The Woods Hole Film Festival 2003

The 12th Woods Hole Film Festival promises to be one of the most interesting yet. With eight days of competitive screenings, special events, workshops, parties and more, the Festival attendee will have a wide variety of choices to consider and will have an incredible Festival experience.

The Woods Hole Film Festival considers submissions from around the world, and places special emphasis on presenting the work of first-time and New England filmmakers, with a separate section for works by filmmakers from Cape Cod. The competitive screenings of more than 50 films, and several works-in-progress by New England filmmakers, take place from Saturday July 26th though August 2nd, while several special events extend the Festival beyond those dates.

This year, the Festival kicks off with a special screening on Friday July 25th of ABOUT THE BLUES a 100-minute compilation reel. Under the guiding hand of Executive Producer Martin Scorsese, THE BLUES is a seven-part television series of personal and impressionistic films viewed through the lens of seven world-famous directors who share a passion for the music. The 100-minute compilation reel shows a sampling of films, by Scorsese, Charles Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Mike Figgis, Marc Levin, Richard Pearce, and Wim Wenders that capture the essence of blues music and delve into its global influence-from its roots in Africa to its inspirational role in today's music. The much-anticipated series, premiering Sunday, September 28 from 9 to 11pm on PBS and exclusively sponsored by Volkswagen, anchors a multimedia project to help raise awareness of the blues and its contribution to American culture and music worldwide.

A brief sample of other films that will be screened includes: ALMOST SALINAS by Wade Danielson, starring John Mahoney, Linda Emond, Lindsay Crouse and Ray Wise in a timeless tale of hope and redemption, filled with humor and unforgettable characters. STATE OF DENIAL by Elaine Epstein offers a unique insider's look at the complex issues affecting the nearly five million South Africans living with HIV and AIDS and captures the unbreakable spirit of a people determined to conduct their lives with dignity, grace, and humor. Two short films shot on Cape Cod will debut. FREEBOX directed by Shandor Garrison, depicts an HIV-positive teen from the Bronx dealing with the realities of living with the virus. THE WINTER PEOPLE by John Stimpson is a haunting story about the people who move into the houses that sit empty after the summer season. THE SAME RIVER TWICE is a 'personal' documentary, directed by Robb Moss (RIVERDOGS, 1978) that follows the contemporary lives of five former hippies (and former friends of the director) who were young whitewater river guides back in the 1970s and who are now middle-aged and settled down with professional careers. CONFESSIONS OF A BURNING MAN by Paul Barnett, a film that takes you inside "Burning Man," a yearly festival experience in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Here an instant community of more than 25,000 people forms for one week in a town they call Black Rock City, for an annual experiment in community, dedicated to radical self-expression and self-reliance. WHEN STAND UP STOOD OUT directed by Newton native Fran Solomita, who rose through Boston's comedy explosion of the 70s and 80s is an irreverent documentary that looks back at Boston's competitive comedy breeding ground. The screening will be followed by a stand up event with some of the comedians featured in the film on Saturday August 2nd.

The Festival also offers workshops and Master Classes. On Thursday July 31st, The Master Class will focus on the picture on the screen. A.S.C. Cinematographer Gordon Willis will offer a Master Class for filmmakers and film professionals. Willis has been the Director of Photography on some of the most outstanding films of our time, including THE GODFATHERS, ANNIE HALL, ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN and MANHATTAN. In this special one-day workshop, Willis will discuss the elements of film; critical decisions that make a good film such as definition, relativity and design focusing on the importance of why you do something as opposed to how; decision-making and communication; achieving a shared vision; getting the results you want. The workshop will be followed by a special evening screening of MANHATTAN with Gordon Willis, hosted by Boston Phoenix Critic Gerry Peary and Local Sightings Director David Kleiler. Other workshops include ANIMATION with award winning filmmaker Bill Plympton; DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING with Kate Davis (SOUTHERN COMFORT); MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION with Laura Bernieri and David Kleiler; THE FINAL CUT PRO USERS GROUP monthly meeting; a TECHNOLOGY DAY during which hardware and software manufacturers such as JVC, Discreet, Apple Computer, LaCie Hard Drives, ZGC, Focus Enhancements, Boston Camera, BorisFX, ZGC Technologies, The Camera Company, Canon and CustomerFlix will speak about the latest technologies and techniques.

For the third year, the Woods Hole Film Festival and the New England Blues Society present The Reel Blues Fest, Where Independent Film Meets Independent Music. This annual event supports the programs of each organization. On Sunday, August 31st, Dr. John, Delbert McClinton and the Boston Blues All Stars will be featured at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. The Fest includes a screening of HONEYBOX by Scott Taradash and an excerpt from THE BLUES. Tickets are available through www.melodytent.com

Although each day is action packed, Festivalgoers can also find some time to relax at our morning coffees and evening parties. Festival passes are available. Information about the Festival, including a schedule, tickets and registration information is available on line at www.woodsholefilmfestival.org or by calling (508) 495-3456.

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