The Video Association of Dallas announced today the first films chosen to screen during the 27th edition of the Dallas VideoFest from October 8-19, 2014. Overall, approximately 175 videos including narrative and documentary features, shorts, animation, and experimental videos will be screened during the expanded 12-day Festival.
This year’s films will run the gamut from documentaries about the simplicity of expressive dance to the absurd history of theme songs for professional wrestlers. VideoFest will also showcase student Academy Awards winners: Helen Hood Scheer (APOTHECARY) and J. Christian Jensen (WHITE EARTH).
First Selected Dallas VideoFest Films
1971 (USA)
Director: Johanna Hamilton
The FBI was unaccountable and untouchable until 1971, when a group of ordinary citizens uncovered its illegal domestic spying programs. Forty-three years later, these everyday Americans publicly reveal themselves for the first time and share their story in the documentary: 1971.
50 YEARS (USA)
Director: Christian Vasquez
This short documentary explores The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and its place in the narrative of America. Made on behalf of The Department of Education, the documentary features footage and interviews with original members of The Freedom Rides during a celebratory day of events, held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the enactment of The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Filmmaker in attendance
A FILM IS A FILM IS A FILM (USA)
Director: Eva von Schweinitz
As celluloid film slowly disappears from her workplace, the director, a movie projectionist herself, begins to investigate what makes the material special.
ABOVE AND BEYOND: THE BIRTH OF THE ISRAELI AIR FORCE (USA/Israel)
Director: Nancy Spielberg
In 1948, a group of World War II pilots, mostly from America, volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. As members of "Machal"—volunteers from abroad—this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, preventing the possible annihilation of Israel at the very moment of its birth; they also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force. Producer in attendance; Ms. Spielberg via Skype
ACTRESS (USA)
Director: Robert Greene
Brandy Burre had a recurring role on HBO’s "The Wire" when she gave up her career to start a family. When she decides to reclaim her life as an actor, the domestic world, she’s carefully created, crumbles around her. Using elements of melodrama and cinema verité, ACTRESS is both a present tense portrait of a dying relationship and an exploration of a complicated woman, performing the role of herself, in a complex-yet-familiar story. It’s a film about starring in the movie that IS your life. This is what happens when we break the rules. Filmmaker in attendance
BACK TO BADSTREET (USA)
Director: Keith Alcorn
BACK ON BADSTREET is all about the creation of the first theme song that has become the norm in the Professional Wrestling world. Told through the eyes of the people who witnessed it and with never-before-seen footage, BACK ON BADSTREET is a documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of the song, "Badstreet USA," and the people that made it happen. Filmmaker in attendance
BEYOND CLUELESS (UK)
Director: Charlie Lyne
A dizzying journey into the mind, body and soul of the teen movie, as seen through the eyes of more than 200 modern teen classics. Metta Media Award Winner
BEYOND THE WALL (USA/Argentina)
Director: Gayle Embrey
People around the world go to the walls, painting their stories to give voice to life experiences. BEYOND THE WALL brings their stories to life. Filmmaker in attendance
COTTON ROAD (USA/China)
Director: Laura Kissel
COTTON ROAD follows the commodity of cotton from farm to factory, across industrial landscapes, to illuminate the human experiences within a global supply chain.
MIMI AND DONA (USA)
Director: Sophie Sartain
A 92-year-old mother, Mimi, must part ways with her 64-year-old daughter, Dona, who has an intellectual disability and has lived at home her entire life. Filmmaker in attendance
REGARDING SUSAN SONTAG (USA)
Director: Nancy D. Kates
An intimate and nuanced investigation into the life of one of the most influential and provocative thinkers of the 20th Century.
THE STARFISH THROWERS (USA/India)
Director: Jesse Roesler
Worlds apart, a five-star chef, a twelve year-old girl, and a retired schoolteacher discover how their individual efforts to feed the poor ignite a movement in the fight against hunger.
THE WILD YEARS (Spain/Ethiopia)
Director: Ventura Durall
Three kids in the streets of a city in Africa. A mafia-like gang. Fights. The smallest kid kills his stepmother. The kids flee; the journey begins. Maybe the wild years will not come back.
THIS MAY BE THE LAST TIME (USA)
Director: Sterlin Harjo
A heartfelt journey of award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo as he interweaves the tale of a mysterious death in 1962 with the rich history of the powerful hymns that have united Native American communities in times of worship, joy, tragedy, and hope.
WAGING PEACE: THE PEACE CORPS EXPERIENCE (USA)
Director: Allen Mondell
The Peace Corps Experience, a documentary film by Allen Mondell, weaves the letters written by Volunteers with the profiles of former Volunteers whose work today shows the enduring impact of their experiences. Filmmaker in attendance
