|
Alan Gary's Column
An American Film Festival by Alan Gary
If success is "One percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration", then the first annual ACE Film Festival of New York, proved a simple idea plus hard work equal one hundred percent on the money entertainment.
I experienced the entire American Cinematic Experience film festival debut in the Grand Ballroom, downtown Broadway, New York City. It was my pleasure and privilege to spend three days in August viewing some of the most extraordinary American made movies I have ever seen. Conceived in the hearts and minds of Luke Szczygielski and Tom O'Malley, two recent Syracuse University graduates, a film festival was born. Ranging from action, comedy, sci-fi and animated shorts, uplifting and enlightening documentaries, satire, comedy and dramatic features, an eclectic mix of live music each night, plenty of free popcorn, candy and IZZE Natural Sparkling Juice throughout the days AND free back massages during intermissions. Who could ask for anything more? There was something for everyone. And everyone could enjoy it all. The tapestry that is America was woven into a beautiful on screen mosaic covering the gamut of ethnicities and emotions that are the heart of our great land. Diversity in the films was key. You could not help but see yourself onscreen, time and time again throughout the film festival, in character or story.
A film festival would not be festive without the hospitality of those presenting it. From the moment I was greeted at the door by staffer Brian Morales, recent School Of Visual Arts graduate and Graphic Designer, I felt at home. By festival's end, I believe I had gotten to know all of the ACE Fest's wonderful staffers. I learned that they all had been interviewed/screened by Fest Directors Luke and Tom to see if they had a positive attitude and passion about film festivals before being accepted as part of the staff. They all did. The attendees were great too. I struck up new friendships and industry contacts. Opening night I met Joy Baines from London and LA, original from Australia! Charming and beautiful, she was an individual sponsor of ACE. Her father is James Baines, a very talented Australian artist. To view his excellent work check out: www.jamesbainesart.com Joy and I talked about pop culture and we both thoroughly loved the heartfelt and probably, one of the most candid talks either of us has ever heard given by a filmmaker before. Caveh Zahedi, whose films include A Little Stiff, I Don't Hate Las Vegas Anymore, In The Bathtub Of The World and I Am A Sex Addict, which took fifteen years to complete was the keynote speaker. Caveh spoke of many rejections, disappointments and frustrations. Yet, believe it or not, the speech was entirely uplifting! Coming from that he never gave up, focused on what he loved doing and kept on learning.
The short films were all made very well. Technically, they rivaled anything you'd seen on Independent Film Channel on television. My bet is that you will see these filmmakers' future movies on many screens one day. But
ACE had their freshman efforts!!! Friday night at the festival gave us the short History For Kids, Directed by Matt Delia, a film which piqued my interest in a trailer on www.acefest.com to attend this festival. With a score featuring Billie Holiday and swing blues, a bored substitute teacher decides to liven up his history class by having the kids dress up as historical figures. Mayhem ensues as Hitler fights Einstein, President Roosevelt gets thrown from his chair, Marilyn Monroe and Annie put their two cents in and more. It's a bizarro, slapstick offbeat satire, only with a junior high class. "Lord of the Flies 101".
A Broad Way, Directed by Robert Liano and Tom Coppola is an astoundingly creative and original documentary. "On June 6, 2006, over 400 filmmakers assembled at 258 blocks of Broadway to shoot one hour in the life of New York City." A wide array of experience levels set out to observe, capture and ultimately become part of a great project. The festival Documentary Award Winner, deservedly so. Unpretentious, grassroots, Academy Award caliber.
Saturday at the Festival began with Stalking Santa, a feature comedy, or wait, was it, a "real moc-umentary expose", hmm, featuring William Shatner's (need I say more) narration. In SS, a self-proclaimed Sant-ologist sets out to finally prove, by documenting on film, the existence of Santa. Up against what he claims are government and department store cover ups, we learn the truth at the conclusion. And sometimes the truth can put a smile on your face (: Next up, I Love You, I'm Sorry And I'll Never Do It Again came from the imagination of Director/Writer Keith Snyder, acclaimed crime drama writer. A short crime musical featuring a talented cast and a taste of Busby Berkeley meets the Twilight Zone. All in short form but big on laughs.
Spaceboy, the short, Directed by Ransom Riggs under the auspices of the University Of Southern California turned out to be as entertaining as any feature film. When Ransom makes the move to long form, I want to audition! Spaceboy is about fifteen year old Max's alien encounter, or was it a daydream of wanting to belong? A charming film which leaves you feeling good. Little Chenier, an awesome film of brotherly love as well as a love song to Louisiana won best feature at ACE. Cajun music, sights and sounds and artistry of photography brought us down and dirty into a culture over 200 hundred years old. Bethany Ashton Wolf, made a film from where she's from. Not just literally, but emotionally and historically. Fred Koehler, the formerly little boy from tv's Kate And Allie gives us an evocative and accurate portrayal of a developmentally disabled man struggling to find his way. In fact, all the characters struggle. Some fail. Some triumph. Such is life. Little Chenier, a modern day drama. A story for all times. It makes us feel things we may not want to feel. There is ugliness in the film. But the movie is beautiful! We can only grow if we learn the truth. The reality of life is here in Little Chenier. See it for yourself. Side notes: There is also the first genuine alligator wrestling scene ever filmed in a movie, in LC. The project took 28 days in 38 locations, all really filmed on location and not in Hollywood. Filmed during a draught, it poured triumphantly during the final scene. So, see the movie when it gets released, it is a winner. The animated short, The Cocktail Party was a winner too at ACE. Brandon Duncan takes us through "narcissistic themes of consumerism, redundant self analysis and rampant hypocrisy" on a quirky wild ride. See it to believe it. The Doorstep
, a gripping tale of guilt and redemption, Directed by Brian Paul and Jason Nacey won best short film. It is about how the choices we make affect the lives of others so strongly and deeply.
Sunday's film fare was as great as the rest. We Also Dance, a documentary Directed by Nancy Stevens riveted the audience with the inspirational stories of blind/vision impaired individuals from child through adult, who pursue their passion for dance. There are all sorts of bravery in the world and pardon the pun, this film opens our eyes to those who challenge themselves to conquer fear and find reward beyond measure. The City, Directed by Vladen Nikolic, a fine documentary, concluded the festival. It gave perfect symmetry to the opening (The Broad Way) and closing of the festival. Immigrants from around the world who have made the United States their home, with New York in particular, tell us what it means to be an American. We see that we are all unique with many views. Our looks, our speech, our cultural idiosyncrasies span the spectrum. Universally echoed sentiment among the interviewees is the appreciation for their freedom. They have hope and a sustained faith in a better way of life for themselves and their families.
Yes, our longings are universal. What the ACE - American Cinematic Film Festival has exposed us to, is that we may arrive at our destinations in peace, in our own way, at our own time. As well as together. See you next year at ACE. I will be there.
Warmest regards, Alan Gary
Additional kudos to the ever attentive, knowledgeable and friendly crew who included Christopher Scherr, actor, Fredonia graduate, Ashley Hall, actress, Esper student, Steve Walker, actor, director, and Brandon Scott Jones who wrote the yet to be produced film
Allan Predictable (no, not about me and the spelling of my first name is different ;)
_____________
Sessions review by Alan Gary
Everything comes to an end...Maybe...Sessions, a wonderful Off Broadway musical has serenaded New York City this summer. Slated shortly to complete its run at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in the Playwrights Horizon building, life may yet bloom for this flower. It should. It's a quirky, well written/performed, fun show definitely worth nurturing wherever it springs up.
We are treated to the stories of a diverse bunch of characters brought together for group therapy. The setting, the City, could easily be Any-town, USA, small or large. The clever music and lyrics by Albert Tapper create a universality of tone, relatable to anyone from anywhere.
Mathew Shephard (veteran of Wonderful Town, Beauty, Pimpernal) delightfully leads the eclectic mix. Self examination and action (I won't give a spoiler here) cause the characters to grow and develop. That is why the play is so successful in my opinion. I truly enjoyed the entire ensemble very much. Humorous and at times, touching song reigned supreme. Well choreographed dance kept the program moving throughout. Compared to big current Broadway fare, the little old off Broadway Sessions holds its own. Even pushing the envelope a bit. It is unique, entertaining and deserving of a long life. My recommendation is to follow it wherever it may go. Check the website: http://www.sessionsthemusical.com/
Or the sites:
Algonquin Productions - http://www.algonquinproductions.org/index.html for more info about the extremely talented cast and crew, as well as future updates on current venue for Sessions and other fine productions from this production association. Catch the Sessions fever!
______________
Recollections of a horror film fanatic...or how I got my start in the scary movie biz!
by: Alan Gary
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." Unless of course we attend the 5 days of the annual New York City Horror Film Festival in October. Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy are the order of the day. And I, Alan Gary, have done it twice!! First, however, I must confess, I am a scary movie geek. I guess it helps to be this way when you are an actor.actor.Here I am playing a Sci-Fi Geek in a Dunkin Donuts commercial.
I often play freaks and geeks although my range is conservative through quirky (heavy emphasis on the quirky) Now I ask you, what better way is there for a (hopefully) up and coming actor, to live vicariously through the coolest fright flicks of up and coming AND established directors than to become part of the staff at this awesome festival? I get to see tons of films when I'm off duty PLUS I meet my big screen idols in the lounge when the work is done.
Last year I hung out with Angus "You play a good game boy, but the game is finished, now you die" Scrimm. He's also known as the Tall Man from this quadrilogy Phantasm series. He and I laughed together, shared acting stories and he even did an impromptu song and dance. Angus demonstrated that at 80 years young, you are never too old to have fun. To think, this guy jumps out of mirrors in movies, scaring the heck out of even the most stout hearted viewers. That's me again, Alan Gary with Angus Scrimm.
Esteemed Director Roger Corman (The Masque Of The Red Death with Vincent Price, the original Little Shop Of Horrors), actor (the new Manchurian Candidate as Mr. Secretary) and Producer of over 300 films was awarded the Lifetime honoree at the previous Festival. He looked dashing in black suit. And was as down to earth as could be. Roger was "Truly one of us", as the late Todd Browning might say.Roger Corman wondering when Alan Gary will go bother Angus Scrimm again (;
Over the course of this last year, I have become friends with a young Director by the name of Kevin Shulman from Los Angeles. His big break came when he cast Tony "Candy Man" Todd in a short film Kevin not only helmed, but wrote, called I.O.U. At the most recent Festival, Kevin screened another film he co-wrote (with his brother Nathaniel, a veteran of Iraq) called The Eyes Of Samir. A fast paced suspenser with a gruesome and macabre ending made I.O.U. seem like a romantic comedy. Both films were really great though. The best treat of this years Festival had to be Tony himself attending, doing a Q&A (for the films he was in which were presented) During the other days, Tony religiously held court at the bar with his fans. This gentle giant was warm, wild, funny and very interesting. You felt you knew him real well soon after meeting. That is really being down to earth.Alan Gary can fit in the palm of Tony Todd's hand.
Other very cool folks I've met and befriended include (but are certainly not limited to) Producer Morgan "Merlion Films" Pehme (former child chess prodigy) and his Director Dylan Bank of the feature film Nightmare which took home awards last time. They are New York based. I am optimistic about auditioning for their upcoming projects. Many opportunities have begun to blossom from my participation at the NY Horror Film Festival for two years in a row. But by far, the best gifts I have received are meeting, getting to know and planting the seeds for working relationships with people who have touched my life, throughout.
"Friendships can blossom into bliss" as Burgess Meredith said in the spooky classic horror film The Sentinel" I couldn't resist (: ...Alan Gary
Special Thanks to: Festival Boss Of Bosses Mike Hein, Underboss Anthony Pepe, Camille The Enforcer Delgado, my crew, all of the filmmakers and industry in attendance and without whom there would not be a reason for this incredibly wonderful genre, the fans.
Extra Special kudos to Sean Marks who got me into the Festival gig.
And he's a great guy too.
Plus, Thank you to my buddy and peer, Luis Pedron for encouraging me to share my experience by giving me a forum on Fanclubx.com "By touching even one life we affect an entire universe" ...Just trying to pay it on down.
|
