2016 Mendocino Film Festival Program Book by Mendocino Film Festival

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

May 27–29 • June 2–5

Welcome!

As we enter our second decade, we are delighted to present our Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival program, featuring three Oscar nominees (including two winners), three films fresh from Sundance, and an array of awardwinning independent and international film, all in this unforgettable destination. In addition to our perennial favorites, this year’s program incorporates a wide range of new documentary subjects and expanded narrative selections. Our most awarded and ambitious program to date highlights stories of adventure, intrigue, and romance by remarkable filmmakers from around the globe. In the following pages, you will find details on our films and events around Mendocino, beginning in Philo on Memorial Day Weekend and continuing in Mendocino Village, Fort Bragg, Willits, and Point Arena the following weekend.

2016 PROGRAM DIRECTOR LORI DONNELLY Lori Donnelly comes to us by way of Rochester, where she programmed for George Eastman House. She has also worked with AFI Silver Theatre, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Brattle Theatre. With the goal of introducing audiences to more diverse subjects, films, and filmmakers while maintaining the core tone of the Festival, she has selected an impressive program of films that continue to garner recognition. GUEST CURATOR JOSHUA MOORE “Getting to introduce a new audience to new works” is what drew Guest Curator Joshua Moore to the Mendocino Film Festival. A graduate of San Francisco State and a filmmaker himself, Joshua started out as a programmer with Mill Valley Film Festival before joining the Jewish Film Institute. In his role with the Mendocino Film Festival, he has curated a special track of Bay Area films for 2016: Dogfight, Golden Kingdom, T-Rex, and Theory of Obscurity. In Memoriam: Haskell Wexler (1922-2015)

We look forward to welcoming first-time visitors and long-time locals alike to our next extraordinary edition, and we invite you to experience our famed hospitality as you travel the world from the edge of your seat May 27-29 and June 2-5, 2016! Mendocino Film Festival Board of Directors

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

“We, as filmmakers, are privileged. We can make people cry or laugh. We can make them think and feel. It is a great privilege and a great responsibility.” - Haskell Wexler It was an honor to welcome Haskell Wexler to the 2010 Mendocino Film Festival as the winner of our Albert Maysles Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking. Over the course of his impressive career as an Oscar-winning cinematographer and filmmaker, he showed us what cinema could be. His work forever changed the world of filmmaking, and he will be missed.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

The closest you’ll come to

sleeping with him.

Create a traditio^

Reserve the room James Dean c a l l e d h is h om e a wa y f r o m home while filming “East of Eden” in 1955. The amenities have been brought into the new millennium, but the experience remains a classic.

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

HOW TO

Fest

Step 1: This book will guide you through the Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival. You can also always call us at (707) 937-0171 or visit www.MendocinoFilmFestival.org for more information. Step 2: Make travel arrangements. Reserve your lodging: Turn to page 10 for a list of our Hospitality Partners. Out of town or local, we look forward to welcoming you to the Festival! Step 3: Note screening dates and times. Two weekends, five cities, over 50 films; allow yourself plenty of time to get around and double-check screening dates and times. Our Mendocino Village venues are within easy walking distance of each other, but we do screen in five cities, so be sure to check the screening times and locations of the films you want to see. Step 4: Become a Member. Festival Members support independent film and arts education and receive invitations to exclusive Member events during the Festival and throughout the year. Plus, at the Producer level and above, your VIP pass will get you priority access to every screening. Step 5: Pick up passes and buy tickets. Ticket sales open to the public on May 1. Members and Sponsors can pick up passes and tickets during box office hours at the Mendocino Film Festival office at the Water Tower from May 1 through May 29 and at Festival HQ at Oddfellows Hall starting June 1. Please plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to ensure your seat. Remember: even if a screening is out of advance tickets, rush tickets may be available at the door. Rush lines begin 20 minutes to an hour before start-time. Step 6: Let’s Get Social. Connect with us across our social media all year long. Follow us and join the conversation. #MendoFilm

Mendocino & Film:

A History

1904: First film, The Sequoia Sempervirens, shot in Mendocino .. 1940: Noyo Theatre founded in Willits .. 1954: East of Eden .. 1965: The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! .. 1970: Summer of ‘42 .. 1978: Same Time, Next Year .. 1982: Cujo stalks the streets of Mendocino .. 2006: Sydney Pollack helps found the Mendocino Film Festival .. 2007: Albert Maysles attends .. 2009: Danny Glover and Robert Elfstrom attend .. 2010: Wavy Gravy and Daniel Ellsberg perform magic show; Haskell Wexler wins Albert Maysles Award .. 2011: Roko Belic attends; Les Blank wins Albert Maysles Award .. 2012: Fort Bragg and Point Arena programs established .. 2013: Philo and Willits programs established .. 2013: Alloy Orchestra accompanies Silent Film Program .. 2014: Leslie Sbrocco, Claudia Lennear, and Warwick Ross attend .. 2015: Tenth Anniversary Celebrations, featuring 67 films and 46 filmmakers from 18 countries in 15 languages, 5 Academy® Award Nominations, and 1 Academy® Award over two weekends.

CONTENTS 3 Welcome 6-8 Festival Sponsors 9 Ticket Info 11 Members 13 Special Events 14–15 Opening Night Party 16–19 Festival Partners 21–23 Cinema in the Vineyards 24 Festival Guide 25–27 Spotlight Programs 28–53 Feature Programs 55 Willits Program 57 Pt. Arena & Ft. Bragg Programs 60 Production Credits 61 Venues 62–63 Schedule of Events

THE 11TH ANNUAL MENDOCINO FILM FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE • 66 films • 3 Academy Award® Nominees • 2 Academy Award® Winners • 3 Sundance 2016 Selections • 3 California Premieres • 1 U.S. Premiere • 54 screenings • 8 venues • 5 cities • 2 weekends

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

PRESENTING SPONSORS Mike and Mary Schuh

FOUNDATIONS & GRANTS

Maurice Kanbar Kanbar Charitable Trust Tarbell Family Foundation

PREMIER FESTIVAL SPONSORS The Philo Collective

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS

May 27–29 • June 2–5

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Hill House Inn Angela Cooper

Sean Leland

License # 0F39838

Bright Ideas to Open Eyes

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

SUPPORTING SPONSORS ARCHITECTURAL

LODGING • RESTAURANT • BAR

ALBION RIVER INN

ELEMENTS of anderson valley

WHERE THE ALBION MEETS THE SEA

Linda & Fedele Bauccio Dr. & Mrs. Richard Louis Miller Lee Edmundson Rudy Vedovell

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

Tickets

ADVANCE TICKETS Online: May 1–June 5, 2016. MendocinoFilmFestival.org In Person: Thursday–Sunday, May 1–May 29, 12–4 pm Mendocino Film Festival Office at the Yellow Water Tower on Ukiah St., East of Lansing St., Mendocino (next to Frankie’s). By Phone: May 1–June 5, 2016. Call us: (707) 937-0171

DURING FESTIVAL WEEK Festival Headquarters: June 1–June 5, 9 am–5 pm. Oddfellows Hall on Kasten & Ukiah St, Mendocino

SOLD OUT? TICKETS AT THE DOOR. Even if advance tickets are no longer available, tickets will be offered at the door when the number of open seats is determined. A rush line for waiting-list tickets may start anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour prior to a given screening. Subject to availability; $12 at the door (cash only). PAYMENT OPTIONS Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and local checks are accepted for advance sales ($25 fee for returned checks). Cash only at the door. PROCESSING FEE (web & phone orders only) Processing fee is $1.54 per ticket. THE FINE PRINT:

PURCHASING TICKETS ON DAY OF SHOW

• Ticket orders are accepted and processed on a firstcome, first-served basis. All sales are final.

At the door: one hour before showtime, at each event during the Festival. Subject to availability; cash only at the door.

• No refunds, exchanges or substitutions.

FILM TICKET PRICES Regular Screenings, Advance Purchase ... $11 Regular Screenings at the Door ... $12 Children’s Program ... $5 youth, $10 adult

SPECIAL EVENT TICKET PRICES Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie Tribute: Friday, June 3 8 - 10 pm, $20, Crown Hall, Mendocino. See pg. 53 Children’s Program: Saturday, May 28, 10 am, Balo Vineyards, Philo Saturday, June 4, 10 am, Crown Hall, Mendocino $5 youth, $10 adult. See pg. 29 Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

• Tickets cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, forgotten, or destroyed. • All persons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. • Ticket holders must arrive 20 minutes prior to showtime to be guaranteed a seat. • All events subject to change. On rare occasions, for reasons beyond our control, screenings must be canceled. If a screening is canceled, tickets must be returned to the Festival Headquarters the same day to exchange for another screening or for a refund. For guests with physical disabilities, please contact the Festival Office at (707) 937-0171 for information on access and accommodation. Buy your tickets early! We expect many sold-out shows. Be sure to check our website for updates: MendocinoFilmFestival.org

@MendoFilmFest

#MendoFilm

Special Thanks

Each year, the Festival depends on the support of an ever-growing circle of people. To all who are listed here and to those of you who joined us after the program went to print, we are sincerely grateful to you all.

Megan Allende Sarah Bennett Bill & Linda Bjerre Billy Bjerre, Jr. Wendy Boise, CPA Gracia Brown Jamie Buckner Chris Calder Stephen Chick Adam & Lou Celaya John and Linda Compisi John Cornacchia Alex Crangle Sharon Davis Lorraine Dechter Gail Dickenson Roy Dufrain Marc & Cally Dym Shelley Fields Fort Bragg Travel Joanne Frazer Sharon Garner

Carolyn Glubok Jean Graham Mike Griggs Sarah Grimes Danna Hall Tom Honer Will & Carolyn Jackson Ivan Jimenez Margie Kamb Joan & Paul Katzeff Nancy & Paul Kemp Valerie Kim Christopher Koveleski Mike & Eula Lenihan Roberta Mayberry Dennell McFall Mel & Sue McKinney Sue McKinney Mendocino Jams & Preserves Mendocino Rotary Club Jim & Arlene Moorehead Michele & Tim Mullins

Bill Mulvihill Chris Nelson Susanne Norgard John Osborne Guy Pacurar Papa Bear’s Chocolate Robert Pinoli Randy & Sandy Arlo Reeves Erina Reeves Roundman’s Smokehouse Mark Ruedrich Jason Ruppert Larry Sawyer Donna Schuler Roger & Pam Scommegna Steve Scudder Herman Seidell Janet Self Joe Seta Celia Shelden Cindi & Creighton Smith

Matthew Springer Joan & Jeff Stanford Dolly & David Steffen Sally Stewart Abbey Stockwell David Steffen Larry Stropes Sharon Sullivan Pete Swanton Jennifer Taylor Dorian May Trio Thomas Trumper Barry Vogel Christine Wagner Rebecca Walker Jan & Marc Wasserman Linda Williams Willits Rotary Club Bob Woelfel Theo Wojack Rosa Wyglendowski Bill & Lynette Zimmer

Hospitality Donors

Since the beginning, local inns, B&Bs, hotels, and individuals have offered our Festival guests the gracious hospitality that is so characteristic of the Mendocino Film Festival. To all of you, we extend our heartfelt thanks; your support makes the Festival possible year after year.

Inns & Hotels in Mendocino Alegria Inn Andiron Seaside inn and Cabins The Blue Door Group Brewery Gulch Inn Cottages at Little River Cove Dennen's Victorian Farmhouse Glendeven Inn Heritage House Resort Hill House Inn Inn at Schoolhouse Creek Joshua Grindle Inn

Little River Inn Mendocino Coast Reservations Mendocino Farmhouse Mendocino Hotel Mendocino Inn and Spa The Sea Gull Inn Stanford Inn By the Sea Sweetwater Spa and Inn

Inns & Hotels in Fort Bragg Beachcomber Hotel North Cliff Hotel

Motel 6 The Weller House Inn

Private Homes Thom Adams & Don Toppenberg Tess Albin-Smith & Doug Albin Michael & Daphne Beard Patricia & Ken Black Darlene Clay Miriam Davis Mike and Ruth Dell’ara Pat Dunbar

Jill & Jim Eldridge Linda Friedman Buzz and Pam Graham Claire Ellis & Chuck Greenberg Tina and Jeremy Isenberg Bill and Gwen Jacobson Janet Nelson Wendy & Barry Cusick Andria Richey & Joseph Dalton Wendy Roberts

We are deeply grateful to our many loyal Festival Members for their support. It is through the

contributions of our members that we are able to continue to bring filmmakers and their stories to our community. Festival Members receive special insider opportunities and benefits, including: • Invitations to special events throughout the year • Early notification of film selections • Opportunity to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public • Priority Access (Producer & above) • Passes to All Films (Producer & above) Plus: All Members receive invitations to our Opening Night Party and Sneak Peek Screening, available exclusively to Festival Members and Sponsors.

Festival Members

Presenting Mike & Mary Schuh

Starring Role

Fran & Larry Heit Suzanne & Henry Hewitt Jacquie Hoffman & Anya Maruscha Stacy Houdek Cathy & Jerry Karabensh Virginia & Jim Lyons Jim & Arlene Moorehead Mark & Maurine Solomonson Monica Steinisch & Philip Maloney Greg & Teresa Young John Gregory Young

Producer

Pamela & Tom Hudson Dr. Randy McBride Jerry & Sharon McMillan Joan & Jeff Stanford Jim & Judy Tarbell Chryse & Vaughn Veit

Tracy Barrett & Claire Lachance Martha & Kevin Buck Hugh Dignon Bruce Johnson Julie Masterson Kris Reiber Mark & Deena Zarlin

Executive Director

Cinematographer

Anonymous Linda & Fedele Bauccio Miguel Berkstrom Carin Berolzheimer & Mark Farver Daniel & Lisa Christgau Angela Cooper John & Kathryn Hughes Paul & Nancy Kemp Jolee & Dr. Richard Louis Miller Ellen Taliaferro Larry & Marilyn Wagner Sylvia & Ann Walker

Director Luna Armstrong Peter & Lynn Chevalier John Cornacchia Sallie & Tom Costello Barry & Wendy Cusick Meredythe & Clayton Daley Jim & Michelle Deering Pat Dunbar Claire Ellis & Chuck Greenberg Kate Garetz Roger Gilbert Jean & Otto Graham Lynda & Fred Grill

Barbara Barkovich Henrietta Bensussen & Kim Hayes Mimi & Juriaan Blok Karen & Leonardo Bowers John & Katherine Brown Harriet Bye & Silver Mangini Randy & Sheila Esson Douglas & Claire Fortier Deborah Fulmor Sharon & Marvin Galliani Frank & Maureen Gamma Bill & Sue Gibson Mary Glanville Kaye Handley & William Patterson Susan Howell & Niels Andersen Tina & Jeremy Isenberg Bill & Gwen Jacobson Judy Katz Marni Kelleher Rod Kelleher Susan Larkin & Jim Ehlers Monty & Bobbi LeBlanc Susan Mauro-Wagner & Mike Wagner Erika & Evan Mills Arthur Morley

Sarah Nathe & Susan Tubbesing John Osborne Thomas Pelham Tom Pepper Jim Puskar & Ellie Rush Jeannette Rasker Arlene Reiss & Warren DeSmidt Bronwyn & Robert Rhoades Andria Richey & Joseph Dalton Christy & Pete Rose Dorothy Salant Susan & Mike Sandys Joy & Cliff Shaw Jeffry & Karen Stubbs Norma Watkins & Les Cizek Sally & Lee Welty Mary & Peter Zama

Production Assistant Steven Antler Sue Arnold Heidi Baldassare & James Keighran Nancy Banker Micky Becker & Pam Gaffney John & Barbara Birchard Catherine Booth Carole & Donn Chambers Moira Conzelman Jacqueline Cooper Meg Courtney & Bob Bushansky Phyllis Curtis Jason Cutrer Pattie DeMatteo Claudia Dheming Paula Doran Anne Eaton-Kemp Corinne & Ernest Egger David & Sandra Felthousen Pat Ferrero Robert Gardner Nancy Gardner Michael Garrison & Elizabeth Ruelle Joy Gertler Carolyn Glubok Georgia-Ann Gregory Terry Gross Doris Hammer Maureen & Charlie Hochberg Karen Jean Hunt Annette Jarvie Nancy Jenkins

Kathy Johnson & David Nieskoski Linda & John Judd Michael & Christine Kreyling JoAn Kunselman Deirdre Lamb Kay Lanier Diane & James Larson Bruce & Kathryn Leaman Mark Lipman & Helen Cohen Marta MacKenzie Irene Malone Jean Mann Chris & Buffy Maple Carla Markmann Shelley Martin Ken & Barbara Matheson Mavis Moore Kala Musick Lenny Noack Judith Parker Patrick Pekin Randy & Betsy Pene Matt & Paula Perelstein Mark Pope Erina Reeves Lauren & Mark Richey Joseph Robba Pamela Rudd Ann & Rudolph Sacks Larry Sawyer Fran Schwartz Susan Seymour Elinor Sheldon Bill & Vickie Sherman Carolyn Shirck Kendall Smith Jed Steele Mendocino Steele Mary Kay Stolz Emily Strachan Judy Summers Art Sussman Sabine Swallow Jane Tillis Leona Walden Lorie Wardlaw Audrey Wells Diana Wiedemann & Rebecca Johnson Linda Wilson & Peter Fearey Orah Young Ann Zollinger

Look for this symbol throughout the program book to indicate Official Member Events. Questions? Ask our VIP concierge at the Membership Table at Festival Headquarters. 11

Join us in the tent at the Hill House to celebrate the 11th Annual Mendocino Film Festival Thursday evening, June 2nd

An Eco-Resort on the Mendocino Coas

e x p e r i e n c e Eco-Luxury Accommodations Award-winning Vegan Dining Canoe and Bike Massage in the Forest Holistic Wellness Center Organic Farm & Gardens fou r d ia mond in n â&#x20AC;˘ pe ts welcom e tropic a l ind oor pool Oc ea n & Men d oc ino Vil l ag e Views wood b u rn ing fire pl ac es

End your weekend with a glass of our bubbly in the gardens at the Tasting Room â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bring a picnic! TASTING ROOM: OPEN 11 - 5 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA www.scharffenbergercellars.com

The Only Vegan Resort in North America! mendocino california 800.331.8884

stanfordinn.com MendocinoFilmFestival.org

Special Events

Wine & Filmmaker Dinner. See page 22. A Tribute to our Members Thursday, June 2 7:00 pm, Festival Tent

Ben Wood Projection Art Friday, June 3 – Saturday, June 4 after sunset, Mendocino Village

Mendo After Dark Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5 10:00 pm – last call

Kick off the festivities a day early at this special Members screening of the Short Films Program, as we raise a glass to the people who make the Mendocino Film Festival possible. Enjoy fine wine from Scharffenberger Cellars and gourmet popcorn at this sneak preview for our most dedicated Festival supporters. Proudly sponsored by Scharffenberger Cellars.

Following the success of last year’s projection on the MacCallum House Water Tower and the Savings Bank, famed audiovisual artist Ben Wood returns to Mendocino for this year’s Festival with all-new animated imagery and text for his latest multimedia project.

Let’s Dance: once we wrap for the night, head over to Dick’s Place, Patterson’s Pub, or Flow for more revelry. Socialize at these unofficial after-parties and chat about the day’s screenings as we continue the celebrations until closing time. See you on the dance floor!

Mendocino, I Love You Opening Night Party and Chef Showcase for Members and Sponsors Friday, June 3 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Hill House Inn

Stop by the Filmmaker Lounge, upstairs at Festival Headquarters at Oddfellows Hall for refreshments and treats, starting at 9 am with coffee and pastries at the Breakfast Club every morning. Chat with filmmakers and special guests between films and admire the wood, stone, glass, and floral elements on display from local artisans. Wood accents generously provided by Architectural Elements of Anderson Valley.

Top chefs preparing small bites from locally-sourced ingredients. Worldclass wine, craft cocktails, craft spirits, and beer. Filmmakers and special guests from around the world. One amazing night. Don your finest attire for this night of glamour and partake in this love song to the remarkable place we call home, as we welcome our celebrities and special guests to experience Mendocino at its best. Celebrate another extraordinary edition of the Mendocino Film Festival at this exclusive Member and Sponsor event, proudly sponsored by Pamela Hudson Real Estate.

Filmmaker Lounge Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Oddfellows Hall

Internet Cat Video Festival Mobile Adoption Sunday, June 5 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Festival Tent If you think they’re cute on screen, they’re even cuter in person! Find your new best friend at this event supporting the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Before and after the screening of the Internet Cat Video Festival, meet adorable animals looking for their forever homes.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Wrap Party Sunday, June 5 7:00 pm, Festival Tent Members, Volunteers, & Invited Guests Following Reel Mendo, enjoy one last hurrah with the festival crew and partake in music, dancing, refreshments, and camaraderie, as we celebrate the conclusion to another wonderful year. Proudly sponsored by Mendo Lake Credit Union. There and Back Again Don’t miss our events and screenings around the Shire. Fort Bragg: See page 57 for a full list of events in Fort Bragg. Willits: See page 55 for a full list of Seabiscuit Legacy Film Series events in Willits. Philo: See page 21-23 for a full list of Cinema in the Vineyards events in Philo. Point Arena: See page 57 for a full list of events in Point Arena 13

Mendocino, I love you

Opening Night Celebration Friday, June 3, 5:00 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 pm Hill House Inn, Mendocino

Proudly sponsored by

Exclusive Mendocino Film Festival Member and Sponsor Event Celebrate Opening Night in style at this exclusive Festival fete, which spans both floors of the famous Hill House Inn (immortalized in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, starring Dame Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher) on Friday, June 3. Rub shoulders with our film, fashion, and culinary celebrities and pose for the paparazzi at our most star-studded Opening Night Celebration yet.

FEATURING THE FLORAL STYLINGS OF:

Whether your style is classic chic or fashion-forward, don your finest Met Gala-worthy attire for a night of glamour, as we showcase Mendocino at the soiree of the season. Mingle with celebrities and special guests from the fashion and film world at this eagerly anticipated event, as we raise a glass to another extraordinary edition of the Mendocino Film Festival.

CULINARY PARTNERS INCLUDE:

Enjoy the finest Mendocino has to offer with this series of vignettes from local chefs and wineries, as well as North Coast Brewing Company beer, craft cocktails made with Blue Angel Vodka, brandy and whiskey from local craft distilleries Germain-Robin and Low Gap, and an array of locally-sourced delicacies from sea and land. As we ring in another year, let your palate savor Mendocino at this epicurean love song dedicated to Mendocinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and brightest.

Joe Devers LR Farm Mendocino Floral Design Sharon Fales

Hog Island Oyster Co. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria Fort Bragg Bakery Cypress Grove Chevre Costeaux Bakery Pennyroyal Farmstead Harvest Market Thanksgiving Coffee Company Caito Fisheries Pacific Rim Seafood A Sweet Affair

Mendocino Film Festival

Starring these Culinary Celebrities

Nicholas Petti

Stephen Smith

Marc Dym

Sid Garza-Hillman

Alan Kantor

Mendo Bistro

Albion River Inn

Little River Inn

Ravens

MacCallum House

Felix Toscano

Creighton Smith

Takanao Ogawa

Brittney Harris

Daniel Martin Dzul

Richard Whipple

Mendocino Hotel

Inn at Newport Ranch

Takaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grill

A Sweet Affair

Trillium

Heritage House

Lisa and Tony Geer

Alex Bill

Joe Harris

Matt Barnes

Andrew Wells

Ledford House

Wild Fish

Cucina Verona

Stone & Embers Three Dog Farm

Mendocino Jams and Preserves

CULINARY PARTNERS LODGING • RESTAURANT • BAR

ALBION RIVER INN

WHERE THE ALBION MEETS THE SEA

The Apple Farm Papa Bear's Chocolate Haus Mendocino Jams and Preserves

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Har vest at MENDOSA’S

The Best…

Harvest

Naturally

Market

Beer & Wine, Fresh Produce, Local Products Old-fashioned Meat and Seafood Counter and everything you’d expect from your local market!

Market Open Daily 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

10501 Lansing St., Mendocino • 707-937-5879 Also in Fort Bragg, 171 Boatyard Dr. • 707-964-7000

Shop Online at: www.harvestmarket.com Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

WINE, SPIRIT & ALE PARTNERS

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

WINE, SPIRIT & ALE PARTNERS

Vineyard

Winery

W I N E RY & V I N E YA R D

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

30 minutes from the coast Handley Cellars is a small family-owned winery nestled in the rolling hills of Anderson Valley. Owner Milla Handley has been producing wines for over 30 years including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah. While tasting these award-winning wines, visitors can enjoy an extensive folk art collection, picnic in the courtyard, and browse the gift shop. During the first weekend of every month special food pairings are offered in the tasting room. HARMONIQUE

MENDO FILM FESTIVAL ADCA3/17/15 3151 Hwy. 128, Philo, 95466 • 707-895-3876 800-733-3151 • www.handleycellars.com Open 7 day a week: 10-6 in summer & 10-5 in winter

ORGANIC FARMING • POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY • ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING STATION

FLIGHT TASTINGS OF LIBRARY WINES AVAILABLE nays aged to perfection erent styles of gracefully aged Anderson Valley Pinot Noir wines and a Un-Oaked Chardonnay. The winemaking philosophy is based on the concept of blending grapes from multiple clones to craft a consistent style of wine. The name Harmonique reflects a desire to create wines that harmonize with many foods and evoke a sense of their Burgundian heritage. The wines are released only when they have reached a prime level of maturity. Most of the grapes for Harmonique wines come from well-drained hillside vineyards located at the extreme western end of Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, known locally as the “deep end.” It is the coolest and most fog-prone portion of the entire appellation, producing intense fruit flavors and ample acidity. Visit Harmonique tasting room at 14051 Highway 128, Boonville, California, in the Hanes Art Gallery. Open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm. • For information call: 707.895.9300 or visit: harmoniquewine.com.

May 27–29 • June 2–5

Cinema in the Vineyards

May 27–29, 2016 Presented by the Mendocino Film Festival and the Philo Collective On Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy “Films that Evoke the Senses,” as our Cinema in the Vineyards program showcases agrarian and country living, sustainable farming, and the farm-to-table movement. This celebration of community explores the future of food and the history of wine, featuring films from around the world paired with special events highlighting the best of Anderson Valley. A

A 128

b PHILO

THE PHILO COLLECTIVE

Roederer Estate

4501 Hwy 128, Philo

Scharffenberger Cellars 8501 Hwy 128, Philo

C Witching Stick Wines 8627 Hwy 128, Philo

D The Madrones 9000 Hwy 128, Philo

Edef FG gh HI

E F

128

Drew Family Cellars at The Madrones

G Knez Winery at The Madrones H Signal Ridge at The Madrones I J

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Bink Wines at The Madrones

Balo Vineyards 9001 Hwy 128, Philo

Domaine Anderson

9201 Hwy 128, Philo

CINEMA IN THE VINEYARDS EVENTS F R I D AY, M AY 2 7

S AT U R D AY, M AY 2 8

S U N D AY, M AY 2 9

Opening Reception and Elevated Tasting

Farm & Table Fair

Wine by the Glass

5:30 pm, The Madrones, $45

Mingle with winemakers, filmmakers, and our VIP guests at this exclusive reception, as you ring in our 2016 program with delectable small bites prepared by Janelle Weaver of the Bewildered Pig and paired with top-tier wines. Hear from the winemakers themselves, as well as our sommeliers, at this intimate discussion and tasting of three Philo Collective wines.

Wine & Filmmaker Dinner 7:30 pm, Balo Vineyards

$150 (seating limited to 50 guests) Celebrate the start of Cinema in the Vineyards at this elegant four-course dinner, featuring delicious culinary creations paired with Balo Vineyards, Knez Winery, and Bink wines.

11:00 am – 3:00 pm, The Madrones Partake in the fruits of local farmers’ labor and support sustainable agriculture at our Farm & Table Fair, which showcases local farmers, artisans, and chefs. Join your fellow festival attendees for a taste of Anderson Valley, featuring farm-fresh fare, activities for children and families, culinary demonstrations, Bite Hard Cider, and more, at this benefit for local Anderson Valley nonprofits. 100% of the proceeds from Bite Hard Cider sales will go to charity, as well as a portion of the proceeds from the rest of the fair.

Wine by the Glass

11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Balo Vineyards Tasting Room $12 white wine, $15 pinot noir (Cinema in the Vineyards glass included) See — and taste — firsthand why Balo wines win top awards year after year. Before attending one of our award-winning films, stop by the tasting room to enjoy awardwinning wine. Water or juice also available.

11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Balo Vineyards Tasting Room $12 white wine, $15 pinot noir (Cinema in the Vineyards glass included) Between films and panels, discover for yourself why Jon Bonné picked Anderson Valley as the “wine region in California [of which he’s] fondest” with the delightful wines of Balo Vineyards.

Closing Reception 6:30 pm, Balo Vineyards

Complimentary with admission to For Grace. Pop the cork and celebrate another wonderful year in the vineyards, as we conclude our time in Philo with the culinary documentary For Grace. Raise a glass with friends familiar and new and indulge in libations and treats from local wineries, as we bid adieu to Balo Cinema until next year.

FILM CATEGORIES Spotlight Programs

Wine & Filmmaker Dinner 7:30 pm, The Madrones

Documentary

$150 (seating limited to 50 spots) Join us for delicious farm-fresh cuisine for a good cause. Go “into the bottle” at this family-style dinner, as you enjoy dishes from Shannon Hughes made entirely with local ingredients and paired with wines from Drew, Witching Stick, and Signal Ridge and chat with your sommelier, winemaker, farmer, filmmaker, and farmer-filmmaker neighbors.

Narrative Films on the Arts Films for Our Future

SATURDAY 10:00 am

12:00 pm

3:00 pm

5:00 pm

Children's Program (60)

SUNDAY

p29

Art House (88) p28

The Organic Life (60) p43

12:00 pm

3:00 pm

SOMM: Into the Bottle (90) p47

Short Films Program: Only Human (88) p26

SOMM: Into the Bottle (90) 5:00 For Grace (92) p47

p33

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

CINEMA IN THE VINEYARDS FILMS

Children’s Program

Art House

10:00 am, Balo Vineyards $5 children under 12, $10 adults

12:00 pm, Balo Vineyards $11 in advance, $12 at the door

Bring your little ones to this collection of shorts that will appeal to film fans of all ages. Handpicked from the New York International Children’s Film Festival, these whimsical audience favorites are sure to win your heart and leave you smiling. For more information, see page 29.

“Some artists don’t just create masterpieces – they live in them.” The homes featured in this artful documentary incorporate a unique architectural typology characterized by a DIY aesthetic, the appropriation of building techniques from art practice, and a fierce spirit of individual expression in an age of architectural standardization. For more information, see page 28.

Saturday, May 28

Proudly sponsored by Pennyroyal Farm.

Saturday, May 28

The Organic Life

(Q&A with filmmaker after screening) Saturday, May 28 3:00 pm, Balo Vineyards $11 in advance, $12 at the door In this “love letter to the land,” a young man and his filmmaker girlfriend decide to try their hand at organic farming, discovering that although living organically isn’t easy, it might be more rewarding than they thought possible. For more information, see page 43. Proudly sponsored by Oz Farm.

Preceded by An Architect’s Story. Following the screening, stay for a panel with local architectural authorities. Proudly sponsored by Architectural Elements.

Somm: Into the Bottle (Panel following the screening) Saturday, May 28, 5:00 pm Sunday, May 29, 12:00 pm

Balo Vineyards $11 in advance, $12 at the door In this follow-up to 2013 Mendocino Film Festival selection SOMM, the world's best winemakers and sommeliers explore the history, the vintage, and the magic of some of the rarest and most storied bottles of wine in the world as they are opened. For more information, see page 47.

Short Films Program: Only Human Sunday, May 29

3:00 pm, Balo Vineyards $11 in advance, $12 at the door Join us for this sometimes touching, sometimes funny, always entertaining look at the triumphs and travails of being human, featuring two 2016 Academy® Award winners. For more information, see page 26. Proudly sponsored by The Toll House at Bell Valley.

Proudly sponsored by Leonard Moore Cooperative. Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

For Grace Sunday, May 29

5:00 pm, Balo Vineyards $11 in advance, $12 at the door Chef Chris Duffy, recipient of two coveted Michelin stars, has a mission: to turn his Chicago restaurant Grace into the best in the country. This portrait of a culinary celebrity explores Duffy’s turbulent childhood and eventual rise to stardom – even as his personal and family life falls victim to his kitchen obsession. For more information, see page 33. Proudly sponsored by Stone & Embers.

FESTIVAL GUIDE

Need help navigating our 2016 film program and the abundance of options? Never fear; we’ve got you covered. Chart your course by theme below or flip to pages 62 and 63 to make your selections by timeslot or location. Academy Awards 2016

Sports

Social Justice

Bear Story (Best Animated Short)

5 Stone of Lead (short)

Embrace of the Serpent

Embrace of the Serpent (Best Foreign Language Film Nominee)

Dark Horse

Landfill Harmonic

March of the White Elephants

Stutterer (Best Live Action Short)

Speed Sisters

Newtown

Sundance 2016

T-Rex

Omo Child

First Girl I Loved

Passion

The Sunshine Makers

Life, Animated

Dogfight

Newtown

Nature

First Girl I Loved

Embrace of the Serpent

Coming-of-Age

My Golden Days

The Messenger

Our Last Tango

The Organic Life

First Girl I Loved Golden Kingdom My Golden Days T-Rex Viva

Art & Photography Art House First Monday in May Frame by Frame Missing People Theory of Obscurity

Music & Dance Crossing Rachmaninoff Jaco Landfill Harmonic Our Last Tango Theory of Obscurity Trash Dance We’re Still Here Ziggy Stardust

Rio, I Love You Sunset Song

LGBT Crossing Rachmaninoff

International Adventure

First Girl I Loved

Embrace of the Serpent

Viva

Golden Kingdom Jafar Panahi’s Taxi My Golden Days Rio, I Love You Speed Sisters Viva

Narrative Cemetery of Splendor Dogfight Embrace of the Serpent Golden Kingdom My Golden Days

Women

Rio, I Love You

Code: Debugging the Gender Gap

The Second Mother

Frame by Frame

Sunset Song

The Second Mother

Viva

Speed Sisters Sunset Song T-Rex

Short Films Children’s Program Internet Cat Video Film Festival

History

Reel Mendo

Rosenwald

Short Films Program

SOMM: Into the Bottle We’re Still Here

May 27–29 • June 2–5

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS

First Monday in May

Viva

Friday, June 3, 8:00 pm, Festival Tent

Saturday, June 4, 8:00 pm, Festival Tent

Proudly sponsored by Rainsong

Proudly sponsored by Dr. Randy McBride and Neartown Animal Clinic

$11 in advance, $12 at the door Dress your best and prepare for a night of glamor, featuring guest of honor André Leon Talley, former American editor-atlarge of Vogue, who will be in attendance at the Opening Night Screening of First Monday in May. See page 33 for details.

David Bowie Tribute: Ziggy Stardust Friday, June 3, 8:00 pm, Crown Hall Proudly Sponsored by Flow and KOZT $20 (film and performance) See a young David Bowie on the big screen, as we revisit the classic D.A. Pennebaker documentary, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1973), considered by many to be “the greatest music doc of all time,” in honor of the one and only David Bowie. Toast the memory of a legend with our Bowie-themed cocktails and enjoy music and revelry with the Steven Bates Band, performing David Bowie’s greatest hits after the screening. Let’s Dance! See page 53 for details.

Crossing Rachmaninoff U.S. Premiere Friday, June 3, 3:00 pm, Crown Hall Saturday, June 4, 10:15 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg Proudly sponsored by Linda & Fedele Bauccio

Sean Leland State Farm or the Mendocino Film Festival office to pick up an entry form and pages for your little animator to color. See page 29 for details.

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Reel Mendo

Take a trip to Havana with Viva, Ireland’s official submission for 2016 Best Foreign Language Film. This special Saturday night screening promises the perfect dose of entertainment, scandal, and intrigue—and that’s before the film even starts. Come in drag or come as you are, but come ready to enjoy a heartwarming and thoughtprovoking film with an absolutely endearing hero. See page 53 for details.

Sunday, June 5, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent

Our Last Tango Saturday, June 4, 8:00 pm, Matheson Proudly sponsored by Inn at Newport Ranch $11 in advance, $12 at the door Tango fans rejoice: Tango Mendocino will treat the audience to a special presentation preceding the dramatic documentary Our Last Tango, about Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves, the Fred and Ginger of the tango world. Tango enthusiasts will have the opportunity to showcase their own remarkable dance steps at Mendo After Dark following the screening. See page 43 for details.

Children’s Program Our award-winning program for children of all ages Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am, Crown Hall Proudly Sponsored by Sean Leland State Farm

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

$5 children, $10 adults

In partnership with the Mendocino Music Festival, we are proud to present the U.S. premiere of Crossing Rachmaninoff. Join us as we welcome the subject of the film, renowned concert pianist Flavio Villani, coming from New Zealand to Mendocino for the occasion. Introduction by Spencer Brewer. See page 29 for details.

We are proud to present the best of the New York International Children’s Film Festival, featuring light-hearted award-winning short films from around the world. As part of our Children's Program, the Mendocino Film Festival is giving away a brand-new bicycle to one lucky young artist in our art raffle, sponsored by Sean Leland State Farm! Visit

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Proudly sponsored by Fowler Auto Center $11 in advance, $12 at the door Join us as we conclude another wonderful yea and celebrate our homegrown talent with Reel Mendo, a showcase of Mendocino filmmakers. Featuring a special performance from Mendocino Dance Company. For details, see page 27.

Sundance Selections

Fresh from Sundance, these three popular films will screen at the Mendocino Film Festival: • First Girl I Loved. Directed by Kerem Sanga. Sunday, June 5, 12:30 pm, Crown Hall. See page 33 for details. • Life, Animated. Directed by Roger Ross Williams. Saturday, June 5, 3:00 pm, Festival Tent. See page 39 for details. • Newtown. Directed by Kim A. Snyder. Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am, Crown Hall. See page 41 for details.

Academy Selections

We are delighted to screen these three 2016 Oscar nominees (including two winners): • Bear Story. Winner, Best Animated Short. Directed by Gabriel Osorio. Screens as part of our Short Films Program. See page 26 for details. • Embrace of the Serpent. Nominated, Best Foreign Language Film. Directed by Ciro Guerra. See page 31 for details. • Stutterer. Winner, Best Live Action Short. Directed by Benjamin Cleary. Screens as part of our Short Films Program. See page 26 for details.

SHORT FILMS PROGRAM: ONLY HUMAN SPECIAL MEMBERS SCREENING Thursday, June 2, 7:00 pm, Festival Tent MULTIPLE SCREENING TIMES Sunday, May 29, 3:00 pm, Balo Vineyards, Philo Friday, June 3, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am, Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg Sunday, June 5, 2:00 pm, Noyo Theatre, Willits Sunday, June 5, 3:00pm, Arena Theater, Point Arena

Right Person for the Job

Directed by Wilfried Méance. Recently unemployed 55-year-old Jean anxiously awaits his interview at an employment center. Little does he know that Rémi, his lazy 30-year-old advisor, just wants Jean out of his office so he can go home for the day. 7 min. Best Short Film, Praxis Film Festival; Best Foreign Film, New York City Short Film Festival.

Play Date

Directed by Paige Morrow Kimball. A bright young girl who has trouble getting her busy parents to notice her befriends a homeless woman and invites her inside for a playdate. 16 min. Best Short Film, Boston International Kids Short Film Festival; Best Short Film, International Family Film Festival.

Bear Story

Directed by Gabriel Osorio. An old bear sets up a small wooden diorama of his own invention on a busy street corner. For a coin, passersby can watch a story unfold inside the box:the story of a circus bear who longs to escape and return to his family. 11 min. 2016 Academy® Award Winner.

1 part passion, 1 part determination, 1 part user error—100% human. This year’s program, curated by Ann Walker and Kira Wojack and featuring two 2016 Academy Award Winners, offers a sometimes touching, sometimes funny, always entertaining look at the triumphs and travails of being human, with all the messiness and glory that entails. 88 min.

Bear Story

Stutterer

Papa

The Present

Till Then

5 Stone of Lead

Night Shift

Directed by Benjamin Cleary. A lonely typographer with a cruel speech impediment that obscures his eloquent inner voice must face his greatest fear: meeting the woman he loves. 13 min. 2016 Academy® Award Winner.

Directed by Jacob Frey. A boy receives a puppy as a gift but is dismayed to discover that it’s missing a paw. The puppy doesn’t seem to notice the missing limb, however. Will this happy-go-lucky present be able to win his sullen new owner’s heart? 4 min. Audience Award, Austin Film Festival; Best Foreign Short Animation, International Family Film Festival; Best Animation, Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.

Directed by Jonny Madderson. On the west coast of Ireland, kids don’t dream about winning the World Cup—they dream about being championship jockeys. This is the story of one such youngster, tiny and cheerful 12-year-old Dylan. Will he be able make a name for himself at the Glenbeigh Races? 6 min. Vimeo Staff Pick; Short of the Week; Festival World Premiere.

Directed by Natalie Labarre. An eccentric inventor realizes he’s not a perfect father, so one day he builds one. 7 min. Best Animated Short Film, Olympia International Film Festival; Official Selection, San Jose International Short Film Festival.

Directed by Benjamin Wolf. Albert and Marta, two neighbors in their 70s, share a daily ritual but have never actually spoken. Every morning, they meet in their respective windows to watch the world unfold below them. 20 min. Best Short, Anchorage Film Festival; Best Short Film, Boston Film Festival; Best Editing, Savannah Film Festival; Shortlisted for 2016 Academy Award, Best Live Action Short.

Directed by Againstallodds. A lonely security guard who works the graveyard shift at a mannequin factory spends his nights arranging the mannequins to surprise and delight the employees who work the day shift. 4 min.

Proudly sponsored by Redwood Roofers. MendocinoFilmFestival.org

Reel Mendo

Sunday, June 5, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent (Q&A with filmmakers after screening) $11 in advance, $12 at the door Join us for our Closing Night showcase of local films as we highlight the work of our talented and artistic filmmaker community here in Mendocino. Travel through time, space, and the unique place we call Mendocino with these short films from homegrown directors. Proudly sponsored by Fowler Auto Center.

96-Hour Film winner

Enjoy the winning film from this spring’s 96-Hour Film contest at Mendocino High School. Salute these talented youths for their impressive work and celebrate the success of young filmmakers we are sure to see more of in the future.

Without Words Without Words

Directed by Maya Neumeier. In this mysterious and moody piece, a woman is plagued by memories of her late husband. 10 min.

Nesting Turkey Vultures

Directed by Flora Skivington. Featuring local expert Greg Guisti at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, Nesting Turkey Vultures explores the lives of these little-observed birds and examines new threats arising from human encroachment. 4 min.

Fortunate Farm Fortunate Farm

Directed by Mischa Hedges. Fortunate Farm has provided hope and employment to aspiring young farmers here on the coast. In this short film produced with the support of North Coast Brewing Company, a young farmer explains what drew her to farming and how local grains are transforming North Coast Brewing Company ales for the better. 3 min.

For Maj

Directed by Nanak Mccann. In this production featuring a local cast, a young man struggles to let go, as he copes with grief and change in the aftermath of his father’s death. 19 min.

Theories About You For Maj

Directed by Nelsen Brazill. In this catchy 1940s-esque music video for Erin Brazill and the Brazillionaires’ new song “Theories About You,” a woman imagines what a man might be like -- and things go downhill from there. 7 min.

Mendocino Dance Project

Directed by Pablo Abuliak. Let the women of the Mendocino Dance Project take you on a journey through Mendocino, from dramatic sand dunes to redwood forests. As they dance, the beauty of their art form and the natural scenery merge into one amazing film.

Mendocino Dance Project

Following the films, stay for a Q&A with our local filmmakers and a special performance by the Mendocino Dance Project.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Art House

Cemetery of Splendor

Directed by Don Freeman

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Saturday, May 28, 12:00 pm

Friday, June 3, 5:30 pm, Matheson

Balo Vineyards, Philo $11 in advance, $12 at the door

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

FILM ON THE ARTS “Gazes deeply into the artistic and architectural histories of some of these artists’ greatest legacies—their homes.” – Atlas & Aeris “Some artists don’t just create masterpieces – they live in them.” Narrated by author and critic Alastair Gordon, Art House explores the handmade homes created and lived in by eleven distinguished American artists and designers. Showing the diversity of these artists’ aesthetics and the interplay of their artistic style with the construction of their homes, the homes featured in this artful documentary incorporate a unique architectural typology characterized by a DIY aesthetic, the appropriation of building techniques from art practice, and a fierce spirit of individual expression in an age of architectural standardization. Features the homes of Russel Wright, George Nakashima, Raoul Hague, the Ralph Radcliffe artists (Byrdcliffe), Henry Chapman Mercer, Michael Hahn, Paolo Soleri, Wharton Esherick, Henry Varnum Poor, Constantino Nivola, and Frederic Church. USA. 88 min; Best Documentary, Atlas Awards; Rising Star Award, Canada International Movie Awards; Official Selection, Milan Design Film Festival. Preceded by An Architect’s Story. Directed by Nelsen Brazill. The American Institute of Architects profiles Chris Downey, a San Francisco-based architect pioneering design for the blind. 4 min. Following the screening, join us for a panel with local architecture experts. This program is made possible by the generosity of Architectural Elements of Anderson Valley.

NARRATIVE “An eerily becalmed work in which spiritual possessions and mysterious deities come to seem virtually indistinguishable from ordinary reality. Suffused with beauty, humor, and quietly overwhelming emotion.” – Justin Chang, Variety In this hypnotic and atmospheric masterpiece, soldiers with a mysterious sleeping sickness are transferred to a temporary clinic in a former school, where volunteers care for these stricken men. There may be a connection, however, between the soldiers’ enigmatic syndrome and the mythic ancient site that lies beneath the clinic. The memory-filled space becomes a revelatory world for housewife and volunteer Jenjira, as she watches over Itt, a handsome and solitary soldier. Doctors explore ways to ease the men’s troubled dreams, while Jen befriends young medium Keng, who uses her psychic powers to help loved ones communicate with the comatose men. Magic, healing, romance, and dreams are all part of Jen’s path to a deeper awareness of herself and the world around her. In Thai with English Subtitles. Thailand. 122 min; Best Film, Asia Pacific Screen Awards; Official Selection: Cannes Film Festival, London Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Sallie Mac.

Cast Your Vote!

audience choice award

Each year, The Mendocino Film Festival invites you, our discerning audience, to determine the Audience Choice Award recipient. The award will be given to the highest-rated feature-length documentary or narrative film. Be sure to fill out the special ballots distributed at each screening. The winner will be announced on our website. Made possible by the generous support of North Coast Brewing Company

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Children’s Program: Kid Flix

CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 am Balo Vineyards, Philo

Directed by Robin Hauser Reynolds (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am, Crown Hall

Saturday, June 4, 12:30 pm, Crown Hall

$5 children under 12, $10 adults

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Saturday, June 4, 10:15 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

DOCUMENTARY

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Featuring the best audience favorites and award-winning short films from the annual New York International Children’s Film Festival, these whimsical shorts will delight children of all ages. A group of musicallyinclined ants and a hungry woodpecker face off against a lumberjack threatening to take down their tree in Pik Pik Pik. Being different isn’t so bad in Bunny New Girl and Zebra. Sometimes even family can feel like strangers in My Big Brother, Eyes, and 2015 Oscar®-nominated Me and my Moulton. Fantasies create new worlds and endless possibilities in 5.80 Meters, Larisa Can Fly, and Submarine Sandwich. One special object can inspire anyone, big or small, in The Elephant and the Bicycle and Cookie-Tin Banjo, and a fly and a spider go to war in Minuscule: The Private Life of Insects – Brushing. Various countries of origin. 60 min; Official Selection, Ryder Film Series; Best of New York International Children’s Film Festival; Official Selection, Olympia Film Festival.

"Underscores how critical diversity is in every field, not just computer science.”

This program is made possible by the generosity of Sean Leland State Farm.

– Graham Winfrey, Inc. Magazine By 2020, there will be one million unfilled software engineering jobs in the USA. CODE examines the reasons why many girls and people of color are not seeking out careers and opportunities in computer science and explores how cultural mindsets, stereotypes, educational hurdles, and sexism all play a role in this national crisis. This insightful documentary intercuts expert voices from the worlds of technology, psychology, science, and education with inspiring stories of women who are fighting to challenge complacency in the tech industry and have their voices heard. The combination will inspire change in viewpoints, the educational system, startup culture, and the way women see themselves in the world of coding. USA. 80 min; Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival; Platinum Winner, International Independent Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Village Veterinary.

Crossing Rachmaninoff Directed by Rebecca Tansley (Q&A with Flavio Villani after screening) Friday, June 3, 3:00 pm, Crown Hall

U.S. PREMIERE: DOCUMENTARY “From the opening images of the sea, to the fluid motion of Villani’s hands across the keyboard, to recurring themes of food and Italian life, Crossing Rachmaninoff is as much a delight for the senses as it is emotionally compelling.” – Anthony Robins, The Standard Crossing Rachmaninoff follows pianist Flavio Villani as he prepares Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 for his first ever performance with an orchestra. Filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, and southern Italy, the film follows Flavio’s journey as he grapples with his challenging work, returning to Italy to perform the piece—and reuniting with his family, who once discouraged him from following a career in music. And the camera stays with him as he takes to the stage with the Orchestra Filarmonica della Calabria for his big debut. Will his night in the spotlight bring despair or triumph? A compelling and uplifting personal odyssey, Crossing Rachmaninoff demonstrates the value of artistic endeavor, the importance of selfbelief, and the desire to be accepted for who we are. New Zealand. 79 min; US Premiere; Official Selection: New Zealand International Film Festival, International Festival of Audiovisual Programs (FIPA). Flavio Villani will be joining us for the U.S. Premiere of Crossing Rachmaninoff. See page 25 for details. This program is made possible by the generosity of Linda and Fedele Bauccio.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Silver’s at The

Wharf

LOUNGE, RESTAURANT and LODGING Fresh Seafood, Steaks and Seasonal Creations by Chef-Owner Silver Canul Overlooking Noyo River & Harbor Lunch and Dinner Daily from 11:00 Sports Bar and Cocktail Lounge Outdoor Dining & Dog Friendly Deck Banquets and Parties from 20 to 200 Economy and Waterfront Rooms

Dining 707-964-4283 • Lodging 800-643-2700 www.SilversAtTheWharf.com 30

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance Directed by Louise Osmond Sunday, June 5, 4:00 pm Noyo Theatre, Willits $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY “More stirring than National Velvet, less sentimental than Champions, Dark Horse never contrives to make us cry. And, like a well-told tale at the pub, it grips from start to finish.” – Karen Krizanovich, The List He was a working-class horse who took on the best—and did it for a tenner a week. In this heartwarming “nags-to-riches” documentary, a Welsh mining town unites to show the world what they’ve got: Dream Alliance, a racehorse who shatters the “class ceiling” and takes the racing world by storm. It all starts when a local barmaid and her husband decide to breed a racehorse. Soon enough, 23 of their friends have agreed to go in on their unusual venture, mostly just to see “if it would work;” in the process, they find themselves up against some of the finest thoroughbreds in the sport. Dream Alliance makes a name for himself, but then tragedy strikes: just as he is poised for more victories, he gets injured. Is this the end of the dream? UK. 85 min; World Cinema Documentary, Sundance; Best Documentary, British Independent Film Awards.

Dogfight (1991)

Embrace of the Serpent

Directed by Nancy Savoca

Directed by Ciro Guerra

Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am, Matheson

Saturday, June 4, 12:30 pm, Festival Tent

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

BAY AREA FILM: NARRATIVE

ACADEMY SELECTION: NARRATIVE

“A virtually unknown gem. One of the sweetest, most touching romances of the decade.”

“At once blistering and poetic, not just an ethnographic study but also a striking act of cinematic witness.”

– Dustin Putman, The Film File “The rules of the dogfight were simple: Everyone puts in 50 bucks. And the guy with the ugliest ‘date’ wins.” On the eve of shipping out to Vietnam, Corporal Eddie Birdlace (River Phoenix) decides to participate in a mean-spirited “dogfight” with his fellow servicemen—and promptly gets more than he bargains for. Rose Fenny, the young woman he invites, quickly learns the truth and storms out. To his surprise, Eddie realizes that he likes his “date,” and he must set out on a quest to redeem himself. What follows is an illuminating evening, as he gets to know his former target, who is enamored of the counterculture movement, while she realizes that he may not be as much of a jerk as she thought. USA. 94 min. This program is made possible by the generosity of ReMax First Equity Realty.

This program is a special screening in partnership with Noyo Theatre.

– Justin Chang, Variety Tracking two parallel odysseys through the Amazon separated by over 30 years, this historical epic offers a heart-rending depiction of colonialism’s impact on indigenous culture. In 1909, ailing German explorer Theodor Koch-Grünberg arrives at river’s edge, where the young shaman Karamakate—supposedly the last member of his tribe—waits warily. Theodor is searching for an exceedingly rare flower that he believes could cure him of his fatal illness; in exchange for Karamakate’s help, he promises to lead Karamakate to other surviving members of his tribe. The journey takes them over rivers and through jungles ravaged by European infringement and introduces them to the indigenous victims of European ambitions. 31 years later, in 1940, American explorer Richard Evans Schultes conducts his own search for the elusive flower in the company of an older Karamakate in a landscape now brutalized by the rubber trade. In Spanish with English subtitles. Colombia. 123 min; Best Foreign Language Film Nominee, 2016 Academy Awards; Official Selection: Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Mendo Realty.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

D∙E∙N∙N∙E∙N∙S VICTORIAN FA R M H O U S E

A Tranquil Inn on the Mendocino Coast

∙

Sit back, relax, anticipate… 7001 Highway 1 800-264-4723

VictorianFarmhouse.com 32

Moore Used Books

Music Books CD’s Art Books & Much More!

Across from Preston Hall 990 Main Street Mendocino, CA 95460 707. 937. 1537 May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

First Girl I Loved

First Monday in May

For Grace

Directed by Kerem Sanga (Q&A with filmmaker and cast after screening)

Directed by Andrew Rossi (Q&A with filmmaker and Andre Leon Talley of Vogue after screening)

Directed by Mark Helenowski and Kevin Pang

Sunday, June 5, 12:30 pm, Crown Hall

Friday, June 3, 8:00 pm, Festival Tent

Sunday, May 29, 5:00 pm Balo Vineyards, Philo

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Saturday, June 4, 10:30 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

SUNDANCE SELECTION: NARRATIVE In this sweet and poignant coming-of-age story, Anne (Dylan Gelula), a quiet and shy yearbook nerd, falls in love with Sasha (Brianna Hildrebrand), the star of the high school softball team – and Sasha seems to return her feelings. Anne shares her news with her best friend Clifton (Mateo Arias), who was hiding a secret of his own: he has always wanted more than friendship with Anne. In despair, he reacts to Anne’s revelation by trying to derail her budding romance with Sasha. As these young women navigate the tumultuous waters of growing up gay at an LA public high school, friendships falter, cracks begin to show in family relationships, and both Sasha and Anne have to decide whether to hide the truth or go public about who they are. Also features Cameron Esposito. USA. 91 min; NEXT Audience Award, Sundance 2016. This program is made possible by the generosity of Queenie’s Roadhouse Cafe.

$11 in advance, $12 at the door FILM ON THE ARTS “Illuminates the debate between fine art, fashion, and pop culture and captures the creativity, passion and visionaries behind the exhibition and gala” – Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Film Festival co-founder From Andrew Rossi, the director of Page One: Inside the New York Times, comes the fashionforward documentary First Monday in May, which explores the fabulous and fantastic New York institution of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as the eagerly anticipated Met Gala, co-chaired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. This behind-the-scenes film follows Met curator Andrew Bolton as he and his team create the Costume Institute’s 2015 exhibition “China: Through the Looking Glass,” which explores Chineseinspired Western fashion. First Monday in May is an intimate documentary detailing the collaboration between Andrew Bolton and Anna Wintour; it offers a rare view of the infrastructure, politics, and drama behind one of the Met’s most prestigious fashion galas. USA. 90 min; Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Rainsong.

DOCUMENTARY “If there were a Michelin guide for documentaries, Chicago filmmakers Kevin Pang and Mark Helenowski would earn three stars for their fascinating portrait of master chef Curtis Duffy.” – Joe Leydon, Variety What makes a master chef? In this story about food, family, balance, and sacrifice, Curtis Duffy, one of the country's most renowned chefs, is building his dream restaurant, even as his personal life has fallen apart. Already the recipient of two coveted stars from the Michelin Guide, Duffy has ambitions for his Chicago restaurant Grace to become the best in the country, but his focus on his career has cost him his marriage and relationship with his two young daughters. For Grace follows the building of Grace from concrete box to opening night, showing the exacting standards required in luxury dining, as well as exploring Duffy’s life, from turbulent childhood to his path to chef stardom to his discovery that excellence in the kitchen can exact a price. USA. 92 min; NIFF Award, Niagara Integrated Film Festival; Official Selection: South by Southwest, Napa Valley Film Festival. Following the screening, join us for our Cinema in the Vineyards Closing Reception, included in the price of admission. See page 22 for details. This program is made possible by the generosity of Stone & Embers.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

B E AC H CO M BER HOTELS on t he be ac h

7 07 9 64 24 0 2 8 0 0 4 0 0 s urf ( 787 3 ) t hebeac hcomber mo t e l.com sur f sandlodg e.com beac hinn.com

just north of fort bragg on california’s spectacular north coast

ALBION RIVER INN

where the Albion meets the Sea LODGING



R E S TA U R A N T



BAR

“The misty cliffs of Albion, where superior food and unrushed service delight diners.” - zagat Our elegant but simply appointed oceanfront guest rooms and cottages have private garden entrances, fireplaces and spectacular cliff top views and include a chef-cooked breakfast in the morning. Dine in our restaurant which features an award winning wine list, acclaimed cuisine, full service bar, and our incomparable Mendocino Coast ocean views. 7 0 7 . 9 3 7 . 1 9 1 9 | 3 7 9 0 n h w y 1 . a l b i o n . c a l i f o r n i a | a l b i o n r i v e r i n n. c o m

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Frame by Frame

Golden Kingdom

Directed by Alexandria Bombach and Mo Scarpelli

Directed by Brian Perkins (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Friday, June 3, 5:30 pm, Crown Hall

Saturday, June 4, 12:30 pm, Matheson

Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am, Festival Tent

Sunday, June 5, 10:30 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

BAY AREA FILM: NARRATIVE

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

“Retains the specific local colors of its Myanmar setting while also evoking the universalism of its child protagonists' struggle in understanding the strange world out there beyond the home. Leaves the viewer to absorb the ambiance and think beyond the headlines.”

Created by the Walker Art Center in Minnesota, this innovative program is the first offline celebration of online cat videos. At this popular festival, fellow feline fanatics have the opportunity to gather together to watch a curated collection of cat clips (from six-second Vine videos to short films and everything in between) in a social environment. Now in its fourth year, this showcase of all things cat features a selection of films curated by Will Braden, the creator of the Henri Le Chat Noir videos and recipient of the festival’s first Golden Kitty (People’s Choice) Award. The new reel will feature approximately 100 cat videos culled from nominations by the public in the categories of Comedy, Drama, Animated, Musical, Action, Vintage, and Documentary. Various countries of origin. 65 min.

$11 in advance, $12 at the door FILM ON THE ARTS “A bracing tribute to the power of photojournalism. As artful and empathetic as its subjects’ work.” – Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, taking a photo was a crime. After the regime fell from power in 2001, however, a fledgling free press emerged. Now, Afghan reporters are revolutionizing the medium – but as foreign troops and media withdraw, these photographers find themselves and their art at risk. Filmed in a modern Afghanistan bursting with color and character, Frame by Frame follows four Afghan photojournalists as they navigate the challenges of an emerging and dangerous media landscape, reframing Afghanistan for the world and for themselves. Through cinema vérité, intimate interviews, powerful photos, and neverbefore-seen archival footage shot in secret during the Taliban regime, the film explores the lives of four photographers in the pursuit of the truth – whatever the cost. USA/ Afghanistan. 85 min; Official Selection: Hot Docs, South by Southwest, BFI Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Larry and Marilyn Wagner and Wagner Photo Art.

– Clarence Tsui, The Hollywood Reporter Four orphan boys are studying to become monks in a remote monastery in northeast Myanmar. After the head monk departs on a long journey from which he may or may not ever return, the boys find themselves alone at their monastery in the middle of the forest. At first, they enjoy the newfound freedom, but soon, strange, magical occurrences begin to pass, and Witazara, one of the orphans, realizes he must protect the three other boys as they endure this series of bizarre events that threaten to unravel the fabric of their reality. Shot entirely in newly-opened Myanmar with non-actors, the film bridges spirit, cinema, and traditional Burmese storytelling to open a view into a previously unseen world. In Burmese with English subtitles. Myanmar. 104 min; Official Selection: Berlinale, Vancouver International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival.

Internet Cat Video Festival Curated by Will Braden

The Mendocino Coast Humane Society will be at the Festival Tent for the Internet Cat Video Festival. Meet friendly animals ready for good homes—you might just find an adorable furry friend of your own! This program is made possible by the generosity of Angela Cooper.

This program is made possible by the generosity of Heritage House.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Jaco

Jafar Panahi's Taxi

Landfill Harmonic

Directed by Stephen Kijak and Paul Marchand

Directed by Jafar Panahi

Directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley

(Q&A with filmmaker after screening) Saturday, June 4, 8:00 pm, Crown Hall $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY Introduction by Doug Moody of North Coast Brewing Company. “Before Jaco, bass didn’t know what it was yet.” – Bootsy Collins There are few musicians who fundamentally change their instrument, and even fewer still who transcend their instrument altogether. Jaco Pastorius did both. In 1976, Jaco’s melodic “singing” bass style redefined the role of the bass in modern music. Almost overnight, critics hailed him as “the future of modern music.” Driven only by his own desire to create the music he wanted to hear, Jaco transformed himself from a poor and unknown scrappy Florida boy into an international sensation—all without any formal musical training. Instead of chasing popular music, Jaco led his fans towards the music inside him, defiantly jumping off amplifiers, heaving his bass through the air, and refusing to be just a “sideman.” Jaco broke down the barriers between audiences and genres—and changed the course of music history in the process. Written and produced by Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. USA. 110 min; Golden Athena, Athens International Film Festival; Official Selection: Mill Valley Film Festival, South by Southwest.

Saturday, June 4, 3:00 pm, Matheson $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY “This spry, sharp and relentlessly clever middle finger to censorship is Panahi's boldest act of defiance to date.” – David Ehrlich, Time Out Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jafar Panahi is banned from making films in Iran —but that doesn't stop him. In his latest project, he drives a yellow taxi through the vibrant streets of Tehran, playing a cabby, as each of his diverse fares offers a snapshot of life in Iran. Each man, woman, and child candidly expresses his or her own view of the world, while being interviewed by the curious and gracious driver/director. His camera, placed on the dashboard of his mobile film studio, captures a spirited slice of Iranian society while also brilliantly defying an oppressive regime and redefining the borders of comedy, drama, and cinema. In Farsi with English subtitles. Iran. 82 min; FIPRESCI Prize, Berlinale; Golden Bear, Berlinale. This program is made possible by the generosity of Matson Building Materials.

This program is made possible by the generosity of Wild Fish.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Saturday, June 4, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY Introduction by Doug Moody of North Coast Brewing Company and Barbara Faulkner of North Coast Brewing Company. “A secret treasure. A story of the dull throb of existence gleefully recalibrated by the thundering heartbeat of music.” – Kate X Messer, The Austin Chronicle A symphony of the human spirit, Landfill Harmonic follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of recycled garbage from the landfill where they live. When their story goes viral, the orchestra is catapulted into the global spotlight. Soon, with the guidance of idealistic local music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra must navigate a strange new world of international arenas and sold-out concerts. However, when a natural disaster strikes their country, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and provide a source of hope for their hometown. The film is a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience of humanity, even in the harshest of conditions. In Spanish and English with English subtitles. Paraguay. 84 min; Audience Choice Award, South by Southwest; World Cinema Audience Award, AFI Fest. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Mendocino Music Festival.

Fish & Seafood Restaurant 100% local & organic 7750 n hwy 1 . little river . ca 707.937.3055 | 707.754.7555 www.wild-fish.com | eat @ wild-fish.com

Sweetwater Inn

Pet friendly cottages with fireplaces, hot tubs and kitchenettes • Historic water tower suites Vacation rental homes • Cozy Victorian rooms 707-937-4076 • 800-300-4140 44840 Main St., Mendocino • www.sweetwaterspa.com 38

Sweetwater Eco-Spa

therapeutic massage • facials • spa treatments

outdoor redwood hot tubs, mineralized and ozonated infra-red and traditional saunas private or public • free hot tub with massage organic • earth friendly

707-937-4140

955 Ukiah St., Mendocino

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Life, Animated Directed by Roger Ross Williams Saturday, June 4, 3:00 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door SUNDANCE SELECTION: DOCUMENTARY “A compelling rendering of life with autism. An educational achievement masquerading as a feel-good documentary, and a must-watch.” – Lanre Bakare, The Guardian The real-life story of Owen Suskind, the son of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind and his wife, Cornelia, Life Animated explores Owen’s experience growing up with autism. Unable to speak for years, Owen memorized dozens of Disney movies and turned them into a language to express love and loss, kinship, brotherhood. In order to connect with him, the family was forced to take on the role of animated characters, communicating with him in Disney dialogue and song. Illuminating the human need for stories and the power of fictional narratives to reveal fundamental truths, this heartwarming documentary was directed by Academy® Award winner and Mendocino Film Festival alumnus Roger Ross Williams and won the Sundance Directing Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. USA. 89 min; Directing Award, US Documentary, Sundance 2016. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Tarbell Family Foundation.

The March of the White Elephants Directed by Craig Tanner

The Messenger Directed by Su Rynard

Friday, June 3, 12:30 pm, Crown Hall

(Q&A with producer Joanne Jackson after screening)

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am, Festival Tent

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE:

Saturday, June 4, 2:00 pm Noyo Theatre, Willits

DOCUMENTARY “The Cup is for the thieves who are stealing all over our country. It’s for FIFA, one of the most corrupt entities in the world.” – Romário de Souza Faria The March of the White Elephants debunks the notion that the FIFA World Cup delivers sustainable benefits to the population of the host country. It reveals the World Cup’s true legacy: state-of-the-art stadiums built for a four-week tournament will stand idle for decades to come, soaking up funds needed for health, housing, and education. The film tracks a left-wing journalist who opposes the stadiums; through his eyes, we see the streets during the protests against the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 juxtaposed with the commentary of those close to the FIFA machine. The film also returns to Durban, South Africa, and visits Russia and Qatar (the next two host countries), demonstrating that these problems are universal and that from many activists’ perspectives, FIFA is a modern-day parasite abusing love of the beautiful game. In Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles. Brazil/South Africa. 52 min; California Premiere; Official Selection: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, Festival do Rio, Tri Continental Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Rossi Building Materials.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

$11 in advance, $12 at the door FILM FOR OUR FUTURE “The filmmakers, like the songbirds they advocate for, are only messengers, but their message is persuasive and terrifying.” – Amy Brady, The Village Voice Can you imagine a world without birdsong? As terrifying as that is, hunting, light pollution, high-rise collisions, pipelines, pesticides, and destruction of migratory habitats have made songbird extinctions an all-too-real possibility. The Messenger, Su Rynard’s wide-ranging and contemplative documentary, explores our deep connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds might mirror our own. Moving from the northern reaches of the Boreal Forest to the base of Mount Ararat in Turkey to the streets of New York, The Messenger brings us face-to-face with a remarkable variety of human-made perils that have devastated thrushes, warblers, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks and many other airborne music-makers, while offering a glimmer of hope for the future and showing how birds have inspired music, art, and creativity for generations. Canada/New York/Turkey. 89 min; Audience Award, Hot Docs; Official Selection, Mill Valley Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Mendocino Solar Service.

Fresh Seafood from Local Fishermen

Lemons Philo Market

A General Store in Downtown Philo, California

707-895-3552

Call ahead for great deli sandwiches & salads

Mendocino Film Festival - Celebrating 11 years Bring this ad to our tasting room for a FREE tasting and 10% discount

707-937-4843 www.moodyscoffeebar.com

14077 Highway 128, Boonville, CA

707-895-9378 OPEN DAILY 11 - 5

www.seebassvineyards.com

10450 Lansing Street, Mendocino 40

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Missing People

My Golden Days

Newtown

Directed by David Shapiro (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Directed by Arnaud Desplechin

Directed by Kim A. Snyder (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Saturday, June 4, 5:30 pm, Matheson $11 in advance, $12 at the door FILM ON THE ARTS “A tangled tale of mortality, obsession, creativity and acquisition, as well as the kinds of shared personal grief that can bond otherwise greatly dissimilar people.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety Missing People is a non-fiction mystery about Martina Batan, the director of a prominent New York gallery, who investigates her brother’s long unsolved murder while obsessively collecting and researching the violent work and life of Roy Ferdinand, an outsider artist from New Orleans. The film interweaves Martina’s present-day search for the truth with archives of a 1990s New Orleans ravaged well before Katrina and a dangerous 1970s New York. Following Martina’s investigations into Ferdinand’s forgotten world and into her own painful past, Missing People explores themes of love, loss, and family as it follows Martina’s journey to make peace with her brother’s murder to its shocking and unexpected conclusion. USA. 76 min; Special Jury Award, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam; Official Selection, Hot Docs. This program is made possible by the generosity of Mendocino Art Center.

Saturday, June 4, 3:00 pm, Crown Hall $11 in advance, $12 at the door NARRATIVE “As evocative and convincing a portrait of youth as the best work of François Truffaut.” - Forrest Cardemenis, The Film Stage My Golden Days follows Paul Dédalus (Mathieu Amalric), an anthropologist detained while preparing to leave Tajikistan. As he waits in uncertainty of his fate, he contemplates a series of memories from throughout his life, starting from his childhood with two unstable parents. His reminiscences continue with a student trip to the Soviet Union, where a clandestine mission led him to give his identity to a young Russian who would henceforth become a phantom twin. He recalls university life, returning to his hometown to party with his sister and her best friend, and the impermanence of teenage friendship, with an ever-shifting friend group and their casual betrayals. And most of all, he remembers Esther, a beautiful, rude, haughty soul—and the love of his life. France. In French, Russian, and Hebrew with English Subtitles. 123 min; Directors’ Fortnight SACD Prize, Cannes Film Festival; Best Director, César Awards; Best Art Direction, Chicago International Film Festival.

Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am, Crown Hall $11 in advance, $12 at the door CALIFORNIA PREMIERE: DOCUMENTARY “Why is this story important to tell? There is an immediate human desire to protect the rest of the world from having to go through this.” – David Wheeler, father of Ben Wheeler Filmed over the course of nearly three years, Newtown uses unique access and neverbefore-heard testimonies from parents, teachers, law enforcement officers, and others to tell a story of the aftermath of the December 14, 2012 shooting—the deadliest mass shooting of schoolchildren in American history. Newtown documents a traumatized community fractured by grief and driven toward a sense of purpose. Joining the ranks of a growing club to which no one wants to belong, the cast of characters weave an intimate portrayal of grief, resilience, and a community forever changed in a single moment. USA. 85 min; California Premiere; Official Selection, Sundance 2016. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Tarbell Family Foundation.

This program is made possible by the generosity of Roederer Estate.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Monthly Exhibitions & Gallery Shop

Rosemary Allen

Mendocino Art Center

Daily, 10am–5 pm 45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino MendocinoArtCenter.org 707.937.5818

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Omo Child: The River and the Bush Directed by John Rowe Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am, Matheson

The Organic Life

Our Last Tango

Directed by Casey Beck (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Directed by German Kral

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Saturday, May 28, 3:00 pm Balo Vineyards, Philo

DOCUMENTARY

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

“I want to stop these things.” – Lale Labuko Omo Child tells the amazing true story of one man’s fight to change his culture and save children’s lives. At age 15, Lale Labuko, part of the Kara tribe in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia, learns of “mingi,” or cursed children. By virtue of this tradition, “mingi” children—born out of wedlock or as twins, or whose top teeth grow in first—are murdered. Lale lifts the “burden” from the shoulders of the Kara people by adopting these children as his own, and he attempts to reconcile with Kara elders to end this tradition forever. Filmed over a five-year period, this documentary follows Lale's journey as he confronts the risk of his own death, battles deep-rooted superstition, and navigates the difficulties of leading a cultural movement. In Karo and English with English subtitles. Ethiopia/USA. 89 min; Best Documentary, Palm Beach International Film Festival; Audience Choice, Best Feature Film, BendFilm; Official Selection, Hot Docs. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Tarbell Family Foundation.

Saturday, June 4, 8:00 pm, Matheson $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY

DOCUMENTARY

“A lush and sexy portrait of a famous dance career.”

“A love letter to the land.”

– John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter

– Sonoma Magazine Young farmer Austin Blair and his girlfriend, filmmaker Casey Beck, decide to conduct an experiment: they will spend a year farming to decide whether farm life is financially and emotionally sustainable. Challenges abound as the idealistic young couple discover that living organically isn’t always easy from a personal standpoint, and an ever-diminishing amount of free time to spend with friends, family, and each other begins to show its wear on their relationships. Despite the hurdles, Austin and Casey begin to understand why this lifestyle might be worth it. The Organic Life provides an inside look into the little-seen world of organic farming, revealing that, in spite of changing climate, financial insecurity, demanding physical labor, and corporate agriculture, organic farming could be one of the most sustainable roads into the future. USA. 60 min. This program is made possible by the generosity of Oz Farm.

Our Last Tango is a love story—between tango’s most famous couple and between these dancers and their art form. María Nieves Rego and Juan Carlos Copes met when they were 14 and 17. It was love at first sight, and the world of dance would never be the same. They danced together for nearly 50 years. In all those years they loved and hated each other and went through several painful separations until they finally ended their partnership. Now in their 80s, Juan and María have opened up about their love, their hatred, and their passion; based on their accounts, young dancers and choreographers from Buenos Aires transform Juan and Maria’s lives into incredible dance sequences. Together, these beautifully-shot choreographies, soul-searching interviews, and captured moments make for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the tango. In Spanish with English Subtitles. Argentina/Germany. 85 min; Official Selection: Stockholm Film Festival, Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. Preceding the screening of Our Last Tango, enjoy a special presentation by Tango Mendocino. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Inn at Newport Ranch.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Point Arena Lighthouse

• Great Whale Watching! • Vacation Rentals • Museum & Gift Store Climb to the Top 115 feet in the air. Most spectacular view on the coast! Open Daily 10:00-3:30 till 4:30 Memorial day - labor day

Toll Free: 877.725.4448 PointArenaLighthouse.com 44

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Reel Mendo

Rio, I Love You

Rosenwald

Featuring Multiple Local Directors

Directed by Aviva Kempner

(Q&A with filmmakers after screening)

Multiple directors, including John Turturro, Fernando Meirelles, and Paolo Sorrentino

Sunday, June 5, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent

Saturday, June 4, 5:30 pm, Crown Hall

Sunday, June 5, 10:15 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM

NARRATIVE

DOCUMENTARY

Enjoy this film tour of Mendocino highlighting works from our homegrown talent, as we travel through time, space, and the unique place we call Mendocino with a collection of short films from our most promising local directors. Features the winner of Mendocino High School's 96-Hour Film contest and a special collaboration with Mendocino Dance Project. 60 min. See page 27 for details.

“An affectionate, gently amusing, and visually sumptuous portrait of Brazil’s second largest city.”

“He did not have to care about black people, but he did.”

This program is made possible by the generosity of Fowler Auto Center.

– Andrew McArthur, The People’s Movies "Love happens everywhere. Some love stories only happen in Rio." After Paris Je t’Aime and New York, I Love You comes Rio, I Love You, the third installment of the Cities of Love franchise. Like its predecessors, Rio, I Love You is an anthology, featuring work from 10 visionary directors from around the world, including the filmmakers behind City of God, The Constant Gardener, and Babel. These vignettes bridge gaps between cultures, educating and entertaining the audience while celebrating unique and universal expressions of love. Each short film explores a different neighborhood and a different love story; all of them celebrate the distinctive character of Rio. Features an international cast, including Harvey Keitel, Vincent Cassel, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, Rodrigo Santoro, Vanessa Paradis, Wagner Moura, Jason Isaacs, and many others. In Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English, with English subtitles. Brazil/ USA. 110 min; Official Selection, Edinburgh International Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Harvest Market.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

– Julian Bond The son of an immigrant, Julius Rosenwald rose to become the president of Sears. Influenced by the writings of Booker T. Washington, he joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow era to build over 5,300 schools in the early 20th century. Rosenwald also built YMCAs and housing for African Americans to address the pressing needs of the Great Migration. Inspired by the Jewish ideals of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), as well as deep concern over racial inequality, Rosenwald used his wealth to become one of America’s most effective philanthropists. All told, he gave away $62 million in his lifetime. Rosenwald sheds light on this little-known philanthropist and some of the future leaders whose lives he impacted, including Maya Angelou, John Lewis, Woody Guthrie, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes. USA. 95 min; Official Selection, Nashville Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Lee Edmundson and The National Center for Jewish Film.

Headlands Inn

Bed and Breakfast Relax on a featherbed in a romantic oceanview room with a crackling fire, and a gourmet breakfast served to your private quarters.

10453 Howard Street Mendocino Village www.headlandsinn.com 707-937-4431 / 800-354-4431

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

The Second Mother Directed by Anna Muylaert Sunday, June 5, 12:30 pm, Matheson $11 in advance, $12 at the door NARRATIVE “Lovingly handcrafted. All the elements of the story fit impeccably together for a humorous and occasionally wrenching examination of relationships.” – Stephanie Merry, The Washington Post Val, a hard-working live-in housekeeper in Sao Paulo, is perfectly content to take care of every one of her wealthy employers' needs, from cooking and cleaning to being a surrogate mother to their teenage son, whom she has raised since he was a toddler. But when Val's estranged and vocal daughter Jessica suddenly shows up, the household is thrown into disarray, and the unspoken but intrinsic class barriers that exist within the home begin to weaken. University-bound Jessica is smart, confident, and ambitious, and she refuses to accept the upstairs/downstairs dynamic, testing relationships and loyalties and forcing everyone to reconsider what family really means. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Brazil. 112 min; Special Jury Prize, Acting, Sundance; Panorama Audience Award, Berlin International Film Festival; Official Selection, Seattle International Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Albion River Inn.

Short Films Program: Only Human Multiple Screening Times Sunday, May 29, 3:00 pm Balo Vineyards, Philo Friday, June 3, 5:30 pm, Festival Tent Saturday, June 4, 10:00 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg Sunday, June 5, 2:00 pm Noyo Theatre, Willits Sunday, June 5, 3:00pm Arena Theater, Point Arena Special Members Screening: Thursday, June 2, 7:00 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM This year’s program, curated by Ann Walker and Kira Wojack and featuring two 2016 Academy Award® Winners (Bear Story and Stutterer), offers a sometimes touching, sometimes funny, always entertaining look at the triumphs and travails of being human. These short films from around the world present an intimate and heartwarming view of what unites us, as our protagonists navigate friendships, family ties, and relationships in their day-to-day lives. 88 min. See page 26 for details. This program is made possible by the generosity of Redwood Roofers.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

SOMM: Into the Bottle Directed by Jason Wise Saturday, May 28, 5:00 pm Balo Vineyards, Philo Sunday, May 29, 12:00 pm Balo Vineyards, Philo $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY “Packed with personality and fascinating details.” – Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter SOMM: Into the Bottle brings viewers a rare glimpse inside the private world of famed and cult winemakers, including Jean Louis Chave, Aubert de Villaine (Domaine RomaneeConti), and Robert Mondavi, as some of the most storied bottles of wine in the world are opened. Internationally famous sommeliers and winemakers discuss the history, the vintage, and the magic of these bottles, exploring how wine intersects with politics, pleasure, world war, natural disasters, and religion. SOMM: Into the Bottle shows that the world of wine is nearly endless and that it is impossible to quench thirst for knowledge. USA. 90 min; Official Selection: Napa Valley Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Leonard Moore Cooperative.

Homes

of refreshing

tranquility

The Woods offers beautifully constructed manufactured homes for 55+ adults on 37 acres in the North Coast. Just a few minutes’ scenic drive reaches a pristine golf course, tennis courts, one of six state park beaches, or Mendocino’s famed art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Come see for yourself how active and vibrant, yet comfortable and secure life can be.

43300 Little River Airport Road Little River, CA 95456

(707) 937-0294 | ncphs.org The Woods is a community of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services.

Proud to Support the 11th Annual Mendocino Film Festival

A third generation locally owned business Open Mon-Fri 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 22601 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg

(707) 964-5170 48

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Speed Sisters

Sunset Song

The Sunshine Makers

Directed by Amber Fares

Directed by Terence Davies

Friday, June 3, 12:30 pm, Festival Tent

Friday, June 3, 8:00 pm, Matheson

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

Directed by Cosmo Feilding Mellen (Panel with Tim Scully and other locals featured in the film after the screening)

DOCUMENTARY “A thrill ride from beginning to end” – Kaleem Aftab, The National They’re bold. They’re fearless. And they’re tearing up tracks all over Palestine. The Speed Sisters are the first all-female racecardriving team in the Arab world, and they refuse to slow down. Grabbing headlines and turning heads at improvised tracks across the West Bank, these five women have sped their way into the heart of the gritty, male-dominated Palestinian street-racing scene. Weaving together the exhilarating lives of these remarkable women on and off the track, Speed Sisters takes viewers on a fascinating and entertaining journey into the drive to go further and faster than anyone thought possible. In Arabic with English subtitles. Palestine/USA/Qatar/UK. 80 min; Audience Award, IFI Documentary Festival; Official Selection: Hot Docs, Sheffield Doc/ Fest. This program is made possible by the generosity of Veit Automotive Foundation.

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

Sunday, June 5, 12:30 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door

NARRATIVE

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE: DOCUMENTARY

“Ravishing cinematography…verdant pastoral idylls…hints of Vermeer…A lyrical triumph”

“This story will blow your mind, man.”

– Mark Kermode, The Guardian In this intimate portrayal of hope, tragedy, and love in the early 20th century, based on the novel by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, a young woman endures the hardships of rural Scottish life. Driven by her intense passion for life, for the unsettling Ewan and for the unforgiving land, she yearns for the future —but when change does finally arrive in her village, it comes in the form of World War I, bringing the modern world to her community in the harshest possible way. Master auteur Terence Davies crafts this epic with gritty poetic realism, and Sunset Song is both epic in emotional scale and deeply romantic at its core. UK/Luxembourg. 135 min; Best Non-US Release, Online Film Critics Society Awards; Most Promising Newcomer, British Independent Film Awards; Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival. This program is made possible by the generosity of Pamela Hudson Real Estate.

– Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter A real-life “Breaking Bad” for the psychedelic set, The Sunshine Makers reveals the entertaining story behind Nicholas Sand and Tim Scully, the unlikely duo at the heart of 1960s American drug counterculture. Prior to meeting each other, these two visionaries independently come to the same conclusion: LSD will create world peace, one trip at a time. Eventually, their connections introduce them to each other, and a partnership is born, with the duo setting up their main lab in Windsor, California. At its peak, the Windsor lab produces four million doses of what will come to be known as “Orange Sunshine”— the most famous LSD ever produced. Soon enough, Orange Sunshine reigns over the U.S., Europe, India, and even Afghanistan. Nicholas and Tim are just getting started —but nothing lasts forever, especially with the authorities in hot pursuit. UK. 88 min; California Premiere; Official Selection, Doc NYC. This program is made possible by the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Louis Miller and Wilbur Hot Springs.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

RICOCHET_RANCH_FINAL.pdf

3/17/16

8:47 PM

Daily Trail Rides Private Rides Custom Riding Vacations On the beach, in the redwoods, and through vast cattle ranches! 1 hour to all-day rides Wonderful horses for all skill levels. C

CMY

CHILDREN’S SHOP

Corner of Lansing and Ukiah Mendocino, California 707-937-0261

Ricochet Ridge Ranch North of Fort Bragg across from MacKerricher State Park 707-964-7669 www.horse-vacation.com

All Legs

...socks and more… 44966 Ukiah Street

Mendocino 707-397-1622

*good for your sole* 50

May 27–29 • June 2–5

FEATURE PROGRAMS

T-Rex Directed by Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper Friday, June 3, 3:00 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door

Theory of Obscurity: A Film about the Residents Directed by Don Hardy, Jr. (Q&A with filmmaker after screening)

Trash Dance Directed by Andrew Garrison (Q&A with filmmaker and sanitation workers after the screening) Sunday, June 5, 3:00 pm, Matheson

Sunday, June 5, 3:00 pm, Crown Hall

BAY AREA FILM: DOCUMENTARY

$11 in advance, $12 at the door

DOCUMENTARY

“A refreshingly new kind of protagonist for the boxing champion narrative.”

BAY AREA FILM: DOCUMENTARY

– Zeba Blay, Indiewire In 2012, women’s boxing becomes an Olympic sport for the first time. Fighting for gold is Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, just 17 years old, and by far the youngest competitor. Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Claressa is undefeated, and that dedication extends beyond the ring. She is fiercely loyal to her family—even when her family’s instability and addictions threaten to derail her dream. As she gets closer to realizing her goals, Claressa’s relationships with her coach and her family grow tense, but she is determined to see her plan through and take home a medal. She desperately wants to take her family to a better, safer place—and winning a gold medal could be her only chance to make that happen. USA. 91 min; Audience Award, San Francisco International Film Festival; Official Selection: Hot Docs, South by Southwest. This program is made possible by the generosity of Stanford Inn by the Sea.

“No matter your musical tastes, the enduring power of any group of people to continue to inspire others, especially those who find themselves on the outskirts of the status quo, is a worthy feat, and Theory of Obscurity pays tribute where tribute is due.” – Ananda Dillon, Way Too Indie Theory of Obscurity tells the story of the renegade sound and video collective known as The Residents—a story that spans 40 years and is clouded in mystery. Many details surrounding the group are secret, including the identities of its members, since they always perform wearing masks and costumes as part of their magic. Fortunately, The Residents have a management company, The Cryptic Corporation, that helped the filmmakers tell this unique story by allowing the film crew unprecedented access to the group’s vast archives and 40th anniversary tour. Through fly-on-the-wall observations and candid interviews, this film tells the story of a group that has always played by its own set of rules. Features interviews with Devo, Primus, Ween, The Talking Heads, Pinback, and many other well-known figures in the music industry. USA/Austria/Germany/ Netherlands. 87 min; Official Selection, South by Southwest.

“A warm thank you to those whose work is mostly invisible and entirely necessary.” – Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times Choreographer Allison Orr finds beauty and grace in garbage trucks and in the unseen men and women who pick up our trash without fail. Filmmaker Andrew Garrison follows her from the first stages of her idea to the final live performance. She rides along with Austin sanitation workers on their daily routes, first as an observer, and then to pitch her performance idea: an abandoned airport runway, two dozen trash collectors and their trucks will deliver a stunningly beautiful performance in front of an audience of thousands, who are awed to discover how a garbage truck can "dance." Though at first, the sanitation workers are skeptical of Orr and her work, as they collaborate together, they eventually discover the power in Orr’s vision, and what ensues is a performance that no one will ever forget. USA. 68 min; Audience Award, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival; Audience Award, AFI SilverDocs; Special Jury Recognition, Sundance. This program is made possible by the generosity of Waste Management.

This program is made possible by the generosity of Rudy Vedovell.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

Southern Exposure salon

est. 1980

AlwAys PlAying : your BeAuty At southern exPosure your beauty team: Sally Stewart,

Masako Young, Bridgette Z unino, & Rachael Sherf

45090 Main Street, Mendocino 707-937-4436

30 years of music on the edge of the world July 9th - 23rd mendocinomusic.org 707.937.4041

ÂŠNicholas Wilson

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

FEATURE PROGRAMS

Viva Directed by Paddy Breathnach Saturday, June 4, 8:00 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door NARRATIVE “An emotion-filled drama that uncovers an authentic Cuba.” – Gary Kramer, Indiewire Viva stars Héctor Medina as Jesus, a young hairdresser working at a Havana nightclub that showcases drag performers. Jesus secretly dreams of being a performer himself, and with the encouragement of his mentor, Mama (Luis Alberto García), he finally gets his big break, taking to the stage as “Viva.” But just as Jesus is about to achieve his goal, his estranged father Angel (Jorge Perugorría) abruptly reenters his life, turning Jesus’s world upside down. Though at first, father and son clash over their opposing expectations and concepts of masculinity and morality, as they slowly learn more about each other, the film becomes a sweet and tender love story, as the two men struggle to understand one another and reconcile as a family. Ireland/Cuba. 100 min; Official Selection, Telluride Film Festival; Ireland Official Entry, Best Foreign Language Film, Academy® Awards. This program is made possible by the generosity of Dr. Randy McBride and Neartown Animal Clinic.

We're Still Here: Johnny Cash’s Bitter Tears Revisited Directed by Antonino D’Ambrosio (Q&A with filmmaker after screening) Saturday, June 4, 4:00 pm Noyo Theatre, Willits Sunday, June 5, 3:00 pm, Festival Tent $11 in advance, $12 at the door DOCUMENTARY “The old are still neglected, the poor are still poor, the young are still dying before their time, and we’re not making any moves to make things right. There’s still plenty of darkness to carry off.” – Johnny Cash In 1964, Johnny Cash—who up to that point was known solely as a country singer—recorded Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian, a concept album of folk songs about the treatment of Native Americans. The studios refused to support it, and radio stations openly admitted they were uninterested in playing anything from the album on air. Incensed, Cash took out a full-page ad calling them cowards. We're Still Here follows modern-day musicians, including Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and Kris Kristofferson, through the process of recording their own versions of powerful tracks like the classic song “The Ballad of Ira Hayes,” as they shine a light on this forgotten musical masterpiece. USA. 59 min; Official Selection: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, Austin Film Festival. Following the Willits screening, join us at the Mendocino County Museum for a special reception. See page 55 for details.

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1973) Directed by D.A. Pennebaker Friday, June 3, 8:00 pm, Crown Hall $20 (film and live musical performance) SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM “Pennebaker's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars captures Bowie at perhaps his purest, punkiest rock 'n' roll peak.” – Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (sometimes just called “Bowie 1973”) is a 1973 documentary and concert film by D. A. Pennebaker. The film follows David Bowie and his backing group The Spiders from Mars through their performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on 3 July 1973. On that day, Bowie made the sudden surprise announcement that he was abandoning his Ziggy Stardust persona, and the show would be "the last show we'll ever do.” Considered by many to be the greatest music documentary of all time, D.A. Pennebaker’s film is a fitting tribute to the man and the legend, whose life and death affected millions of adoring fans. UK. 90 min; Theatrical Premiere, 1979 Edinburgh Film Festival. Following the screening of Ziggy Stardust, stick around for David Bowie's greatest hits, performed by the Steven Bates Band. For details, see page 25 This program is made possible by the generosity of Flow Restaurant and Lounge and KOZT the Coast.

This program is made possible by the generosity of the Skunk Train.

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

May 27–29 • June 2–5

Seabiscuit Legacy Film Series

June 4–5, 2016 Willits Program Whether you opt for a single film or event or enjoy them all, the 2016 Seabiscuit Legacy Film Series will inspire with stories of resilience, determination, and a winning spirit. From Johnny Cash fighting to publicize the plight of Native Americans to a Welsh working-class town banding together to breed a champion racehorse, these captivating films will win your heart. Start Saturday morning right with a special Skunk Train trip, as Greg Schindel, the famous Train Singer, performs his favorite Johnny Cash songs for those aboard. Over at Noyo Theatre, our film program begins with environmental songbird documentary The Messenger at 2:00 pm and We’re Still Here: The Bitter Tears of Johnny Cash at 4:00 pm. Following the screening of We’re Still Here, head to the Mendocino County Museum for a celebration of the Festival and of Mendocino’s rich Native American history. Meet Director Antonino D’Ambrosio and enjoy refreshments at this reception, included in the price of admission to the film and featuring wine from Barra and beer from North Coast Brewing Company.

Ridgewood Ranch is 5.5 miles south of downtown Willits. For directions and ranch tour and reception tickets, please visit www.SeabiscuitHeritage.org or call (707) 459-5992. Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

DISCOVER

C O U N T Y

On Sunday, begin the day with a special tour of Ridgewood Ranch and the film Ridgewood Ranch - Home of Seabiscuit. Then, enjoy a lunchtime barbecue with music and refreshments before trotting over to Noyo Theatre, where the afternoon’s film screenings commence with our Oscar-winning Short Films Program at 2:00 pm and culminate in Dark Horse at 4:00 pm, a special screening in partnership with Noyo Theatre. Race to the finish with this remarkable film, as we conclude another wonderful year in Willits with this heartwarming tale of a horse—and a town—that defy the odds and challenge years of tradition on the path to victory.

MENDOCINO

M U S E U M W i l l i t s C a l i f o r n i a w w w. M e n d o c i n o M u s e u m . o r g

WILLITS VENUES NOYO THEATRE 57 E. Commercial St. SKUNK TRAIN DEPOT 299 E. Commercial St. MENDOCINO COUNTY MUSEUM 400 E. Commercial St. RIDGEWOOD RANCH 16200 N. Hwy 101

Vegan friendly & gluten free!

Proud to support the Mendocino Film Festival In Mendocino Village, sold at Harvest Market, Village Spirits, Stanford Inn

www.FreyWine.com FREY VINEYARDS 800.760.3739

A Little Bit of Ireland on the Mendocino Coast Twenty-Eight Craft Beers on Tap Eight HDTVs for Satellite Sports The Best-Stocked Bar North of the Golden Gate Traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comfort Foodâ&#x20AC;? and Pub Fare Dining until 11:00pm, Weekend Brunch, and Take Out

On Lansing Street in Mendocino

707 937-4782

www.pattersonspub.com pattersonspub@hotmail.com

MendocinoFilmFestival.org

Fort Bragg & Point Arena

Fort Bragg

Point Arena

Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5

Sunday, June 5

Since 2012, state-of-the-art and friendly neighborhood theater Coast Cinemas has hosted our Fort Bragg program. We are delighted to present another year of award-winning films and filmmaker Q&As to our friends in Fort Bragg for Festival Weekend. Coast Cinemas, Fort Bragg

SATURDAY 10:00am — Short Films Program: Only Human (88)

SUNDAY

With a famed lighthouse, dramatic scenery, inviting storefronts, and a national monument in the Stornetta Public Lands, Point Arena is a jewel of a town. We return to the South Coast and to the historic Art Deco Arena Theater on Sunday, June 5. Arena Theater, Point Arena

10:00am — Sunset Song (135) p49

p26

10:15am — Crossing Rachmaninoff (79)

SUNDAY 10:15am — Rosenwald (95)

p26

p29

10:30am — First Monday in May (90)

3:00pm — Short Films Program: Only Human (88)

10:30am — Frame by Frame (85) p35

p33

FILM CATEGORIES Spotlight Programs Documentary Narrative Films on the Arts Films for Our Future

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

707-937-1915

Bringing Sacramento area audiences diverse, quality LGBTQ films for 25 years. October 13-16 at The Crest Theatre www.siglff.org

Family Owned and Operated Safe Access for Patients Flowers Concentrates Edibles Liniments LoveInIt707@gmail.com 707 937-3132 10464 Lansind Street MendocinUpstairs across from Firehouse

May 27–29 • June 2–5

COMMUNITY AND MEDIA PARTNERS THE

92.7FM Beaches/96.7FM Ukiah-Willits

MENDOCINO HIGH SCHOOL

FORT BRAGG HIGH SCHOOL

Tango Mendocino C O U N T Y

DISCOVER

MENDOCINO

M U S E U M W i l l i t s C a l i f o r n i a w w w. M e n d o c i n o M u s e u m . o r g

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

PRODUCTION CREDITS FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Paul Kemp Treasurer Jennifer Owen Executive Director Michael Fox Vice President, Development Blair Foster Programming / Hospitality Ayla Douglas Communications Director/ Board Secretary Kira Wojack Board Member Kevin Buck Board Member Scott Perkins Board Member Sarah Schoeneman Senior Advisor Ann Walker Operations Advisor Alex Fields Strategic Advisor Karen Duke Advisory Board Zoë Elton Diana Fuller Will Geiger Richard Heinberg Carl Lumbly Jim McCullough Bill Nichols Mike Schuh Gail Silva

Program Direction EMERITI Keith Brandman, Founder and President Emeritus Betsy Ford, Vice President Emeritus Ann Walker, Vice President Emeritus PROGRAMMING TEAM Lori Donnelly, Program Director Joshua Moore, Guest Curator Ann Walker, Program Committee Chair Ayla Douglas, Programming Associate Joy Gertler, Programming Associate Kira Wojack, Short Films Program PROGRAM HOSTS Cynthia Ariosta Spencer Brewer LaViva Dakers Lori Donnelly Zoe Elton Barbara Faulkner Scott Feinberg Pat Ferrero Will Geiger Doug Moody Joshua Moore Bill Nichols Janis Plotkin Claudia Puig Leslie Sbrocco John Scharffenberger

OPERATIONS HOSPITALITY Ayla Douglas Georgia-Ann Gregory Arlene Moorehead Sally Welty FESTIVAL EVENTS Victoria Burbidge, Culinary Coordinator Mike Fix, Special Events Producer Margie Kamb, Best Supporting Role Harvest Market, Craft Services Festival Events Staffing provided by Interact Club of Mendocino HOUSE MANAGERS Ian Bowery Steve Greenwood Erin Thomas

Albert Maysles 1926 - 2015 Advisor 2007 - 2015

CONCESSIONS Isla Bowery, Concessions Director Blair Foster

Sydney Pollack 1934 - 2008 Advisor 2006 - 2008

MEMBERSHIP Martha Buck

PUBLIC RELATIONS Kira Wojack SOCIAL MEDIA Kira Wojack Ariel Blandford ARTISTIC ADVISOR J Mattingly WEBSITE Shan Ricciardi, Ricciardi Designs BOX OFFICE Arlene Moorehead, Coordinator Martha Buck Gayle Greene Doris Hammer Raquel Henry Deirdre Lamb Joseph Robba Ginny Rorby Sandy Pat Scott Henrietta Steiniger Camille Tinling Norma Watkins Sally Welty Deena Zarlin Mark Zarlin CASHIER TEAM Linda Moore (Team Leader) Nancy Banker Jan Desipio Peggy Hill Lisa Hoffman Tara Larson Ava Puntillo Carol Ann Walton Donna Worster CINEMA IN THE VINEYARDS Kendra McEwen Michele Mullins James Roberts Molly Sutherland (Community Chair) SEABISCUIT LEGACY FILM SERIES Jacqueline Cooper (Community Chair) Alison Glassey Lois Hoover Paloma Patterson Jan Rodriguez FORT BRAGG Laurie Moore (Community Chair) POINT ARENA Shauna Boyd (Community Chair) Phil Marrinan Steve McLaughlin Dagmar Moseley

PRINTED PROGRAM PRODUCTION Torrey Douglass, Lemon Fresh Design Printed by Journal Graphics PRINTED PROGRAM EDITORS Ann Walker Kira Wojack, Managing Editor COVER PHOTO John Birchard MARKETING CONSULTANT Brendan McGuigan AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD Bob Bushansky FILMMAKER WELCOME Carole Freeman Lu Ross James Sibbet OPERATIONS SUPPORT Madrone Braziel Jeffrey Kent Pam Sandberg Zelda Zuniga TECHNICAL DIRECTION Technical Director: Marshall Brown Ass't Technical Director: Lowell Brown Sound Engineer: Peter Temple Head Projectionist: Rush Jones Head Projectionist: Kahlil Robinson Head Projectionist: Sean Van-Buskirk Head Projectionist: Rafael Harr Projectionist: Jeff Osier-Mixon Projectionist: Finn Martinez-Owen Projectionist: Tito Burgess Projectionist: Owen Drew Projectionist: Richard Wall EQUIPMENT SPONSOR Matt Rowland, Matt Rowland Events ADMINISTRATION Alayna Cruz, Office Coordinator Donna Montag, Bookkeeper PHOTOGRAPHERS John Birchard JackRabbit Digital Studios Hunter C. Pass Joe Preuss Larry Wagner Nicholas Wilson Keith Wyner VIDEOGRAPHERS Bay Area Media Masters Ariel Blandford Maynard Kaminsky Leigh Anne Lindsey

May 27–29 • June 2–5

GUIDE TO VENUES & DRIVE TIMES Mendocino Village

b d

k c

Mendocino Beach

Oddfellows Hall Box Office/Festival Headquarters &

B C D

Festival Tent 10701 Palette Dr., Mendocino

Coast Cinemas 135 South Franklin St., Fort Bragg

Arena Theater 214 Main St., Point Arena For more information on the Point Arena Program, see page 57

G H

Noyo Theater 57 East Commercial St., Willits

Filmmaker Lounge, Corner of Kasten & Ukiah St., Mendocino

Crown Hall 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino Matheson Performing Arts Center

Mileage & Drive Times Mendocino County Venues to Coast Cinemas e Mendocino 10 miles/20 mins.

Corner of Ford and Cahto St., Mendocino

For more information on the Fort Bragg Program, see page 57

Ridgewood Ranch 16200 N Highway 101, Willits

to Noyo Theater g Mendocino 42 miles/70 mins. to Ridgewood Ranch h Mendocino 49 miles/75 mins.

to Philo Venues i:j Mendocino 35 miles/50 mins.

For more information on the Willits Program, see page 55

I J

Balo Vineyards 9001 Highway 128, Philo

MFF Office The Yellow Water Tower on Ukiah St. East of Lansing St., Mendocino (next to Frankieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

The Madrones 9000 Highway 128, Philo

For more on the Cinema in the Vineyards Program, see page 21-23

Eleventh Annual Mendocino Film Festival

to Arena Theater f Mendocino 36 miles/60 mins.

AREA EVENTS & SCREENINGS May 27–29, 2016 Presented by the Mendocino Film Festival and the Philo Collective All screenings at Balo Vineyards in Philo.

12:00 pm

3:00 pm

5:00 pm

Children's Program (60)

Balo Vineyards

p29

9001 Hwy 128, Philo

Art House (88)

SUNDAY, MAY 29

SATURDAY, MAY 28

10:00

p28

The Organic Life (60) p43

SOMM: Into the Bottle (90) p47

12:00 pm

3:00 pm

5:00 pm

SOMM: Into the Bottle (90) p47

Short Films Program: Only Human (88), p26 For Grace (92) p23

June 2–5, 2016 Fort Bragg 10:00 am — Short Films Program: Only Human (88)

Willits 9:45 am — Special Skunk Train

Willits Reception

Skunk Train Depot. See page 55.

Included with admission to We’re Still Here Saturday, June 4, 5:30 pm Mendocino County Museum See page 55 for details.

SATURDAY

p26

10:15 am — Crossing Rachmaninoff (79)

2:00 pm — The Messenger (89) p39

p29

10:30 am — First Monday in May (90)

4:00 pm — We're Still Here: The Bitter Tears of Johnny Cash (59)

p33

p53

Fort Bragg

Point Arena

Willits

10:00 am — Sunset Song (135)

9:45 am — Guided Ranch Tour

p49

Ridgewood Ranch. See page 55.

3:00 pm — Short Films Program: Only Human (88)

SUNDAY

p26

10:15 am — Rosenwald (95) p45

2:00 pm — Short Films Program: Only Human (88) p26

10:30am — Frame by Frame (85)

4:00pm — Dark Horse (85)

p35

p31

FILM KEY DOCUMENTARY NARRATIVE FILMS FOR OUR FUTURE FILMS ON THE ARTS SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS

MENDOCINO EVENTS & SCREENINGS Festival Tent

June 2–5, 2016 Opening Night Celebration For Members & Sponsors

THURS

10701 Palette Drive 7:00 pm

FRIDAY

3:00 pm

5:30 pm

8:00 pm

10:00 am

12:30 pm

SATURDAY

Friday, June 3 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Hill House Inn See pg. 14-15 for details.

Crown Hall

45285 Ukiah Street 12:30

3:00 pm

5:30 pm

8:00 pm

10:00 am

SUNDAY

Exclusive Member Screening

12:30 pm

3:00 pm

Speed Sisters (80)

March of the White Elephants (53)

p49

p39

T-Rex (91)

Crossing Rachmaninoff (79)

p51

p29

Shorts: Only Human (88)

Frame by Frame (85)

Cemetery of Splendor (122)

p26

p35

p28

First Monday in May (90)

Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie Tribute (90) p53

Sunset Song (135)

p33

The Messenger (89)

Children's Program (60)

p39

p29

Omo Child: The River and the Bush (89) p43

Embrace of the Serpent (123)

Code: Debugging the Gender Gap (80) p29

Golden Kingdom (104)

p31

Life, Animated (84)

My Golden Days (123)

Jafar Panahi's Taxi (82)

p37

p41

p37

Landfill Harmonic (84)

Rio, I Love You (110)

Missing People (76)

p37

p45

p41

Viva (100)

Jaco (110)

Our Last Tango (85)

p53

p37

p53

Internet Cat Video Festival (65)

Newtown (88)

Dogfight (94)

p35

p41

p31

The Sunshine Makers (88)

First Girl I Loved (91)

The Second Mother (112)

p49

p33

p47

We're Still Here: The Bitter Tears of Johnny Cash Revisited (59)

Theory of Obscurity (87)

Trash Dance (68)

p51

p53 5:30 pm

Reel Mendo p27

Matheson

Ford & Cahto Streets

p49

p35

Buy your tickets early! We expect sold-out shows. Tickets and more information: 707.937.0171 www.MendocinoFilmFestival.org