Titus / 12:00: Honeyheart Cinematography / Workshop • 3:00: Production/Distribution/ Salon Discussion 1:00: Tess & Maya / 2:00: Christopher Hawley Sunday, July 31 3:00: City Fritter / 4:00: The Blue Dolphins Sunday, July 31 • 10:00: Sound Design for Writers & Directors • 12:00: GATE / Salon Discussion Sunday, July 31 • 3:00: GATE / Workshop 1:00: TBD / 2:00: Philip Boone 3:00: TBD / 4:00: I-Star
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 19 2011 TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL / JULY 28 - 31
Time Main Stage / Church Of Cinema / El Coyote / Dojo / Ampitheater / Jalan Jalan Main Stage / Church Of Cinema / El Coyote / Dojo / Ampitheater / Jalan Jalan Time
10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:30 Andrea Morris 10:30 Oh My God (Workshop) 11:00 11:00 $10 11:00 3D Showcase Free 11:00 11:00 11:30 (Short Showcase) 11:30 Family Of Wa’a Wake Up 12:00 Free 12:00 12:00 Free $15 12:00 12:30 The Power and 12:30 12:30 12:00 Stuart Valkow Passion to Create Cine Institute Haiti 1:00 G Charles (Salon Discussion) 1:00 (Workshop) Free 1:30 1:00 (Workshop) 1:30 $20 $10 1:30 Dreaming Free Street Dance 3D 2:00 1:30 2:00 2:00 The Road To Nkunda $15 (US Premiere) Aparajita / Free 2:30 $15 (presented by Arati Misro) 2:30 $10 2:30 3:00 3:00 Music 3:00 3:00 3:00 3:00 3D Future Of 3:00 3:00 (Salon Discussion) Production / 3:30 Actors Elders Storytelling / $20 Chaplin Showcase No Subtitles Necessary 3:30 (Salon Discussion) $20 Distribution 4:00 (Salon Discussion) (Salon Discussion) (Short Showcase) (Workshop) (Salon Discussion) 4:00 JULY 28 JULY 4:00 $20 $20 4:30 $10 Free $20 30 JULY 4:30 4:30 4:30 The First Movie 3D Showcase 5:00 5:00 $10 (Short Showcase) Neurocinema 5:30 5:00 ------Pass 3D Day ------$25 for Free (Salon Discussion) 5:00 5:30 Documentary $20 The Canoe Way 6:00 $20 $10 6:00 6:00 6:30 Nic Harcourt 6:30 Presents 7:00 Pre-Screening Party 7:00 7:30 Live Performance by 7:30 SATURDAY / SATURDAY THURSDAY / THURSDAY 8:00 7:30 Blessed Le Strange 8:00 The Highest Pass 8:30 8:30 $15 8:30 9:00 International 9:00 9:30 Shortfilm 9:30 Competition 10:00 10:00 $20 10:30 10:30 9:30 11:00 11:00 Opening Night 11:30 Party 11:30 12:00 12:00 12:30 12:30
Time Main Stage / Church Of Cinema / El Coyote / Dojo / Ampitheater / Main Stage / / El Coyote / Dojo / Ampitheater / Time
10:00 10:00 10:30 10:00 10:30 Happy 11:00 $15 11:00 11:30 11:00 11:30 Bag It 12:00 12:00 12:00 $10 12:00 12:00 Emerging 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:30 Mikis Theodorakis, 12:30 Unlocking Your Story Cinematographer ReGeneration Sound Design For GATE 1:00 Composer (Workshop) Actors & Directors 1:00 1:00 (Salon Discussion) $15 (Salon Discussion) $10 $20 1:30 Transformat Media $10 (Workshop) $20 1:30 1:30 Free (Salon Discussion) 2:00 Community Voices 2:00 $20 2:30 (Short Showcase) 2:30 2:30 $10 Youth Salon 3:00 3:00 3:00 3:00 (Short Showcase) 3:00 3:00 3:30 Getting To The Core Comedy $10 Kids Free GATE 3:30 3:30 Under The Covers 4:00 (Salon Discussion) (Salon Discussion) (Workshop) Short Films $10 4:00 $20 $20 $10 4:30 (Short Showcase) 4:30 JULY 31 JULY
JULY 29 JULY Free 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:30 Neuroscience Awards Ceremony 5:30 of Directing American Renegade 5:30 Free 6:00 (Salon Discussion) $10 6:00 My Playground 6:30 $20 6:30 $15 6:30 7:00 Closing Night Film 7:00
FRIDAY / FRIDAY (Secret Cinema Preview) 7:30 7:30 / SUNDAY 7:30 $15
8:00 TOPANGAFILMFESTIVAL.COM Dance Film Showcase BUY YOUR 8:00 8:30 (Short Showcase) Froggy’s 8:30 $15 9:00 Abuelita’s 9:00 Closing Night 9:30 Party 9:30 10:00 $15 10:00 10:30 Filmmaker 10:30 Party Abuelita’s 11:00 11:00 Live Music 11:30 Closing Night 11:30 12:00 Party 12:00 TICKETS NOW TICKETS 12:30 12:30
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 20 Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 21 FESTIVAL LOCATIONS
All Event Parking P At MAIN STAGE / Topanga Elementary School
OPENING NIGHT CLOSING NIGHT Presented by KPFK AWARD SHOW FILM: “THE HIGHEST PASS” Sunday evening Filmmakers gather at the main stage in great an- ticipation as the jury hands out the COVETED COYOTE AWARD This documentary us takes on a along with the $60,000 Panavision Rental Package. Awards will motorcycle journey through the Himalayas be handed out in two categories. Best Director, International of India over the highest motorable road Short Films and Best Documentary Feature. The jury also awards in the world, and follows a dare devil yogi leading seven Americans to make one Diamond in the Rough Certificate. decisions about life and death while traversing steep, icy cliffs and the chaos of India’s “road killer” traffic. Carrying a CLOSING NIGHT MOVIE prophecy of death in his late twenties, their Yogi leader Anand inspires us to question what it means to truly live and SECRET CINEMA PREVIEW- NO PRESS pushes them to the limits of his teachings: “Only the one who dies, truly lives”. “Very moving...great characters and good • Thu., July 28, 7:30pm / Main Stage story-telling...great work.” - John Sayles,
A powerful, engaging and enlightening film. Lynne Littman, Director OPENING NIGHT PARTY • Sun., July 31, 6:30pm / Main Stage AT JALAN JALAN IMPORTS
Our Opening Night Party - Thursday July 28th. Celebrate against the backdrop of a CLOSING NIGHT PARTY stunning waterfall - Bar & Food, Deserts, Performances. AT FROGGY’S & ABUELITAS Topanga knows how to throw a party. In this DJ MAC Quayle. case two. Froggy will start the closing night fes- tivities in style and then we roll over to Abby’s to round it all out and start dreaming again. • Thu., July 28, 10:00pm /Jalan Jalan
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 22 TOPANGA FILM FESTIVAL / SCHEDULE
FESTIVAL LOCATIONS WORKSHOPS / RIBBIT TREE - DOJO ON CAMERA NO SUBTITLES NECESSARY – AUDITION WORKSHOP WITH CASTING DIRECTOR ANDREA MORRIS CINEMATOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Sat., July 30, 10am / Ribbit Tree - Dojo Fri., July 29, 12pm / Ribbit Tree - Dojo Andrea Morris’ on-camera class focuses on the science of actor physiol- Cinematographer James Chressanthis, ASC is a 3-time Emmy nominee. ogy in relation to the camera’s unique perspective. The camera has a com- He also shot critical additional 1st Unit photography on the Oscar®- pletely divergent perspective from that of the naked eye, so film and TV winning Chicago. He has traveled the world giving cinematography actors must train according to what the camera sees. Certain faces are master classes along with his film No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & more appealing to the camera’s perspective, but a photogenic face Vilmos (which opened last year’s festival). Using film clips and stills he can be acquired by unlearning certain neuromuscular habits and con- unlocks the language of images: using pre-visualization, composition ditioning new ones, according to what the camera ‘prefers’. A unique, and lighting to tell visual cinematic stories. scientific approach to acting in film and television. http://www.chressanthis.com http://www.laszloandvilmos.com See more at TheFilmandTVActor.com
BOOK THAT PART!!! The Power and Passion to Create AUDITION WORKSHOP WITH CASTING DIRECTOR G. CHARLES WRIGHT Sat., July 30, 12 noon / Church Of cinema Thu., July 28, 12:30Pm / Ribbit Tree - Dojo Norman Seeff was born in South Africa and moved to the U.S in 1969 after an early career as a doctor in emergency medicine, specializing G was behind the brilliance for casting for That 70’s Show, and a and bunch in the management of traumatic shock. Beginning a new career as a of other great shows and movies and is currently the main casting director photographer and album cover designer in New York, he relocated to Los for The Middle. His workshops are unique. He gives actors current sides of Angles in 1972 as creative director of United Artists and 2 years later opened shows casting now, some time to look them over, then they will come in an independent studio on the Sunset strip. In the process of evolving his and “audition” for him. Not on camera. He does one-liners, which a lot of own creative process and using his interaction with artists to explore actors have to learn how to deliver well for co-star roles and the like. Then creativity in action from the inside out, Seeff began filming his sessions in he does some longer pieces as well. He is fun and absolutely loves working 1975. Shifting his focus to film making, Seeff has to date documented over with actors! 400 sessions with musicians, film directors, writers, actors, comedians, athletes, entrepreneurs, aerospace engineers and scientists and the process continues.
UNLOCKING YOUR STORY – WRITER’S WORKSHOP MARKETING YOUR TRANSFORMATIONAL FILM
Fri., July 29, 12pm / Ribbit Tree - Dojo Sun., July 31, 3pm / Ribbit Tree - Dojo This workshop is designed to explore the life experiences that have shaped Based on our 20 years’-plus experience in marketing films, and defined you. Through a wide variety of creative exercises and practi- these are the marketing roles and functions you should be cal techniques, you’ll find the *spark* to unleash the stories that reflect aware of and consider in the context of marketing your film. the uniqueness of your personal journey, and the opportunity to open up We want you to have the big picture in mind. There will be to your deepest, authentic self. Instructor Karin Gutman has been work- overlap in some of these roles. Some may not be necessary ing closely with writers for over 10 years helping them to write their life- for your film. In some cases, one person may perform multiple roles, depending on the size of based stories. Karin also teaches at UCLA Extension Writer’s Program and your team and budget. The primary issue is to be aware that all of these are areas crucial for coaches writers privately. your consideration, and how you fulfill these functions will determine to a great extent how successful your film will be. These are simply starting points for a much deeper and broader conversation. What you’re looking at is the basic overview. When we begin working with a new client, our first step is to have an in-depth planning session where we explore issues critical to the success of your film. Prior to beginning our work together, we have to get aligned as to which of these functions are appropriate for your film, and which we will perform.
SECRET CINEMA PREVIEW- NO PRESS
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 23 DESIGN, SALES & INSTALLATION EXCLUSIVE HOME THEATER & AUDIO SOLUTIONS
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 24 Proud Sponsor of The Topanga Film Festival
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 25 stellartois.com Always Enjoy Responsibly.
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 26 TOPANGA LUMBER Proud Sponsor Of The 2011 Topanga Film Festival (310) 455-2047 topangalumber.com
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 27 Supporter of the Seventh Annual Topanga Film Festival 310.751.8656 | www.topangafilms.com
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 28 • Actors • Directors • Musicians • Neuroscientists
What do they have in common? Some are MAMA’S BOYS
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Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 29 SEE YOU AT THE TOPANGA
FILM FESTIVAL
THE CREW:
Director, Co-founder / Urs Baur Nicole Einhorn / Jury Liaison Live Stream Coordinator / Ranjit Sivaprakasam Co-founder / Sara Baur-Harding Production Designer / Bernt Capra Live Stream Producer / Milena Merrill Executive Producer / Carey Campbell Graphic Design / Alice Flanjak Transport Coordinator / Brooks Ellis Director of Programming / Thom Jordan Product Design / Cat Kapteyn Jalan Jalan Producer / Darren Frank Director of Communications / LG Taylor DP / Joost van Starrenberg Main Stage Producer / Heather Bryant Public Relations / Lon Haber Music Supervisor / Wendy Smith Main Stage Producer / Chip Kurzenhauser The Hair / Ali Murtaza Lighting Consultant / Antonio Soriano Church of Cinema Producer / Rilondra Appling Filmmaker Liaison / Devon Baur Volunteer Coordinator / Jewels Nation Ribbit Tree Producer / Lewis Blanchard Guest Ambassador/ Stephanie Savoir Box Office Coordinator / Michele Harper El Coyote Producer / Miranda Robin Guest Ambassador/ Hayley Schore Business Manager / Pam Nears And A 1000 Thanks To Our Many Volunteers. Technical Director / William Preston Bowling Associate Producer / CJ Beaman Viva Il Cinema! Technical Consultant / Neil Shaw Technical Coordinator / Victor Panov Web Developer / Rain Lee Mobile App Developer / Raja Dash Kumar
Messenger, July 28, 2011, Page 30