If you have a particular film in mind, you can go to our Films and search alphabetically.
Please bear in mind that some films have multiple screenings at different locations. So, if one screening is sold out, it’s possible that the same film may have seating availability at a different screening.
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010
The Performing Arts Connection – Sudbury, MA
31 Union Avenue
Sudbury, MA 01776 [map]
(by Chiswick Industrial Park)
11:30 AM
Shifty Shorts Program I
This collection of short films includes works from 2 local filmmakers, as well as a comedy, a touching animated film about those lost in the war on terror, and a music video, among others. The complete list of films screened at this time is as follows: “Prayers for Peace,” “One Track Mind,” “Grupni portret s ledja,” “Artistic License,” “The Night Divine,” and “The Lifter Upper.”
1:00 PM
5…6…7…8
Genre: Lighthearted Documentary
Director/Producer: Andy Milkis
The award winning “5…6…7…8” is the inspiring story of Nova Jazz — an elite girls dance company. The dancers, ranging in age from 10 to 18, are based out of The Pulse Performing Arts Studio, in Bedford Hills, NY. The film begins as a “year-in-the life” of Nova Jazz, but quickly evolves into an intimate portrayal of five key members, and the woman who makes it all possible.
“5…6…7…8” delicately crafts the story of each character as the year progresses, culminating in the triumph of the final concert performance.
3:00 PM
Shifty Shorts Program II
This collection of short films features mostly uplifting and upbeat faire. There’s the story of a boy who thinks his dad is a Super Hero, a comedic short about the DMV starring an Emmy Award winner, and the true story of a 13 year-old who climbs Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity, among others. The complete list of films screened in this program is as follows: “Picture Day,” “The Legacy,” “Vitruvius’ Toybox,” “Daydreaming,” “Nico’s Challenge,” and “Artistic License.”
5:00 PM
Earthwork
Genre: Drama
Director/Producer: Chris Ordal
The inspirational “Earthwork” has screened and won awards at film festivals all across the nation, including the prestigious South By Southwest Film Festival.
Starring John Hawkes (from TV’s “Lost”), “Earthwork” is the dramatized story of real-life “crop artist” Stan Herd. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City to create a massive environmental artwork on land owned by Donald Trump. Over the long months it took to complete the earthwork, Stan dealt with a never ending set of challenges to bring his unique, rural art-form to an urban canvas.
If you’ve ever tried for something just out of reach, if you’ve ever chased a dream that everyone told you was a waste of time, if you ever created something just because you wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t, then “Earthwork” is a film you must see!
6:50 PM
“The Legacy” with “Golden Earrings”
The Legacy
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Family Comedy
Director: Mike Doto
Producer: Jeremy Jed Hammel
“The Legacy” recently won Best Comic Related Film at the 2010 Comic Con International Independent film festival and was accepted into the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. What would you do if you believed your father was a superhero?
“The Legacy” brings to life a story about fathers and sons, imagination and magic, and believing in something larger than ourselves. Starring Paul Butcher, ( “Zoey 101,”) Louis Iacoviello, and Jo McGinley, “The Legacy” is a fun and exciting romp for audiences of all ages.
Golden Earrings
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Marion Kerr
Producers: Brian James Crewe
Winner of the Best Horror Feature (Audience Award) at the 2010 Indie Spirit Film Festival, “Golden Earrings” is much more than the “usual” scary movie.
Joe Dante, the director of the classic film, “Gremlins” offers “Golden Earrings” this amazing compliment: “(Lead) Julia Marchese puts herself on the movie map with a riveting performance in an unexpected and calculated chiller that delivers the goods with wit and economical style.”
Ronnie and Sara are best friends in their 20′s, but for Ronnie, Sara is her entire world. The two women, along with their close-knit group of friends do everything together, But when Sara mysteriously disappears one night, Ronnie’s life spirals out of control as seemingly supernatural forces take hold of her and her apartment. Is it a ghost haunting her? Is Sara trying to reach Ronnie from beyond the grave? Is someone playing mind games? As Ronnie becomes increasingly unglued, her friends struggle to calm Ronnie’s fears and to explain the odd occurrences surrounding Sara’s disappearance.
“Golden Earrings” draws you in slowly and by the time you realize that it has you hooked, it’s too late. The story grabs you, shakes you up, and won’t let you go even after the credits role.
8:30 PM
Dynamite Swine
Genre:Comedy
Director/Producer:Mark Poisella
An irreverent and raunchy romp, “Dynamite Swine” won the Best Feature Comedy Award and the Best Overall Feature Award at the 2010 Indie Gathering.
Rebel, A down-on-his luck gambler, promises to save his girlfriend’s “Hair Salon For The Homeless,” from foreclosure, but instead only falls deeper into debt to a sadistic Russian quadriplegic. After his adopted brother and their bumbling friends complicate things even further, Rebel must enter the biggest card tournament of his life in order to save the salon, himself, his brother, and the life of a very special pig.
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Coolidge Corner Theater – Brookline, MA
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446 [map]
6:00 PM
“Split Estate” with “Shift Across America”
Split Estate
(Environmental Issues Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director/Producer: Debra Anderson
The Emmy-nominated “Split Estate” maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of a new drilling boom in the Rocky Mountain West struggle against the erosion of their civil liberties, their communities, and their health. Imagine discovering that you don’t own the mineral rights under your land, and that an energy company drills for natural gas two hundred feet from your front door. Imagine watching your loved ones get sick, your neighbors move away, or your family’s burial-grounds desecrated. Imagine having no recourse other than to accept an unregulated industry in your backyard or to move from your rightful home. Or check out “Split Estate,” and see for yourself.
Shift Across America
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Trailer
Director/Producer: Joe Grafton
Somerville Local First’s Director, Joe Grafton, takes a trip across America to tell the story of “The Shift.” Along his journey, he explores the unique and vibrant communities working to support the Local First cause. In doing so, the story comments on the broader political and economic issues at play. This is a short preview of a possible full-length documentary.
7:30 PM
Shifty Shorts Program III
This collection of short films features 3 local filmmakers’ work, including Filmshift Founder, Jeremy Jed Hammel. Overall, there’s the story of a boy who thinks his dad is a Super Hero, an ode to a brother lost in the war on terror, and the true story of a 13 year-old who climbs Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity, among others. The complete list of films screened in this program is as follows: “Shift Across America,” “Prayers for Peace,” “The Legacy,” “The Lifter Upper,” “Vitruvius’ Toybox,” “One Track Mind,” and “Nico’s Challenge.”
9:15 PM
“Earthwork” with “Daydreaming
Earthwork
Genre: Drama
Director/Producer: Chris Ordal
The inspirational “Earthwork” has screened and won awards at film festivals all across the nation, including the prestigious South By Southwest Film Festival.
Starring John Hawkes (from TV’s “Lost”), “Earthwork” is the dramatized story of real-life “crop artist” Stan Herd. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City to create a massive environmental artwork on land owned by Donald Trump. Over the long months it took to complete the earthwork, Stan dealt with a never ending set of challenges to bring his unique, rural art-form to an urban canvas.
If you’ve ever tried for something just out of reach, if you’ve ever chased a dream that everyone told you was a waste of time, if you ever created something just because you wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t, then “Earthwork” is a film you must see!
Daydreaming
Genre: Animated
Director/Producer: Carlos Florez
“Daydreaming” is about being a kid at heart. This is a journey with 3D and hand-drawn cell animation told in 140 seconds that brings us back to our childhood experiences of being joyful, imaginative and full of wonder.
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
Coolidge Corner Theater – Brookline, MA
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446 [map]
6:00 PM
5…6…7…8
Genre: Lighthearted Documentary
Director/Producer: Andy Milkis
The award winning “5…6…7…8” is the inspiring story of Nova Jazz — an elite girls dance company. The dancers, ranging in age from 10 to 18, are based out of The Pulse Performing Arts Studio, in Bedford Hills, NY. The film begins as a “year-in-the life” of Nova Jazz, but quickly evolves into an intimate portrayal of five key members, and the woman who makes it all possible.
“5…6…7…8” delicately crafts the story of each character as the year progresses, culminating in the triumph of the final concert performance.
8:00 PM
Heaven Burns
Genre: Drama
Director: Justin Beckenheimer
Producer: Stacie Jones
Note: “Heaven Burns” contains scenes with prevalent drug abuse, profanity, and nudity. Discretion is advised.
A young man working to save enough money for college gets caught up in Baltimore’s dangerous drug scene when he becomes involved with a wealthy girl with too much time and money on her hands. “Heaven Burns” was written and directed by twenty-three year old Beckenheimer, based on his experience with his sister’s prescription drug addiction.
9:45 PM
Golden Earrings
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Marion Kerr
Producers: Brian James Crewe
Winner of the Best Horror Feature (Audience Award) at the 2010 Indie Spirit Film Festival, “Golden Earrings” is much more than the “usual” scary movie.
Joe Dante, the director of the classic film, “Gremlins” offers “Golden Earrings” this amazing compliment: “(Lead) Julia Marchese puts herself on the movie map with a riveting performance in an unexpected and calculated chiller that delivers the goods with wit and economical style.”
Ronnie and Sara are best friends in their 20′s, but for Ronnie, Sara is her entire world. The two women, along with their close-knit group of friends do everything together, But when Sara mysteriously disappears one night, Ronnie’s life spirals out of control as seemingly supernatural forces take hold of her and her apartment. Is it a ghost haunting her? Is Sara trying to reach Ronnie from beyond the grave? Is someone playing mind games? As Ronnie becomes increasingly unglued, her friends struggle to calm Ronnie’s fears and to explain the odd occurrences surrounding Sara’s disappearance.
“Golden Earrings” draws you in slowly and by the time you realize that it has you hooked, it’s too late. The story grabs you, shakes you up, and won’t let you go even after the credits role.
Saturday, October 9th, 2010
Somerville Theater – Somerville, MA
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144-2908 [map]
(617) 625-5700
12:00 PM
The Burning Season
(Environmental Issue Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Kathy Henkel
Producer: Jeff Canin
Narrated by Hugh Jackman, “The Burning Season” was described by “Variety” magazine as being: “As inspiring as ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ was frightening.”
Every year, deliberately lit fires rage across Indonesia. They destroy pristine rainforest, endanger orangutans and contribute to climate change. Dorjee Sun, a young Australian Entrepreneur, believes there is a solution that benefits all involved while also protecting the planet. Armed with a laptop and a backpack, he sets out across the globe to find investors in his carbon trading scheme. It is a battle against time: Can he broker an agreement with the various governments and farmers before another “The Burning Season” starts?
2:00 PM
Shifty Shorts Program IV
This collection of short films include 2 local filmmakers’ work, as well as films in the drama, comedy, and animated categories. There is a charming story about trying to fit in, a trailer from Somerville Local First, and a suspenseful short about a missing girl, among others. The complete list of films screened in this program is as follows: “Prayers for Peace,” “Picture Day,” “One Track Mind,” “Shift Across America,” “Daydreaming,” “The Lifter-Upper,” and “Vitruvius’ Toybox.”
3:30 PM
Shifty Shorts Program V
This collection of short films offers something for everyone. Whether you like dramas, comedies, student films, animated, or music video, you won’t be disappointed. There is a story about a man coming to terms with his father, a comedy about the DMV starring an Emmy Award winner, and a animated short, among others. The complete list of films screened in this program is as follows: “Artistic License,” “Daydreaming,” “Dance to the Offbeat,” “Vitruvius’ Toybox,” and “Breadwinner.”
5:15 PM
Language of America
(New England Local Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director/Producer: Ben Levine
“Language of America” explores Indian language, philosophy, and community as never before. It shows how Indian words reveal an inherent connectedness between people, nature and spirit. The film bears witness to America’s history of Indian human rights abuse, yet it inspires hope by promoting an understanding of diversity that accepts Native peoples’ inextricably shared history and destiny with their neighbors.
7:00 PM
Earthwork
Genre: Drama
Director/Producer: Chris Ordal
The inspirational “Earthwork” has screened and won awards at film festivals all across the nation, including the prestigious South By Southwest Film Festival.
Starring John Hawkes (from TV’s “Lost”), “Earthwork” is the dramatized story of real-life “crop artist” Stan Herd. In 1994, Stan traveled from Kansas to New York City to create a massive environmental artwork on land owned by Donald Trump. Over the long months it took to complete the earthwork, Stan dealt with a never ending set of challenges to bring his unique, rural art-form to an urban canvas.
If you’ve ever tried for something just out of reach, if you’ve ever chased a dream that everyone told you was a waste of time, if you ever created something just because you wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t, then “Earthwork” is a film you must see!
8:45 PM
“Golden Earrings” with “The Legacy”
Golden Earrings
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Marion Kerr
Producers: Brian James Crewe
Winner of the Best Horror Feature (Audience Award) at the 2010 Indie Spirit Film Festival, “Golden Earrings” is much more than the “usual” scary movie.
Joe Dante, the director of the classic film, “Gremlins” offers “Golden Earrings” this amazing compliment: “(Lead) Julia Marchese puts herself on the movie map with a riveting performance in an unexpected and calculated chiller that delivers the goods with wit and economical style.”
Ronnie and Sara are best friends in their 20′s, but for Ronnie, Sara is her entire world. The two women, along with their close-knit group of friends do everything together, But when Sara mysteriously disappears one night, Ronnie’s life spirals out of control as seemingly supernatural forces take hold of her and her apartment. Is it a ghost haunting her? Is Sara trying to reach Ronnie from beyond the grave? Is someone playing mind games? As Ronnie becomes increasingly unglued, her friends struggle to calm Ronnie’s fears and to explain the odd occurrences surrounding Sara’s disappearance.
“Golden Earrings” draws you in slowly and by the time you realize that it has you hooked, it’s too late. The story grabs you, shakes you up, and won’t let you go even after the credits role.
The Legacy
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Family Comedy
Director: Mike Doto
Producer: Jeremy Jed Hammel
“The Legacy” recently won Best Comic Related Film at the 2010 Comic Con International Independent film festival and was accepted into the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner. What would you do if you believed your father was a superhero?
“The Legacy” brings to life a story about fathers and sons, imagination and magic, and believing in something larger than ourselves. Starring Paul Butcher, ( “Zoey 101,”) Louis Iacoviello, and Jo McGinley, “The Legacy” is a fun and exciting romp for audiences of all ages.
Sunday, October 10th, 2010
Somerville Theater – Somerville, MA
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144-2908 [map]
(617) 625-5700
12:00 PM
A Girl’s Life
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director/Producer: Powderhouse Productions
Note: “A Girl’s Life” contains a scene in which epithets are bleeped out and a brief scene where a girl is being attacked by other girls. Discretion is advised.
Join researcher and author Rachel Simmons as she examines the challenges facing young women as they surf the waves of 21st century adolescence. In this PBS documentary, “A Girl’s Life,” takes viewers inside the lives of four teen girls as they face personal struggles with body image, cyber-bullying, gang violence, and education.
Girls entering adulthood in the next decade will see more opportunities than today’s women ever imagined. Will these girls stride confidently through newly opened doors, or are they destined to be stunted by societal messages that tell them females should be constantly agreeable, impossibly thin and sexy above all else? Rachel interviews parents, psychologists, teachers and social workers who are helping nurture girls into capable, resilient adults. With courage and determination, these girls reveal their hopes and dreams for a powerful future.
2:00 PM
No Impact Man
(Environmental Issue Spotlight)
Genre: Lighthearted Documentary
Directors: Laura Gabbert & Justin Schein
Follow the Manhattan-based Beavan family as they abandon their high consumption 5th Avenue lifestyle and try to live a year while making no net environmental impact. “No Impact Man” is charming documentary about how sacrificing what you’re comfortable with can lead to discovering what really what makes you happy. It is a thought-provoking look at one family’s trials and tribulations as they struggle to practice what they preach on an environmental level.
4:00 PM
“Dynamite Swine” with “The Lifter Upper”
Dynamite Swine
Genre:Comedy
Director/Producer:Mark Poisella
An irreverent and raunchy romp, “Dynamite Swine” won the Best Feature Comedy Award and the Best Overall Feature Award at the 2010 Indie Gathering.
Rebel, A down-on-his luck gambler, promises to save his girlfriend’s “Hair Salon For The Homeless,” from foreclosure, but instead only falls deeper into debt to a sadistic Russian quadriplegic. After his adopted brother and their bumbling friends complicate things even further, Rebel must enter the biggest card tournament of his life in order to save the salon, himself, his brother, and the life of a very special pig.
The Lifter-Upper
Genre: Comedy (Animated)
Director/Producer: Micah Chambers-Goldberg
The multiple award-winning “Lifter Upper” combines both animated and live-action footage. Olive is depressed due to an absurd series of family tragedies. Jack, a concerned neighbor calls a Professional Lifter Upper of Spirits to remedy the situation. The Lifter Upper finds that Olive will be his toughest case yet.
6:00 PM
How To Boil A Frog
(Environmental Issue Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director/Producer: John Cooksey
Note: “How To Boil A Frog” suggests ideas that depending on your world view might be considered: Challenging, obvious, offensive, necessary, ridiculous, or critically important.
“How to Boil a Frog” is a comedic documentary that shows the consequences of overshoot, aka: Too many people using up too little planet. An everyman Dad gives us the scoop on the imminent end of the world as we have come to know it, and five surprising ways that we can save civilization while making our own lives richer.
The film makes its serious point by using less-than-serious story-telling. It presents the issues facing our planet in an irreverent way that those new to the Green movement can clearly understand and enjoy finding out about.
8:00 PM
“Speaking In Code” with “The Night Divine”
Speaking In Code
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Director: Amy Lee Grill
Producer: David Day
“Speaking in Code” is an equal parts fun and heartbreaking documentary that offers a vérité glimpse into the unique world of techno music. It is the story of a young married couple who set out to document the music that they love and their quest to bring a vibrant techno-music scene to their hometown of Boston. Speaking in Code” follows the lives of a few influential music artists within the International electronic community over a number of years. But as the stories of the artists they follow progress, so do the lives of the filmmakers themselves change.
The Night Divine
(Boston Local Spotlight)
Genre: Documentary
Directors/Producers: Jeremy Jed Hammel & Lady Ransom
Lo-Fi Sugar had the Number One “Beatport,” song in October 2008 with Starchaser’s “So High.” She has also toured and recorded with world-renowned techno DJ, Paul Van Dyk.
This version of the piece was edited by Jeremy Jed Hammel and won a Golden Kahuna Award for Excellence in Filmmaking from the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival. “The Night Divine” is Lo-Fi Sugar’s first music video from her debut EP, “The Divine Edit.”
