--US Premiere of George A. Romero’s Survival of the Dead
--The 1st Annual Michigan Film Awards Held Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at the Deroy Audotrium on Wayne State Campus
--Special Appearance by Troma CEO/Filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman Q and A with filmmaker following screen of Poultrygesit
--Officially Rejected: A screening to the hit documentary Official Rejection including a filmmaker panel on the strategies, pitfalls, and politics of film festivals hosted by Mitten Movie Curator Connie Manglin.
-- Detroit Film Think Tank Panel – A one hour program that will include a dynamic panel of experienced filmmakers, representatives of the Michigan Film Office that will present an overview in how independent Michigan filmmakers can produce a feature in Michigan.
--2010 Michigan Film Award Nominated Features screening each day at Burton Theatre
--Great programs of Shorts, Animated Shorts, and Documentaries.
DIFF Headline Events
Wednesday March 3rd, 2010
5:30 P.M.
The Stevie Wonder Show (2009, USA Mike Pasley)
The Stevie Wonder Show is a dark comedy about Stevie, a lonely, strange, and quiet middle manager. To his employees he's spineless but in his apartment he's the star of the craziest, most off-the-wall TV show imaginable. Stevie keeps his show all to himself, but when the office show-boat, King, finds out about Stevie's show, he sees it as a chance to re-establish himself as the center of attention with his friends. King convinces Stevie to put his show on at a local bar in hopes that Stevie's bizarre antics will put attention on himself.
Running Time 105 Mins
**2010 Michigan Film Award Nominee** Best Feature and Best Director-Mike Pasley
8:00 p.m.
Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2007, USA, Lloyd Kaufman)
**Director Lloyd Kaufman in attendance**
** Q and A upon screening **
Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead is cinema’s first chicken-zombie horror-comedy… with musical numbers! When well-meaning but somewhat dim Arbie (Jason Yachanin) returns to the spot of his first (and only) romantic encounter with his high school sweetheart– the not-so-romantic Ancient Tromahawk Tribe Indian Burial Ground– he is shocked to discover two horrible realities:
Not only has the graveyard been bulldozed to make room for the newest fast-food “American Chicken Bunker” chain restaurant, but after only one semester at college, his girlfriend Wendy (Kate Graham) has been transformed into a left-wing, lipstick-lesbian liberal, and spends her free time protesting the corporate takeover of America.
Running Time 99 Mins
10:15 P.M.
A Tribute Lloyd Kaufman --A Block of audacious, shocking, and uncompromising films in the vein of Troma entertainment.
Leftovers (2009, USA , Lucas Ostrowski)
Alex and Anna are college sweethearts; Alex is going to meet Anna's family over the Christmas holiday for the first time. He is an obvious outsider to the family and they make sure his stay is rather uncomfortable. He tries his best to fit in until he discovers Anna's family's horrible secret tradition. 'Leftovers' is a satirical look at 'Christmas traditions' and gives new meaning to the holiday feast.
Running Time 14 Mins
You Can’t Rent Here Anymore (2009, USA, Ryan Meade)
Thomas Video & DVD, in conjunction with Brainwater Enterprises, LLC, is proud to announce the release of local cult-movie director Ryan Meade’s third feature-length movie, You Can’t Rent Here Anymore! A rude "Clerks"-like black comedy that turns into a horror film when a customer accidently returns a snuff tape he's made and then comes back to reclaim his property. On the way there's plenty of interaction between the pot-smoking staff and idiosyncratic customers. Running Time 74 Mins
Zom-B-Gone (2009, USA,Daren McNay)
When the walking dead infest your home, zOm-B-gOn is only a phone call away.
Running Time 12 Mins
Mother Funkers Fried Chicken (2010, USA , Electric Otto)
Running Time 2 Mins
Fishin in Da Toilet (2010, USA, Electric Otto)
Running Time 1 Mins
Rosie Girl (2009, USA, Don Swanson)
A stranger stole Rosie's mother away as she was telling her about her special gift. Now Rosie has found them, and witnessing her mother's brutal murder is about to awaken the hidden power of an innocent girl.
Running Time 10 Mins
Thursday March 4th
3:30 p.m. 2 for 1 , Two Features for the Price of One!
Eddies : The Documentary (2009, Canada, Michael Peterson)
The Big Rock Eddies: A documentary that goes behind-the-scenes of this amateur Canadian beer commercial competition, which is now in its 16th year and going strong. This comedic character study follows six groups of producers on their quest to create a television commercial that will appeal not only to Big Rock but to their select panel of judges.
Running Time 61 Mins
Street Boss (2009, USA, Lance Kawas)
Based on a true story from the book "With Honor and Purpose" by FBI agent Phil Kerby, "Street Boss" follows Phil Kerby on his quest to bring down one of Detroit's most notorious mobsters, Tony Jack.
Running Time 94 Mins
2010 Michigan Film Award Nominee * Best Feature & Best Director-Lance Kawas *
7:00 P.M.
The Woman from Sarajevo (2008, Israel, Ella Alterman)
Sara Pizatnich, the protagonist of the film, travels with her daughter Stella back to their home town, Sarajevo. Zineba Hardaga, Sara's mother, was the first Muslim woman to be honoured as a "Righteous among the Nations". Zineba's family hid the Jewish Kabilio family during World War II, thus saving them from certain death. Fifty years later, the roles have reversed and the Kabilio family rescues the Hardaga family from the inferno of Sarajevo. Zineba chooses to move to Israel with her family. Sara, her husband Moshe and daughter Stella convert to Judaism. Today, Sara works in "Yad Vashem," the Jewish Holocaust Museum. Stella served as an officer in the Israeli Air Force. The film traces the journey back to Sarajevo, where Sara meets her divided family: her Muslim sister Zerpa, who lives in Sarajevo, and her Christian brother Salco, who lives in Mexico. Together, they attempt to comprehend the transformation from being saviours to becoming survivors.
9:30 p.m. Short Program 1
Steeples (2010, Canada, Bryan Papciak) Running Time 3 Mins
Breathing Room (2009, USA, Deanna Morse) Running Time 4 Mins
Examining nature through the lens of time. Light sweeps languidly across the tiles in a room. Outside the flowers erupt in a riot of color
Danyelle (2009, USA, Mike Madigan) Running Time 4 Mins
A woman's thoughts on how to deal with a personal issue in her life evolves over the course of a day.
The Secret Lives of Robots (2009, Canada, Michael Peterson)
Rose and Michael meet for a blind date and while they don't hit it off their robots definitely make a connection that could have disastrous consequences for all of humanity
Running Time 7 Mins
A Fool’s Paradise (2009, USA, Patrick Griffen)
So immersed in his cinematic fantasies, Joe is incapable of fulfilling the needs of Sarah, his girlfriend, in order to maintain a successful relationship ultimately forcing him to rely on his imagination while attempting to save their future. Running Time 13 Mins
Another Day, Another Dime (2009, USA, Kathy Kolla)
Jonathan Coolidge, a young lawyer, and his wife, Candi, are struggling to get by. Jonathan's health is in danger due to constant stress. After many failed attempts to get through to him, Candi decides to seek professional advice. Unfortunately, she looks to a motivational speaker who steers her in the wrong direction. After taking his metaphorical catch-phrases to heart, she literally acts them out, causing catastrophic consequences.
Running Time 13 Mins
Sunrise/Sunset (2009, Saudi Arabia/, Mohammad Al-Dhari)
An ordinary day in a street kid's life that examines family, society and security. Running Time 15 Mins
Chase and Mello (2009, USA, Ryan Myers)
Two socially awkward teenage artists create a fantasy world of music and dance amongst the urban ruins of inner-city Detroit.
Running Time 20 Mins
Lifelines (2009, USA, James Evans)
A man, a woman and a bottle of tequila walk into an office party. She ends up
pregnant. He ends up in a coma. "Life Lines," like life, is a comedy surrounded
by tragedy--with Thomas Piper (Denis Leary's "Merry F#%$in' Christmas"), Tate Evans ("Senor Nugget") and Jason Kravits ("The Practice"). Running Time 20 Mins
**Q and A with filmmakers upon screening**
Friday March 5th @ the Burton Theatre
4:00 p.m.
Glenn, Joe, and Julia (2010, USA, Tyler Rubenfeld)
A surrealist’s answer to the recent mumble core craze that has swept independent cinema. The title characters are three blissfully ignorant twenty-something’s thrust into an overly tangential and cybernetic existence. At the center, an infidelity that may or may not be purely circumstantial.
**World Premiere**
Road of Darkness (2009, USA, Brian Kilby)
A young women’s depression starts to lead her further away from her father after her mother dies and her judgment becomes clouded. On a bright and sunny day Saradecides to leave her family problems behind by going on a picnic with her boyfriend Charlie. But, an unexpected stranger streers her off course and towards the Road of Darkness.
Running Time 17 Mins
Sleepful Painless(2008, USA, Bryan D. Hopkins) Running Time 14 Mins
Suffering emotionally from the loss of his wife, within the context of a troubled childhood, a husband dies in his sleep of self-inflicted wounds. This is a story of loss, pain and salvation.
The End (2009, USA, Aaron E. Dimmick)
Jimmy Dyer takes over the job of manager of Detroit’s dilapidated Senate Theater, only to discover that when the curtain closes, and house lights go up, the real drama has just begun. Running Time 28 Mins
Hell bent and Broken (2009, USA, Heather Kolf)
A closed-off man with a heart of stone who has spent his life avoiding his painful childhood is forced to confront the past when a visit from his brother reopens old wounds. Running Time 13 Mins
1 PM Academic B Program @ Wayne State Deroy Auditorium
Forth William or Listen Bison (2009, USA , Wadi’h Day & Stephen Day )
Unable to deal with the absence of the enigmatic Frankie Zappurro, two laconic friends, Charles and Vahid, engage in symbiotic apathy and procrastination. When a domestic dispute leads to Vahid’s existential crisis, Charles must act like he cares in order to save not only a friendship, but a life.
Running Time 17 Mins
**Nominated Best Academic Short – 2010 Michigan Film Awards
Slippery People (2010, USA, Marija Makeska) Running Time 27 Mins
Short narrative about a married couple living in a beautiful and rich house. One day the husband Phillip comes and tells his wife that an anonymous college guest is coming to celebrate 4th of July with them. She goes out with her best friend Susan and spends three thousand dollars for His arrival. However, at the day of the guest's arrival Lindsay finds out that it's a SHE, and She's a Romanian with an awful accent, arriving to uncover the Lindsay's dark secrets. ...and you can edit them if you need to do so.
Avabot (2009, USA, Jamie Surgener)
A science fiction student film about an astronaut and his robot who run into
trouble while discovering a 300 year old shipwreck in space..
Running Time 10 Mins
Nominated ** Best Academic Short , Best Editing 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
1 New Message (2009, USA, Julie Dugger)
In a moment of life or death, Richard attempts to reconcile with his family
before it's to late.
Running Time 13 Mins
**Nominated Best Academic Short, Best Screenplay-Alexander Slain
2010 Michigan Film Awards**
Soulmates (2009, USA, Romania, Marija Makeska) Running Time 30 Mins
“Soul Mates” is a documentary/narrative film about two young girls, Elena and Anna, whose friendship stands the test of time in the midst of war, hate, cultural and religious differences. It is set during World War II in the Macedonia’s capital Skopje, when Yugoslavia falls under the Fascist regime, and Eastern Macedonia is occupied by the Bulgarian Nazis.
**Nominated Best Academic Short- 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
**Q and A with filmmakers after screening**
Golden Harvest: North Lansing vs. the World (2009, USA, Peter Johnston)
A look inside the North Lansing diner, Golden Harvest, one of North Lansing’s best-kept secrets. Running Time 7 Mins
Charles McGee: Nature (2009, USA, Charles McGee)
An artistic documentary about legendary Detroit artist Charles McGee.
Running Time 5 Mins
Mining Madness, Water Wars (2009, USA, d. Angela Nebel)
Award documentary that lays bare a controversial proposal to blast a mine beneath a blue ribbon trout stream in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Running Time 33 Mins
SELLING OUR PRESIDENT: A BARACKUMENTARY (2009, USA, Andy Kozlowski, Lauren Kearns, Justin Orr and Katelyn Patterson)
Short documentary focusing on the campaign marketing of President Barack Obama, and the attraction and almost idol-worship the younger generation has with our current president. Featuring Dr. David Nichols, philosophy professor at Michigan State University; Mark Brewer, Chair, Michigan Democratic Party; Orabee Fuller, local shop owner, and the students of MSU.
Running Time 9 Mins
A City to Yourself (2009, USA, Nicole MacDonald)
In 1950, when Detroit was the auto production capital of the world, there were 1,849,568 peoplein the city. Today there are half that many remaining. Everyone's heard of the crumbling infrastructure that follows a shrinking, post-industrial city like Detroit. But what about the increase in space for outdoor art, less traffic, little gridlock, the return of urban wildlife and green space, and some of the pluses of having a city to yourself? Running Time 20 Mins
**Nominated Best Short Documentary : 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
Dealbreaker (2009, USA, Mike Madigan & Matthew Peach)
Can zombies be intimidated by a martial arts master? Should a pack-a-day smoker even try to run from the tireless undead? Is an insatiable hunger for human brains a relationship dealbreaker? When Mandy and Jesse take refuge from a tornado, these are just a few of the questions they try to answer. Running Time 9 Mins
*Nominated Best Screenplay-2010 Michigan Film Awards*
Retreat (2009, USA, Robert Joseph Butler)
Dateless to her a senior prom, a young woman gravitates to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to the monumental Picture Rocks National Park where she gets in touch with her mind and spirit.
Running Time 11 Mins
*Nominated Best Supporting Actress-Vikki Gasko / Best Original Score 2010 Michigan Film Awards*
Nikki and Eli (2009, USA, Rob Gulley)
Eli is the office nerd, he pines for Nikki, the pretty receptionist. He tries to gather up the courage to ask her out, while still wanting to play by the rules. A relationship-comedy. Running Time 22 Mins
Nominated**Best Actress-Grace Anne Rowan, Best Screenplay-Rob Gulley 2010 Michigan Film Awards
3:00 PM @ Deroy Auditorium Wayne State Michigan Film Awards Nominated Shorts Program 1
The Guest Room (2009, USA , Louis Kerman)
May sees a mysterious little girl in the guest room of her home. Her husband, Dan, wants to move forward in their marriage. But ghosts from their past refuse to let them go — until they’re both forced to confront their feelings over what happened.
Running Time 10 Mins
Nominee*Best Actress-Mary Gibbs 2010 Michigan Film Awards
Ever Happened (2009, USA, Michael F. Cody)
A dedicated husband cares for his sick wife with a daily routine of bearing tea and toast. While nursing her back to health, terrible memories creep into his delusion and break his monotony.
Running Time 22 Mins
*Nominee Best Editing-Michael F. Cody 2010 Michigan Film Awards*
First Day (2009, USA, Chirs Lepley) 25 Mins
Will Jonah survive his first day at a new job? Has working from home prepared him for the surreality of the modern office? With a little help from plucky Human Resources Associate Stephanie, and coworkers Bob and Zach, he just might make it, if the Accounting Department doesn't have its way.
Running Time 24 Mins
Nominee*Best Actor-Jonny Victor Best Supporting Actress-Grace Anne Rowan, Best Supporting Actor-Vincent Rasnick 2010 Michigan Film Awards
3:00 PM Filmmaking Forum with Michelle Watson –Detroit Film Think Tank @ Burton Theatre
Credits (2009, USA, Hugh Schulze)
A man, a woman, and a movie theater -- a tale of love and grace.
Running Time 6 Mins
**Q and A with filmmakers after screening**
5:00 PM Deroy Auditorium 2010 Michigan Film Awards Nominated Shorts
Draggers and Rip Spots (2009, USA, Katie Barkel) 9 Mins
“Draggers & Rip Spots” shows moments in the distant, yet interconnected lives of three protagonists in the post-industrial landscape of the Midwest.
**Nominated Best Cinematography-David Hashim-2010 Michigan Film Awards
Two ex best friends run into each other on a NYC street on the day one is about to get married.
Running Time 10 Mins
Know De Tales (2009, USA, Ka’Ramou Kush)
A paraplegic woman gambles on a chance at unconventional love when she consents to a blind date with her online suitor, "Dark Gable".
Running Time 15 Mins
Shadow Puppet (2010, USA, Michael McCallum & Brennan Wickerham)
Running Time 7 Mins
A couple is on the run from a killer. Money is missing and only they know where it is. Will they get to it before the hired gun gets to them?
**World Premiere**
The Tank (2010, USA, Joe Johnston)
The Wayne County Detroit Jail is brought to life as five prisoners' lives collide while awaiting arraignment on the hottest day of the summer. In the holding cell known as "the tank," these men fight their way to redemption and justice. Filmed on location, the cast and crew are made up of real ex-convicts, gang members, law enforcement personnel and everyday citizens.
Running Time 28 Mins
**World Premiere**
Sodom by the Sea (2009, USA, John Salvatore)
"Sodom by the Sea" is the story of Billy Giuscardo, 60's, a Coney Island old timer, thinking about selling his historic carousel ride as redevelopment hits the world famous amusement area. He's down on his luck until meeting two young, flirtatious girls who suddenly befriend him. Do these two sexy sirens have ulterior motives? Running Time 19 Mins
Playback (2009, USA, Ae Griffin)
Riding the razor's edge between salvation and damnation, a troubled woman must choose between her last shred of humanity, her last moment of sanity, or something far more costly than the loss of either. Running Time 7 Mins
**Nominated Best Actress-Grace Anne Rowan-2010 Michigan Film Awards**
Crawl Space (2009, USA, Ryan Wehner)
A bewildered man experiences violent blackouts that leave him seeking the truth of his sub-conscience. Running Time 13 Mins
The Hill (2009, USA, Kellin Johnson)
The Allies have already taking the beach, now it is up to the blood sweat and tears, of the civilian soldier to help liberate France and the rest of Europe from Nazi Fascism. American units are looking to break out of the Hedgerow country, something that must be accomplished to establish a firm headquarters off of the beachhead. Running Time 32 Mins
**Nominated Best Editing Kellin Johnson Johnson, Best Score 2010 Michigan Film Awards
The Point (2009, USA, Chuck Grady)
A high school basketball player loses his mother to cancer, but finds compassion
and caring through in act of uncommon sportsmanship.
Running Time 22 Mins
**Nominated Best Director-Chuck Grady, Best Actor-Mark Wilson, Best
Supporting Actor Mike Gillespie, Best Score 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
6 PM
Tracy (2009, USA, Dan Scanlon) @ Burton Theatre
Tracy is a mockumentary about Tracy Knapp, host of the 1970's children's
show, "The Imagination Train Station". Thirty years after the show's
cancellation an ambitious filmmaker sets out to find the person responsible
for Tracy mysterious shooting. Through interviews with the people that knew him best the filmmaker is reminded of the controversy behind the
'educational' children's show. Running Time 75 Mins
**Nominated Best Feature, Best Director-Dan Scanlon 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
The Commandant (2009, USA, Stephen Pell)
Two Russian soldiers are trapped in Nazi occupied Poland with their wounded commanding officer during World War II
Running Time 12 Mins
Dog Gone (2009, USA, Paul Lenzi)
A comedy love triangle that results in jealousy, murder and regret involving a little girl, her pug dog and a toy stuffed dog.
Running Time 9 Mins
**Nominated Best Narrative Short, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress-Isabella Lenzi 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
**Nominated Best Narrative Short, Best Director-Kyle Dufendach 2010 Michigan Film Awards
Qing Lou Nu (2009, USA, Bryan D. Hopkins)
Walls collapse with tragic consequences when a Chinese prostitute hears the words, “I love you.” Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “Qing Lou Nu” is an edgy reinvention of the timeless classic that explores the collision of east and west.
Running Time 25 Mins
**7 Michigan Film Award Nominations including Best Narrative Short, Best Director Bryan D. Hopkins, Best Actress-Cindy Chu, Best Actor-Axel Harney, Best Cinematography-Mark C. Davis Jr. 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
Raised Alone (2009, USA, Sam Kadi)
Obsessive workaholic Murad Bandley prioritizes ensuring his family's financial security over raising his neglected son, Adam. Now an accomplished violinist, Adam Bandley performs his world-renown solo, bestowing upon us a glimpse at his childhood attempt at reconciliation.
Running Time 28 Mins
**7 Michigan Film Award Nominations including **Best Narrative Short** **Best Director Sam Kadi** **Best Actor-Alex Safi** **Best Supporting Actress-Vikki Gasko** **Best Supporting Actor John Duffy Leo**
**Award Ceremony to Follow Immediately upon screening of nominated Shorts**
***After Party at Lefty’s Lounge immediately after Award Ceremony***
10:00 p.m.
Survival of the Dead (2010, USA/Canada, George A. Romero) @ Burton Theatre
On an island off the coast of North America, local residents simultaneously fight a zombie epidemic while hoping for a cure to return their un-dead relatives back to their human state. The latest Zombie film from legendary filmmaker George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead). Running Time 90 Mins
12 Midnight Screening
12:00 AM
Northville Cemetery Massacre (1976, USA, William Dear & Thomas L. Dyke)
The bikers are the heroes and the lawmen are the villains in this vintage action drama. The Spirits are a motorcycle club who ride the highways and country roads of Michigan; while they look rough, wear beat-up denim and favor Harley Davidsons, the Spirits are good guys at heart, more likely to help a stranger change a flat tire than rough him up. While riding one day, one of the Spirits picks up a young hitchhiker, Chris (David Hyry). Chris is a recently returned Vietnam veteran whose brother rode with the Spirits, and he becomes fast friends with the bikers when, after they're sent to jail for riding without helmets, he produces some marijuana to pass the time behind bars. Chris invites his girlfriend Lynn (Jan Sisk) to a wedding party being held for one of the Spirits, and she's eager to see him now that he's home.
Dark Heart (2009, USA, Robert Joseph Butler)
Loosely Based on the famous Edgar Allen Poe classic story of madness and murder A Tell Tale Heart, Dark Heart follows Daniel Saxon. An isolated writer who struggles with his industrial environment, writers block, and the unbearable sound of a heart beat. Running Time 16 Mins
**Nominated Best Cinematography-Robert Skates-2010 Michigan Film Awards**
Solitude (2009, USA, Robert Joseph Butler)
Two abstract dramas interwined in one short. The first involves a lonely woman, Marcia who is searching for a connection. Her isolation is elevated when she meets an offbeat slacker Barry. The second story explores the relationship between a beautiful women, Andie and Barry again. Both stories present a unique look at stardom, cinema, romance, broken dreams, and the film industry.
Running Time 19 Mins
**Nominated Best Actress-Aphrodite Nikolovski, Best Supporting Actress-Sarah Benedict, Best Supporting Actor-Jacob Hodgson, Best Cinematography 2010 Michigan Film Awards**
7:30 PM 2010 Michigan Film Awards “Best Short Nominations/Award Ceremony @ Deroy Auditorium 5203 Cass Ave, Detroit MI 48202
7:30 PM @ Burton Theatre
Mango Tango (2009, USA, Marianne Hettinger)
MANGO TANGO is a cutting edge romantic comedy by Marianne Hettinger who wrote, directed, produced and plays the starring role. It’s as independent as it gets. In MANGO TANGO, Marlene, a New York City dance teacher, is driven to therapy by the increasingly neurotic men she meets. A vacation in the German Alps turns out to be her biggest challenge yet…
Freezer Geezers (2009, Denn Petro and Denver Rochan)
Latest Documentary from Detroit filmmakers Denn Petro and Denver Rochan follows 83 year old coach Ray Tuller and his team - Millenium 75's - from Springfield, MA, as they challenge three other teams from around the world competing in the world's oldest age division, 75 and over, in the annual Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament created by beloved artist Charles Schulz in Santa Rosa, California. The story is sometimes hilarious and sentimental, but always inspiring.
Virgins of New York (2009, USA, Katina Sossiadis) 20 Mins
A Woman filmmaker, who lost her virginity at a late age, goes on a pursuit to find other women who have abstained from sex. In the pursuit she finds an interesting subject, Deb, a modern dancer who does not believe in the idea of marriage. She follows Deb for seven years documenting her life as a virgin.
The 8th Samurai (2009, USA, Justin Ambrosino) 28 Mins
It is the early 1950s and Japanese Cinema is reaching international acclaim. Nanshu, a poor man with a big heart, is struggling to break into the booming film business, but the only thing keeping him from success is his desire to be the best. After numerous failed attempts, he gets the chance of a lifetime. During an encounter with Japan most ambitious film director, he lands a lead role as one of the eight samurai that will save a village from group of bandits in a new epic film about to go into production
Tuesday March 2nd, 2010 –Opening Night
6:00PM - DIFF Experimental Film Showcase
Featuring the following works:
Untitled #2, Valerie Brewer (Chicago)
The Wherebeards, William Meese
Hello?, Bill Singer
Unicorn Video, Scrummage
Come Here, Scotty Wagner
1/1/88, David Allen
Launderman, Scott Cummings
Babies, Nate Faustyn & David Allen
7:30 p.m.
Babysitter Wanted (2009, USA, Jonas Barnes & Michael Manasseri)
Small-town college girl Angie (Sarah Thompson) is hired by Jim and Violet Stanton to babysit their son Sam. Aware of the recent reports of missing people, she believes someone is stalking her. On the way to the Stanton’s' farm, her car breaks down. She is given a lift by Rick (Matt Dallas), a mechanic, who promises to repair her car. At the farm, Jim (Bruce Thomas) and Violet (Kristen Dalton) tell Angie that Sam is asleep upstairs, leaving her instructions for the night. During the night, Angie receives several strange phone calls and hears noises outside. Frightened, Angie calls Rick and the Chief of Police. The police chief reassures Angie, telling her that he will stop by later in the night.
Running Time 83 Mins
Michigan’s Own Mike Manasseri will introduce the film and host a Q and A immediately
10:00 p.m.
Litterbug (2010, USA, Mikey Brown)
**World Premiere
Bug has been performing his original, electronic music and video art at dance clubs and parties for almost a decade. But don't call him a DJ. Feeling middle-age approaching he takes one last stab at taking his music career to the next level by signing with a new manager who has some unconventional ideas. Meanwhile the cynical and self-absorbed Bug feigns interest in the Green movement to win the love of Layla, an environmental activist who has become a fan of his music. Along the way he learns a lot about green living has some run-ins with the law and tries to finally decide what to do with his life.
Running Time 87 Mins
Q and A upon screening
Open Your Eyes (2009, USA, Susan Cohen) 13 Mins
Struggling to come to terms with her life and marriage after breast cancer, Julia gets more than she bargained for when she attends a bridal shower and finds herself locked in a bathroom with the frank-talking sister of the bride-to-be. OPEN YOUR EYES is a poignant and humorous look at our complex relationship with breasts, each other and what it really means to be whole.
Ruyah and Zahir (2009, USA, Nina Juliano) 12 Mins
The provocative story of an American waitress’ fascination with her neighbor, an Afghan housewife, and their uncanny connection.
Fresh Cut 20 Mins
A young skinhead girl, trying to impress an older skinhead, tries to take revenge against an abusive man from her past.
The Loneliness of the Short Order Cook (2009, USA/Poland, Marcel Sawicki) 22Mins
Living in East Los Angeles and working at a Japanese jazz bar, a young short-order cook faces deportation to Japan when his visa is denied. After what seems to be a connection with a Mexican Bakery worker turns into a misunderstanding, Shin experiences a side of Los Angeles invisible to his social circle of Japanese expats. Subdued and restrained, the film offers an unsentimental and personal portrait of living in between time zones and cultures in a city indicative of a world growing smaller.
4:30 PM Short Documentary Program
Snapshots of a Village (2009, Ireland, Philippa Connelly)
Running Time 13 Mins
Art at the Heart (2009, USA, Jaunita Anderson)
In 1965, a semi-cloistered nun, Sister Annette Zipple, decided to do something to bridge the seemingly insurmountable racial, cultural and economic divide in Detroit and its neighboring suburbs. She founded the Sacred Heart Enrichment Program (SHEP), which for four decades brought together middle school-aged girls from diverse backgrounds for a summer of self-discovery through the arts. Through the voices, images and insights of four generations of SHEP women and girls, ART AT THE HEART is an inspirational journey across the program's 40-year history. It explores the power of women from diverse cultural, economic and religious backgrounds working together, and the enduring role of the arts as a tool for self-empowerment. Running Time 40 Mins
Point of Entry 25 Mins (2009, USA/Mexico, Zues Quijano) 25 Mins
An intimate look at modern immigration this short documentary focuses on the bonds of family and how leaving your loved ones in search of a better life can have a major impact.
6:00 P.M The Twenty (2009, USA, Chopper Bernet)
Carty Fox has struggled with his drinking and the blackouts that attend it for as long as he can remember. But now, having jumped into the sober world one more time, he attempts to find a tiny handhold with which he can pull himself out of the gloom and into a more normal life. But what does that normal life look like? And how does he learn to live in it with his new son and discouraged wife? For Carty, the answer arrives in the form of a message written on a twenty-dollar bill. A message which, much to the chagrin of his family and friends, begins to intrigue him, to take hold of him, and finally drag him into an obsession. An obsession that leads him on a journey into a Lynchian landscape of shame, rage, and pain.
Running Time 91 Mins
10:00 p.m.
Short Program 3 @ Burton Theatre
4 Minutes of Fame (2009, Australia, Emily Owens)
If’s official, after numerous failed attempts to make it as an actress, this is Karla Tutt’s lucky break! Now that she’s ben promoted from kitchen hand to waitress, it’s only a matter of time before Baz Luhrmann waltzes in and casts her in the next big epic . Running Time 5 Mins
Credits (2009, USA, Hugh Schulze) 7 Mins
A man, a woman, and a movie theater -- a tale of love and grace.
8:00 P.M.
Is It Just Me? (2010, USA)
**Encore Showing**
Frustrated by his ongoing failure to meet Mr. Right, Blaine stumbles upon what might be his perfect match in an online chat room-Xander, a sweet, hunky guy who's recently moved to LA. Smitten, Blaine then finds that he's been chatting to Xander under his go-go dancer roommate's profile, setting in motion a convoluted comedy of errors with romance as the ultimate objective. Running Time 93 Mins
3:30 PM—Short Animated Program
Snowyville (2009, USA, Michael Atardi) 4 Mins
Voices by Tim Curry and Jim Belushi
Have you ever wondered what magical things could happen under your Christmas tree? In the miniature village of Snowyville. Sir Evil, a power-hungry knight charges in atop his dim-witted sidekick, The Dragosaures, only to find the village deserted.
Skylight (2009, USA, David Baas) 5 Mins
An animated mock documentary about the ecological plight of penguins in the Antarctic, possibly foretelling cacylsmic results for the fest of the world.
A Long Distance Call (2009, China, Joe Chang)
One summer day, an artist called Jiaija came to an antiquated village in a secluded mountainous area in Southern China. To her shock, the village was very aged with sparse population. All she could see were mostly the old people and the kids. Moreover, she had feelings that she was being tailed all the time. And her mobile phone became the focus too. Running Time 12 Mins
Cowboy Chicken (2009, USA, Stephen P. Neary) Running Time 6 Mins
Shelly the Chicken Cowboy wasn't looking for a fight, but he found one. Can he face his fears and stand up for himself?
The Strongest (2009, USA, Jaemin Lee) Running Time 4 Mins
A big gorilla battles a small monkey.
The Overcoat (2009, USA, Darya Zorino) Running Time 4 Mins
Animated American (2009, USA, James Baker & Joe Haider)
The future is about to collide with the past. Eric, a digital loving executive on a mansion hunting expedition finds himself crossing swords with his realtor, Max, an out of work toon rabbit. Like it or not, Max will make Eric see things through the eyes of an "Animated American."
Running Time 14 Mins
1:00 PM –Official Rejection (2009, USA, Scott Storm and Paul Osbourne)
A documentary following the exploits of a group of filmmakers as they take their independent feature, "Ten 'til Noon", along the film festival circuit, and the politics, pitfalls, triumphs and comic tragedies they encounter along the way. A must see for young filmmakers on the pitfalls of indie film. Featuring interviews by Kevin Smith, Lloyd Kaufman, Andy Dick, Bryan Singer, and Chris Gore.
**Filmmaker Panel upon screening**
**Essential attendance for all filmmakers**
Pigment (2009, USA, Kyle Dufendach)
Like every girl, Amanda wants a change. She seeks out an artist who magically transforms her appearance by simply painting over her image on paper. The possibilities of the artist seem limitless, but Amanda wrestles with who she is becoming and how far she must go to be truly happy.
Running Time 10 Mins
The Detroit Film Think Tank is honored to host a compelling afternoon of dialog for the Detroit Independent Film Festival. This two-part forum will take place at the Burton Theater, March 6, starting at 3:00pm. In the first half, we are excited to have representatives of the Michigan Film Office, Wayne County Film Initiative, and the Detroit Film Office. This panel will provide an overview of a) the functions of each agency, b) new projects coming to our region, and, c) opportunities/programs to promote independent filmmaking. The second half of the forum will include another dynamic panel of filmmakers, equally diverse in their experiences. This talented pool of artists will share with the audience the challenges/triumphs faced while developing their projects. Both sessions will prove to be constructive, enlightening, and inspirational. With this galvanizing line up, you won’t want to miss a single minute!
4 PM Short Program 2 @ Burton Theatre
1:05 PM Michigan Film Awards Documentary Program @ Burton Theatre
Speak (2009, USA, Nathan Kress)
A short documentary that asks everyday people one question. If you could say one thing to the world, what would you say?
Running Time 4 Mins
Viewfinder (2009, USA, Julie Dugger & Alexander Slain)
An inner city teen from a dysfunctional family must confront his own negligence towards his autistic half-brother when a moment in both their lives takes a turn for the worst.
Running Time 7 Mins
Alphonso Bow (2009, USA, Lije Sarki)
Imagine two unique fellows from different backgrounds; one an ex male-exotic-dancer trained in the martial arts who also lays countless brick and loose women; the other an older brick salesman who provides him with jobs and materials, as well as his daily obsessive debate regarding, among other things, the existence of life on other planets. Picture the two of them eating lunch together in a family restaurant, speaking entirely too loud on the topics of religion, sex, early child behavior, Samuel Beckett, Hitler, and a severely injured dog, and you get the idea that these two characters will surely tease ones palate. Running Time 74 Mins
Paroled after serving four years in prison for armed robbery, James Winton is coming home.He's uncertain of his future with his family. He's unable to resist his friend’s temptations and influences... And he's hounded by two police detectives determined to make him pay for his past. Running Time 110 Mins
**Nominated Best Feature/Best Director --2010 Michigan Film Awards
**Official Selection in over 10 Film Festivals!
8:00 p.m.
Is It Just Me? (2010, USA , J.C Calciano)
*Michigan Premiere*
Frustrated by his ongoing failure to meet Mr. Right, Blaine stumbles upon what might be his perfect match in an online chat room-Xander, a sweet, hunky guy who's recently moved to LA. Smitten, Blaine then finds that he's been chatting to Xander under his go-go dancer roommate's profile, setting in motion a convoluted comedy of errors with romance as the ultimate objective.
Running Time 93 Mins
Director J.C Calciano and actor Nicholas Downs in Attendance, Q and A with filmmaker.
10:00 p.m.
Survival of the Dead (2010, USA/Canada, George A. Romero)
On an island off the coast of North America, local residents simultaneously fight a zombie epidemic while hoping for a cure to return their un-dead relatives back to their human state. The latest Zombie film from legendary filmmaker George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead).
Running Time 90 Mins
12:00 PM
Northville Cemetery Massacre (1976, USA, William Dear & Thomas L. Dyke)
The bikers are the heroes and the lawmen are the villains in this vintage action drama. The Spirits are a motorcycle club who ride the highways and country roads of Michigan; while they look rough, wear beat-up denim and favor Harley Davidsons, the Spirits are good guys at heart, more likely to help a stranger change a flat tire than rough him up. While riding one day, one of the Spirits picks up a young hitchhiker, Chris (David Hyry). Chris is a recently returned Vietnam veteran whose brother rode with the Spirits, and he becomes fast friends with the bikers when, after they're sent to jail for riding without helmets, he produces some marijuana to pass the time behind bars. Chris invites his girlfriend Lynn (Jan Sisk) to a wedding party being held for one of the Spirits, and she's eager to see him now that he's home.
Saturday March 6th
10:30 AM Academic A Program @ Burton Theatre
The Next Step (2009, USA, Mike Allore)
A couple are on a date in a coffee shop. He wants to take the relationship to the next step. How will she respond? It's a typical scenario with an atypical response. Running Time 7 Mins
The Visitor (2009, USA, Nick Ferguson) Running Time 7 Mins
CNI Live (2009, USA, Shah Batroukh) Running Time 15 Mins
A news junky gets the interview of a lifetime, only to become a pawn within the largest news corporation on television.
