Boston Film Festival 2003

By Carol Patton

The Boston Film Festival celebrated its 19th year, September 5 - 14 by screening 40 feature films, 25 short features selected from over 15 countries and honoring Sir Ridley Scott with their Boston Film Excellence Award. This award is conferred upon a performer or filmmaker of outstanding merit, individuals who put their own indelible stamp on the film industry--individuals whose career choices exemplify independence, courage, risk-taking and the avoidance of the conventional.

Three times Academy Award nominated Director Ridley Scott was presented the 2003 Film Excellence Award for Directing on September 7th, prior to a screening of his film MATCHSTICK MEN (Warner Bros. Pictures) starring Nicholas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman and Bruce McGill. Press and festival filmmakers attended a festive reception held in Scott’s honor in the beautiful Dome Room at the Lenox Hotel. With Scott were his long time companion Giannina Facio and the film’s stars Nicholas Cage, Sam Rockwell, and Alison Lohman.

"Ridley has earned Academy Award nominations for the films BLACK HAWK DOWN, GLADIATOR, and THELMA & LOUISE. In a press briefing, Festival Director Mark Diamond said of Scott, "He is a visionary and groundbreaking filmmaker whose films are considered milestones in contemporary filmmaking." Scott's other critically acclaimed films include ALIEN, HANNIBAL, and BLADE RUNNER. Past recipients of the Film Excellence Award include: Jody Foster, Steve Martin, Al Pacino, Vanessa Redgrave, Kevin Spacey and William H. Macy.

Opening night, Director Campbell Scott and local screenwriter Joan Ackerman introduced their Sundance 2003 Official Selection, OFF THE MAP, the poetry of a time and a place marked by simplicity that comes full bloom. Across the ancient high desert landscape of northern New Mexico, an extraordinary family embarks on a lyrical journey of self-discovery that reveals unexpected moments of grace and the unpredictable but enduring nature of love. MAP was also the Opening Film for Critic’s Week of the 2003 Cannes Film Festival

Another opening night favorite, SECONDHAND LIONS, was introduced by director Tim McCanlies. The movie stars Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall and is in current release this month if you missed it.

Michael Tolajian presented his first feature film BOUGHT & SOLD. Tolajian earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television. He was born and raised in Watertown, MA.

Over the weekend Copley Place showcased 28 short films with directors/actors present. Many of those films were from Massachusetts’ natives.

A new documentary from Boston based Errol Morris, THE FOG OF WAR, or long title, FOG OF WAR: ELEVEN LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ROBERT S. MCNAMARA stirs the senses and begs the question: Why McNamara? Well, you know Errol; he likes the fact that so many people hate Robert McNamara. He says, “It’s the contrarian in me.” The film is scheduled for release in the US early next year.

A thoughtful array of independent films and international titles from Denmark, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Spain and Canada marked another successful year for Co-Directors Mark Diamond and Susan Fraine.

For more info visit www.bostonfilmfestival.org

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