Philadelphia Film Society at Tribeca Film Fest

I sat down with PFS Executive Director, Andrew Greenblatt to get the scoop on what he liked at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and what Philly audiences might expect during the upcoming 20th Philadelphia Film Festival (Oct. 13-23, 2011).

My first thoughts when it comes to attending the more well known film festivals, is all about being a part of the gala celebrations, red carpets and rubbing elbows with the celebrities. Andrew intentionally avoids all that, he’s there to screen – saw 15 films in 5 days, and aims to see a minimum of 4 films a day at Cannes.

Therefore, he didn’t light “A Candle in the Wind” or hop and bop to the “Crocodile Rock” (Elton John concert at opening ceremony) but in terms of the line up of films, he felt it was “The best Tribeca in years!”

A Quiet Life: Director Claudio Cupellini (Italian, German with subtitles) – “A slow burn, but it works well.”

Point Blank : Director Fred Cavayé (French with English subtitles) – “A French action film, bought by Magnolia. I don’t want to say it was reminiscent of District B 13, but it’s in the same vein,  Point Blank has a more interesting plot, yet still action packed – great opening scene! It’s a cool movie”.

“Saint”

Saint: Director Dick Maas (Dutch with English subtitles) – ” IFC bought this film the day I saw it. A genre film re-imagining St. Nicolas as a demonic murderer.” First line of the synopsis seems to say it all – An original and delightfully gruesome slasher film.

The Assault : Director Julien Leclercq (French with English subtitles) – “The terrorist taking of a plane in Algiers that then landed in Marseilles, France. Narrative feature, could have been a little tighter, but overall good.”

Hideaways: Director Agnès Merlet (France, Ireland, Sweden, World Premiere) – “Kinda of like a fairytale, fable-y film, not unlike Lady in the Water.  I asked, “is that an endorsement?” Andrew replied,well, you’re talking to the guy who didn’t hate Lady in the Water, so take my opinion for what it’s worth.

Ozzy Osbourne

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne:  Director Mike Fleiss and Mike Piscitelli (USA) –  “That was a lot of fun! Depending on when it gets released, this would be a good music play for our festival.”

Klitschko: Director Sebastian Dehnhardt (World Premiere) – “Documentary about the two heavy-weight champions the Klitschko Bros.”  Andy was really excited about this movie, but I had no idea who he was talking about. I’m always so clueless when it comes to sports figures.

Angels Crest : Director Gaby Dellal (Canada,  U.K., World Premiere) and Detachment: Director: Tony Kaye (USA World Premiere) – “Were both really heavy and depressing, not bad, just tough.”

Catching Hell: Director Alex Gibney (USA)  – “Doc on Steve Bartman and sports fans in general. Really pleased with this one.”

The Guard:  Director John Michael McDonagh (Ireland, New York Premiere) – “Out of Sundance, an Irish detective comedy starring Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson, it’s funny and very well done. Sony Pictures Classic bought it.”

Will Ferrell in “Everything Must Go”

Everything Must Go:  Director Dan Rush (USA, New York Premiere) -“Which was the secret screening at our festival last fall. Will Ferrell introduced the movie at Tribeca, which will be out on May 13th”.

The films Andy wanted to see, but scheduling didn’t permit –  Like Water : Director Pablo Croce (USA,World Premiere) / The Good Doctor : Director Lance Daly (Kisses) (USA,World Premiere) / The Perfect Family: Director Anne Renton (USA, World Premiere) / Bully Project: Director Lee Hirsch (USA, World Premiere) / Carol Channing- Larger than Life: Director Dori Berinstein (USA, World Premiere).

Extensive programming for the Philly Film Fest will begin after Andrew and Artistic Director, Michael Lerman return from Cannes (May 11-22).  The Curators will be brought in, lists are compiled and within 2-3 weeks invitations are sent to the filmmakers.  I asked if there were any early film submissions being considered? Unfortunately, this information has to be kept mum until it’s time to make announcements.