2014 SLO Film Festival

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The San Luis Obispo Collection brings together world class shopping, the city’s finest restaurants, upscale retail, galleries and theatre. The Collection includes Court Street, Downtown Centre, Victoria Secret, Urban Outfitters, Moondoggies, the Cal Poly Store and much more. You can also enjoy seasonal events throughout the year with a focus on the arts, local musicians, entertainment and the annual Court Street fundraiser that supports local non-profits. San Luis Obispo, named one of theMEC_SOLAR_AD.eps Happiest Cities1 in 1/25/2013 America, is3:07:00 the cultural hub PM of the Central Coast, which embodies the lifestyle and atmosphere of the San Luis Obispo Collection.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and the hundreds of volunteers who have worked together to make the 2014 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival a success, we want to say thank you.

Thank you for coming with us on this wonderful journey the last 20 years as we worked to create one of the biggest annual cultural events in San Luis Obispo County.

The reason we work so hard every year to bring this always-evolving celebration of movie-going to San Luis Obispo County is simple: you! Our mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire filmgoers and filmmakers, and if you’re reading this, you are one or the other, or perhaps both.

Your passion for movie going and/or movie making reminds us that the art of film is transformative. It is a cultural force that can change individuals and even society as a whole.

This year’s program is chockful of excellent films from around the world. They will make you laugh, cry, and think. There is an emphasis on art and music in our program this year that has emerged organically from the films submitted.

They remind us of the importance of the arts and we are delighted to have many of the creative artists travelling to San Luis Obispo to share their creativity and cinematic achievements with our community.

We are very thankful to the many individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and public agencies that have invested time, money and services to help us bring this year’s 20th Anniversary Festival to life. If you appreciate what is presented here, please thank them with your patronage. With their help and with yours, we will continue to grow as a successful event providing cultural and economic benefit to SLO County.

WHAT’S INSIDE Sponsor Listing 2-3 Festival parties/map 4 Ticket/Pass/Venue Info 5 Opening Night/Panels 6 Surf Nite in SLO 7 Special Presentation Films 8-10 King Vidor Award Closing Night 11 Documentary Features 12-17 Festival Schedule 18-19 Narrative Features 20-22 Short Films 23-27 Filmmakers of Tomorrow 29 Central Coast Filmmakers 30-31 Film Index 33

Movies Matter!

Sincerely, Charlotte Alexander, SLOIFF Managing Director

Wendy Eidson, SLOIFF Artistic/Marketing Director

SLOIFF Staff : Charlotte Alexander, Wendy Eidson, Nancy Ross Joynt

SLOIFF Board of Director (left to right): Ahmad Amir, Denise Dudley, Bruce Ekmanian, Joette Eisengart, Jay Raftery, Paul Metchik, Susan Minker, Joe Patane, Sandra Sansoni, Ian Saude, Brigetta Walsh

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF SAN LUIS OBISPO I enthusiastically support the 20th Anniversary San Luis Obispo International Film Festival March 5-9, 2014. I am proud of the growth of this homegrown festival and am looking forward to the special events, regional venues, new films and visiting filmmakers. This is truly one of the most exciting cultural events of the year.

Jan Marx, Mayor of San Luis Obispo

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2 0T H A N N I V E R SARY FEST IVA L S PON S ORS EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

PRODUCERS

DIRECTORS

CINEMATOGRAPHERS

Vic & Carol Ascrizzi

Hyde Park Partners Susan Hirsch & Tom Sant

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2 0T H A N N I V E R SARY FEST IVA L S PON S ORS lead actors

Ash Management Avalon Foundation Cal Poly CET, CSU EIT, Journeyman Intl. & ConsciousBuild Lucia Cleveland & Paul Vanderheyden Sharon and John Dobson in memory of Greg Hind Dream Camp / Joe Patane Ekmanian Tax & Accounting Films for Good Galaxy Theatres Atascadero Granada Hotel & Bistro Harbor Lights Foundation Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atascadero iiiDesign Indulge Magazine La Perla Del Mar Mona E. and Gordon Jennings Craig & Toni Kincaid Shannon & Mike Larrabee Madonna Inn MedStops Medical Clinics Paul G. Metchik, Attorney at Law Susan Minker The Mortage House MoTav The Movie Experience Palm Theatre Park Cinemas Quality Suites of San Luis Obispo Rabobank Rand Productions Lou & Ann Robinson SESLOC Federal Credit Union Ron & Cathy Sexton SLO Film Club SLO Marathon + Half Presented by Leftlane Sports John Swift TJA Advertising & Public Relations Wine Shed Women’s Legacy Fund

supporting cast

Avila La Fonda Barbara Bell Sheila Blake Toni Bouman Re/Max Del Oro Barrie Cleveland Embassy Suites Exchange Club of San Luis Obispo Rich Ferguson / The IceBreaker Fogcatcher Inn Victoria Grostick Growing Together Initiative HopeDance Humankind Peggy & Bill Kelley Nita Kenyon Dawn Legg Pacific Western Bank Jane & George Roach SLO Motion Shoes San Luis Pension Consultants, Inc. Solstice Green Directory SLO Jazz Festival Dr. Denise Taylor Tranz Central Coast Bob & Christine Williams

crew

John Armstrong Blue Rooster Telecom Gini and Robert Griffin B.K. Richard San Luis Obispo COASTKEEPER®

community sponsors

El Dorado Broadcasters: KVEC - Dave Congalton & King Harris SLO Chamber of Commerce SLO Graphics Visit San Luis Obispo County & Film Commission

movie critic

Odile Ayral Linda & Bob Bailey Carmel & Naccasha LLP Clareware Solutions Joette Eisengart Keith & Meg Evans Karen & David Gray Gail & Ralph Jacobson JoAnn Jennings Mary & Paul Kern George Lewis & Louise Noël Don Morris Linnaea Phillips Irene Rush Jerry Smith Robert & Deborah Stewart Joanne Storkan Mary Walker Marion & Paul Wolff

Swag Bag Donors Benefit Foods LLC Best Family Adventures Big Sur Bar Cambria Coffee Roasting Co. Cattaneo Brothers Cayucos Hot Sauce Cheyenne McDonald Counsel Oaks Olive Oil Damon Castillo Band Guy Budd Band JK Western Pride Linn’s of Cambria Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ Mama Ganache Chocolates Martin Paris Sue McGinty Mysteries Paso Almonds Sam Peck Leigh Ruben Catherine Ryan Hyde San Luis Sourdough Jack San Filippo Spice Hunter Taco Works Tamasko Salt Water Taffy TheraBee Elizabeth White

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F I LM! W I N E! FU N ! FEST IVA L PART IES Wednesday, March 5 - 5:30-7:00pm LUIS WINE BAR - 1021 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo Sponsored by Luis Wine Bar

Meet our Opening Night guests of honor, Adam West and James Tooley, and enjoy exceptional wines, beer and light appetizers.

VIP Party - Movie Mogul/Filmmaker/Sponsor Passes Only

Thursday, March 6 - 5:00-7:00pm VINTAGE 1255 - 1255 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo Sponsored by Vintage 1255

Mingle with fellow filmlovers and filmmakers at this comfortable yet trendy wine bar on Monterey Street, conveniently located between “motel row” and downtown SLO. Special Happy Hour prices on drinks and light appetizers.

VIP Party - Movie Mogul/Filmmaker/Sponsor Passes Only

Friday, March 7 - 5:00-7:00pm MOTAV Bar and Restaurant - 725 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo Sponsored by MoTav

Join filmmakers, sponsors, and VIP guests and enjoy a Friday evening Happy Hour before that evening’s screenings. Complimentary wine, beer and appetizers will be served upstairs in one of SLO’s best bar/restaurants located in the center of downtown.

VIP PARTY - Movie Mogul/Filmmaker/Sponsor Passes Only

SURF NITE AFTER-PARTY - SLO BREWING COMPANY - 1119 Garden St. San Luis Obispo

Meet and party with Surf Nite special guests and fellow Surf Nite fans at one of the best bars on the Central Coast. Drink specials!

Saturday, March 8 - 9:00-12:00pm KING VIDOR RECEPTION - SLO Masonic Lodge, 859 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo

Sponsored by Novo, Luna Red, Mama’s Meatballs, Granada Bistro, Windows on the Water, Bello Mundo Cafe, Ancient Peaks Winery, Baileyana Winery, Roxo Port Cellars, Stolichnaya Vodka/Young’s Market, Center of Effort Winery, and Chamisal Vineyards.

See details on page 11

Sunday, March 9 - 8:30-10:00pm CLOSING NIGHT PARTY - SLOIFF Headquarters, 1007 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo

Celebrate the end of another great Festival with staff, board members, volunteers and special guests, including artist Tracey Sylvester Harris.

See more details on page 11.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

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1. Festival HQ 2. SLO Masonic Lodge 3. Fremont Theatre 4. Palm Theatre 5. Downtown Cinemas 6. Galaxy Theatres 7. Park Cinemas

8. La Perla Del Mar 9. Avila Beach Community Center 10. Luis Wine Bar 11. Vintage 1255 12. Mo/Tav 13. Hearst Castle Visitor Center 14. Bay Theatre

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20 14 F EST I VA L PASSES A N D S PEC IAL EVE N T T IC K ETS

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Tickets for special events and film passes are available: • Online at www.slofilmfest.org • At our San Luis Obispo headquarters, 1007 Monterey St. (hours vary so please check our website for hours) • By calling (805) 546-3456 FESTIVAL PASSES For all regular screenings, all passes allow priority admission for up to 15 minutes before screening/event time - after that, passholders are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.

MOVIE MOGUL PASS - $250 Full access pass allows admission for one person to all regular Festival screenings, receptions, workshops/panels, and all special events, including VIP receptions, on March 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Back by popular demand! All Mogul Pass buyers will also receive a Wine Tasting Pass, good for complimentary wine tastings at participating SLO County wineries. For a list of wineries, go to slofilmfest.org/tickets.

MOVIE STAR PASS - $100 Admission for one person to all regular screenings and workshops/panels (does not include Red Carpet and and other pre-sold special events).

MOVIE FANATIC PASS - $50 Admission for one person to six regular Festival screenings, or two people for three screenings.

TICKETS All tickets for regular screenings will be sold at the venue on a first-come, first-served availability basis for $10 General, $8 Students/SLOIFF Film Society. We recommend you get to the theatre at least 20-30 minutes before each screening and at most venues, tickets will be sold an hour before the screening. Pass holders will be given priority seating up to 15 minutes before the screening. Film Society members receive a discount on tickets and receptions. To become a SLOIFF Film Society member, go to slofilmfest.org.

Refund Policy In the event of a sell out, refunds will be honored for individual ticket holders.

RED CARPET EVENTS Opening Night - “Starring Adam West” Wednesday, March 5 - 7:00pm Fremont Theatre, SLO (details pg. 6)

VENUE INFORMATION

Surf Nite in SLO - “Five Summer Stories” and HONK Friday, March 7 - 7:00pm Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo (details pg. 7)

Festival Headquarters, 1007 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo - slofilmfest.org Fremont Theatre, 1025 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo themovieexperience.com The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. San Luis Obispo - thepalmtheatre.com Independent Film Awards & Downtown Cinemas, 888 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo - themovieexperience.com King Vidor Award Presentation SLO Masonic Lodge, 859 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo Saturday, March 8 - 7:00pm Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo (details on pg. 11) Galaxy Theatres, El Camino Real & Hwy. 41, Atascadero - galaxytheatres.com Park Cinemas, 1100 Pine St. Paso Robles - parkcinemas.com MORE SPECIAL EVENTS La Perla Del Mar, 205 Windward Ave. Pismo Beach - laperladelmarchapel.com Metropolis Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St. Avila Beach - avilabeachcc.com Thursday, March 6 - 7:00pm (details on pg. 9) Luis Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo - luiswinebar.com SLO Masonic Lodge, 859 Marsh St. SLO Vintage 1255, 1255 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo Mo/Tav, 725 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo - motherstavern.com Closing Night Awards / “Face of Love” SLO Brewing Company, 1119 Garden St. San Luis Obispo - slobrewingco.com Sunday, March 9 - 6:30pm Hearst Castle Visitor Center Theatre, 750 Hearst Castle Rd. San Simeon Fremont Theatre, SLO (details on pg. 11) hearstcastle.org Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay - morrobaymovie.com For links to maps for all venues, go to slofilmfest.org/tickets.

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P R ESE N T E D BY

Opening Night: “Starring Adam West” Holy Opening Night, Batman! Adam West is coming to San Luis Obispo… and don’t be too surprised if he pulls up in a Batmobile!

On Wednesday, March 5, at the Fremont Theatre, our Opening Night event will feature STARRING ADAM WEST, a new documentary by Director James Tooley.

Adam West will be at the screening for a Q&A and will receive the Festival’s third annual Spotlight Award, presented by self-confessed Batman idol and popular LA radio host on KROQ Ralph Garman.

Adam West is a true American icon. He skyrocketed to fame in Hollywood in the mid-1960s, and has had an extraordinary career in entertainment that has spanned half a century. His role as Batman in the classic television series and feature of the same name continues to be seen throughout the world more than 40 years after its debut. While Batman (and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne) remains his signature role, Adam has a multitude of motion picture, theater, and TV credits to his name. He has lent his voice to animated characters in such well-known series as Family Guy, The Simpsons, Rugrats, Batman, Animaniacs, Johnny Bravo, and many others.

The delightfully funny STARRING ADAM WEST tells the story of a Hollywood survivor, a family man, and the loyal fans who will stop at nothing to see their super hero justly rewarded with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Wednesday, March 5 - 7:00pm - Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo $15 General / $10 Students & SLOIFF Film Society Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted.

BE H IND TH E SC E N ES: WO R KS H OPS A N D PA N E LS filmmakers panel - saturday, March 8 - 10:00am - palm theatre

Hear the behind-the-scenes real-life stories of how to get a movie made AND screened at a film festival...from the people who’ve done it! Steve Leone moderates our traditional panel of visiting filmmakers who have stories to tell and things to teach anyone who’s interested in how movies are made.

what is cinerama? - saturday, March 8 - 10:00am - Fremont theatre

Robert Garren and Stanley Livingston (“My Three Sons”, “How the West Was Won”) will share their fascinating short film, “The Last Days of Cinerama” and will talk about the techniques they used in making the “The Last Days of Cinerama,” followed by a screening of this fascinating short film, and “How the West Was Won.” Ticket price includes both movies!

“Anita” panel discussion - sunday, March 9 - 1:00pm - fremont theatre

After the Sneak Preview screening of “Anita,” a group of local professionals will join filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, who will be calling in live, to discuss the film and its issues, and take questions from the audience. Rachel Fernflores, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Cal Poly, will moderate the panel that will include Judge Jacqueline Frederick and Betsey Nash, Senior HR Specialist.

Movie and panel are included in one ticket price.

All panels $10 general / $8 students & SLOIFF Film Society - All passes welcome.

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Surf Nite in SLO: “Five Summer Stories” and Honk in concert The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s most popular event, Surf Nite in SLO, is back and this year’s event will include a movie AND a music concert at the Fremont Theatre.

Heralded as the finest surf movie ever made, “Five Summer Stories” is a cultural icon, a time capsule from the watershed era of the early 1970s.

Greg MacGillivray and Jim Freeman’s documentary portrays a young, outlaw sport at a strategic point in its creative evolution, with a soundtrack that introduced an original new sound to surf films.

In 1972, Honk was hired to produce some music for the film, unwittingly creating an identity for the band. Honk soon achieved legendary stature in Southern California and its sound track album was a favorite with surfers and music lovers alike, even making it to #1 in Hawaii. Honk’s breakup in the summer of 1975 sent their fans into mourning. The members went in their own musical directions, but occasional reunions continue to this day.

Central Coast fans will be treated to an historic event on March 7 when Surf Nite in SLO features a concert with the original band (except drummer Tris Imdoden who will be replaced by Frank Cotinola) after the screening of “Five Summer Stories.” Honk will play live with several of the film sequences that made them legendary; the last time they played in concert after the film was twenty years ago, and they have never played in public with the film before.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy Honk and “Five Summer Stories” together again, at the historic Fremont Theatre in downtown San Luis Obispo!

Friday, March 7 - 7:00pm - Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo $35 General / $25 Students & SLOIFF Film Society Tickets at the door (if available) - $45 General / $35 Students & SLOIFF Film Society Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted.

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION FILMS

Running for Jim (plus running blind) Sponsored by SLO Marathon + Half presented by Leftlane Sports

A coach. His team. Their fight to finish. “Running for Jim” is a portrayal of grit, determination and the powerful will to finish. The film chronicles the story of Jim Tracy, the most decorated high school cross-country coach in California history, and his battle with fatal Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Tracy’s 2010 girls cross-country team gains international attention when 16-year-old Holland Reynolds collapses in the state championship race and crawls across the finish line to secure the title for her team and her ailing coach. First-time filmmakers Dan Noyes and Robin Hauser Reynolds present this film about the tenacity of the human spirit. Documentary. USA. 78 min.

The short film “Running Blind” will screen first. In 2012, EJ Scott set out to run 12 marathons in 12 states for charity. Suffering from a rare degenerative eye disease, and diagnosed as legally blind, EJ takes us on an inspiring journey proving that if there’s a will, there’s a way! Documentary. USA. 32 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7:00pm

Fremont Theatre - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - All passes welcome. _____ _____

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The Last Days of Cinerama & How the west was won Sponsored by Mona and Gordon Jennings

Filmmakers Robert Garren and Mike Celestino take a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the first three-panel Cinerama film. While delving into the history and technical challenges, they re-create the process 50 years later and document the experience in “The Last Days of Cinerama.”

Less than ten Cinerama films were made between 1952 and 1962, before the technique evolved into a single-camera 70mm film process. “How The West Was Won” (1962) is still one of the most successful and enduring examples of this early widescreen format that involved four directors (including John Ford), each directing a different sequence. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Gregory Peck, James Stewart, Debbie Reynolds, Henry Fonda, and John Wayne, it is a sprawling epic that follows the Prescotts, an emigrant family, through four generations.

Former child star Stanley Livingston will be on hand to discuss Cinerama with filmmaker Robert Garren. After a short break, Livingston will introduce “How The West Was Won” in which he played the role of Prescott Rawlings as a 12-year-old. Livingston appeared in many movies and TV shows, including “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” and 12 years as Chip in the popular series “My Three Sons.”

Saturday, March 8, 10:00am - “The Last Days of Cinerama” (25 min.) followed by “How the West Was Won” (164 min) Fremont Theatre - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - All passes welcome. _____ _____

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spartacus (1960) Sponsored by Ron and Cathy Sexton

Considered one of the best epic movies of all time, Stanley Kubrick’s “Spartacus” is meant to be seen on a BIG screen! Don’t miss this chance to see it on the biggest screen in the county (next to Sunset Drive-in, that is). Hearst Castle’s Visitor Center Theatre will host the movie as the final film in the SLO County on the Silver Screen series. One scene in the film was shot at Hearst Castle and no Hollywood film crew has been allowed to film there since...until Lady Gaga, that is!

With its all-star cast, spectacular fight scenes, and lots of men in togas, “Spartacus” takes you back centuries to Ancient Rome and almost makes you want to stand up and shout, “I Am Spartacus!”

PG-13. 197 min.

Friday, March 7, 6:30pm

Hearst Castle Visitor Center Theatre, San Simeon - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society All passes welcome, including “SLO County on the Silver Screen” passes.

19 93 SLOIFF Founder Mary Harris presents George 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Sidney with the inaugural King Vidor Award.

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metropolis with pianist markus horn Sponsored by Union Bank

On Thursday, March 6, the 1927 silent classic METROPOLIS will screen at the San Luis Obispo Masonic Lodge, accompanied live by German pianist Markus Horn.

Fritz Lang’s METROPOLIS is considered by many to be one of the most important silent films ever made, and the foundation of the science fiction movie genre. Kino Lorber’s 2010 restored version includes 25 minutes of previously lost footage, not seen since its Berlin debut.

In a futuristic city sharply divided between the haves and the have-nots, the son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a beautiful working class woman. German actress Brigitte Helm was just 17-years-old when she played the dual roles of Maria and the Maschinenmensch (robot) Maria. This new edition beautifully illustrates the film’s dazzling visual design and special effects, dramatizing the conflict between wealthy über-capitalists and the rebellious subterranean laborers.

Markus Horn will be traveling to the Festival from Hanover, Germany, and is excited to share this ground-breaking film and his original score with Central Coast audiences. His piano soundtrack combines elements of jazz, pop, classical and avant-garde, based on different musical themes with a large proportion of improvisation. This results in a unique, powerful and lyrical accompaniment to the restored version of Fritz Lang’s masterpiece.

The historic SLO Masonic Lodge, built in the early 1920s and located in the center of downtown San Luis Obispo, will be the ideal site for this unique and memorable evening.

Thursday, March 6, 7:00pm

San Luis Obispo Masonic Lodge $15 General / $10 Students & SLOIFF Film Soceity Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted.

APRIL 30 - MAY 4 Combining the fun, laid back atmosphere of our wine country and unique surf culture, enjoy four days of unforgettable events evoking the magic of wine & waves.

Big Waves on the Big Screen at the Fremont Rabobank's Barrel to Barrel Proceeds Benefit

Hops & Hogs Throwdown | Longboard Surf Contest Pismo Beach 805 Classic Vintage VW Show | Live Music ..and more!

Full schedule of events available at

www.winewavesandbeyond.com

Proud to be a major sponsor of the SLO International Film Festival and its Annual Surf Night.

www.SeaVenture.com

www.SycamoreSprings.com

www.CliffsResort.com

www.AppleFarm.com

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SP EC I A L P RES E N TAT ION FILMS

Anita

Sponsored by Women’s Legacy Fund, Dawn Legg & Victoria Grostick

It’s been more than 20 years since Anita Hill was subpoenaed to testify about alleged sexual harassment by Clarence Thomas, who was undergoing Senate confirmation for the Supreme Court at the time. Hill’s testimony sparked a national conversation on the issue of workplace sexual harassment, but many questions were left unanswered at the hearing’s end. In a new documentary, by filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, Hill tells her story for the first time on film. This beautifully crafted and eye-opening film is Mock’s follow up to last year’s award-winning documentary G-DOG, which won the “Best in the Fest” award at the SLOIFF. This event is co-sponsored by the Women’s Legacy Fund, an endowment fund at the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo which provides grants to organizations that benefit women and girls. After the screening, a group of local professionals will join Freida Lee Mock who will be calling in live, to discuss the film and its issues, and take questions from the audience. Rachel Fernflores, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Cal Poly will moderate the panel that will include Judge Jacqueline Frederick and Betsey Nash, Senior HR Specialist. This is going to be a fascinating and inspiring event, and we encourage men and women of all ages to attend. Documentary. 95 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1:00pm

Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - All passes welcome. ___OOO___

if you build it

Sponsored by Cal Poly’s Center for Expressive Technologies, CSU Entertainment Industry Initiative, Journeyman International & ConsciousBuild, Inc.

“If You Build It” follows designer-activists Emily Pilloton and Matthew Miller to rural Bertie County, the poorest in North Carolina, where they worked with local high school students to help transform both their community and their lives. Living on credit and grant money and fighting a change-resistant school board, Pilloton and Miller led their students through a year-long, full-scale design and build project that does much more than just teach basic construction skills: it shows ten teenagers the power of design-thinking to re-invent not just their town but their own sense of what’s possible. This inspiring film offers a compelling and hopeful vision for a new kind of classroom in which students learn the tools to design their own futures. Documentary. 95 min.

Friday, March 7, 6:30pm

Business Rotunda, Bldg. 3 Room 213, Cal Poly - $10 General / Free to anyone with active Cal Poly ID but reservations must be made - see slofilmfest.org for details. Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted. ___OOO___

following the ninth: In the footsteps of beethoven’s final symphony Sponsored by KCBX FM Public Radio

Filmed on five continents and in twelve countries, “Following The Ninth” tells the story of four people whose lives have been transformed, repaired and healed by Beethoven’s Ninth message: Alle Menschen werden Brüder (All People Are Connected). At Tienanmen Square in 1989, students play the Ninth over loudspeakers as the army comes in to crush their protests for freedom. In Chile, women under the Pinochet dictatorship sing the Ninth at torture prisons. In Japan each December, the Ninth is performed hundreds of times, often with 10,000 people in the chorus. Part road trip, part adventure, “Following The Ninth” is an inspirational story about the power of music and human resilience in dark times. Director Kerry Candaele will be in attendance for a Q&A.

Sunday, March 9, 4:00pm

Downtown Cinemas, San Luis Obispo - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - All passes welcome.

19 94 George Sidney presented the second King Vidor 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Award to director Delbert Mann in 1994.

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INDEPENDENT FILM & KING VIDOR AWARD Presented by MidAmerican Solar & First Solar

Join us for a festive evening as we celebrate winning films and our 2014 King Vidor Award recipient on the stage of the historic Fremont Theatre. KSBY-TV’s Dan Shadwell will be the MC for the George Sidney Independent Film Awards, presented each year in several categories, juried by film and media professionals. Major festival sponsors and City officials will be on hand to present awards, which include the Audience Choice Awards, based on votes collected during the first four days of the festival.

Saturday, March 8, 7:00pm Fremont Theatre

$15 General / $10 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted WHO WAS KING VIDOR AND WHY DOES HE HAVE AN AWARD NAMED AFTER HIM? How do you summarize, in one paragraph, the life’s work and spirit of a filmmaker still listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most prolific director ever? You can’t. King Vidor became a leader in a fledgling industry that began around the time he was born, in 1894. He was the first president of the Directors Guild of America, one of the few directors to successfully shift from the silent era to “talkies”, and was responsible for a mind-boggling number of enduring classics.

The King Vidor Award has been presented to a series of talented individuals who, in our eyes, fulfill the high standards set by this amazing man, who also had a passion for the Central Coast and his ranch in Paso Robles. We are proud to have him as the namesake for our annual career achievement award for “excellence in filmmaking.” This year’s recipient will be announced in late February.

KING VIDOR AWARD RECEPTION Sponsored by Novo, Luna Red, Mama’s Meatballs, Granada Bistro, Windows on the Water, Bello Mundo Cafe, Ancient Peaks Winery, Baileyana Winery, Roxo Port Cellars, Stolichnaya Vodka/Young’s Market, Center of Effort Winery, and Chamisal Vineyards.

Rub elbows with the 2014 King Vidor honoree and special guests, and SLOIFF filmmakers while enjoying fine wines and great food in the cozy setting of the SLO Masonic Lodge. Magician Rich Ferguson will be working the room while a jazz duo entertains.

Saturday, March 8, 9:00pm SLO Masonic Lodge, 859 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo $35 General / $25 Students & SLOIFF Film Society - Only Movie Mogul Passes accepted. ___OOO___

closing night

central coast Filmmaker awards and Sneak Preview of “face of love” Sponsored by Dolly Llama Our final evening of the Festival begins with an award presentation to a number of deserving filmmakers in the Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase competition. For more information on films being screened in this category, see pages 30/31.

Then Central Coast audiences will be treated to a sneak preview of a brand new film starring Annette Bening, Ed Harris and Robin Williams. FACE OF LOVE is the story of a widow named Nikki (Annette Bening) who, several years after the loss of her husband meets a man named Tom (Ed Harris) who looks exactly like her deceased husband. Suddenly, a flood of old feelings rush back to her: she’s met the love of her life. Again. The film is a romantic story filled with surprise, humor and reflections on the mystery of love surrounding us. Robin Williams plays Nikki’s confidante and would-be lover.

There is a surprising co-star in the film with a local connection. Thirty paintings by local artist Tracey Sylvester Harris are featured and she will be on hand to share her unusual story with the audience.

Her paintings were chosen by director Ari Posin to help illustrate the transformation in Tom’s character as he rediscovers painting and creates beautiful, large format pieces, painted in real life by Tracey Harris (no relation). She also spent time on the set, coaching Ed Harris on his painting technique.

There will be a reception in the SLOIFF Headquarters (1007 Monterey) after the film where several of the artist’s paintings will be on display.

Sunday, March 9, 6:30pm Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society All passes welcome.

19 95 Director Edward Dmytryk and wife Jeanne came to 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

San Luis Obispo for the career acheivement honor.

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slofilmfest.org

george Sidney independent film competition D O CUM E N TA R I ES

Our annual film competition continues to attract exciting new independent films and filmmakers to our Festival from all over the world. And this year is no exception. A panel of about 20 screeners evaluated all the entries and we made some difficult decisions, ultimately choosing a total of 62 films. We are very proud to present these excellent films as “Official Selections” and we hope our audiences enjoy them as much as we did.

The films in competition have been juried by a panel of film and media professionals and cash prizes will be awarded at the Fremont Theatre on Saturday, March 8th at 7:00pm. During the Festival, ballots will be distributed for most films to allow the audience to vote for their favorite films. The coveted Audience Choice Awards will also be presented on Saturday evening.

WHO WAS GEORGE SIDNEY? Accomplished director of memorable films like “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Pal Joey,” and “Bye, Bye Birdy,” George Sidney (1916-2002) was the first recipient of the DGA President’s Award in 1998 for lifetime achievement in film.

He was a founder of Hanna-Barbera Animation Studios. A Central Coast resident and SLOIFF board member, he was a passionate supporter of independent filmmaking and we are very proud to have him as the namesake of our annual filmmaker competition.

MEET OUR COMPETITION JURY TERRY LICHTMAN (Doc. Features) An LA Theatrical Agent for 25 years, Terry is an avid film buff and lives in Los Osos.

SARAH LINN (Narrative Features) Sarah works as an entertainment writer for the Tribune. She has a popular blog: “She Likes to Watch.”

TOM WALTERS (Short Films) Tom has worked as a writer, producer, director and editor and his most recent film, “Botso,” is screening at the Festival.

CELIA ZAENTZ (Documentary Features) Celia has a background in film and music, and has made six documentaries in the last 13 years.

PAUL LICHTMAN (Narrative Features) Paul spent 30 years producing films and TV, and was also an actor, writer, and lawyer for many years.

ANNA WELTNER (Short Films) Anna is the Arts Editor for the New Times and a self-confessed Short Film lover.

She also loves cats.

AMERICAN JERUSALEM

AMERICAN MUSTANG 3D

Sponsored by Madonna Inn

This illuminating documentary tells the story of the Jewish immigrants who came to be front and center in the building of San Francisco, both intellectually and physically. Mostly impoverished peddlers from Bavaria, they came for the Gold Rush, and because everyone arrived on an equal footing, they were easily accepted and assimilated. Men like Levi Strauss and Adolph Sutro not only influenced their own times but also set the stage for what San Francisco would become. To its credit, the film does not shy away from the community’s more troubling chapters, such as anti-Chinese and Eastern European sentiments among the German Jewish leaders. USA. 57 min.

Thursday, March 6, 4pm Palm Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 10am Palm Theatre

Sponsored by John & Sharon Dobson In Memory of Greg Hind In an artful blend of exquisite nature documentary and character driven narrative, the majestic wild horses of the American West are documented in stereoscopic 3D as never before. A major drama continues to unfold on hundreds of millions of acres of public land. The battle between the Bureau of Land Management and wild horse activists is complicated by many issues. Director Monty Miranda’s beautiful film offers hope and solutions to this problem that has ignited passion and fury among special interest groups fighting over the rightful place of the American Mustang. The film features Paso Robles residents Luke and Jim Neubert of Neubert Custom Colts. USA. 69 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

Park Cinemas

19 96 Robert Wise was honored by board members, 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

George Sidney, Mary Harris and Cathy Peacock.

Saturday, March 8, 10am Downtown Cinemas

13

ANTARCTICA: A YEAR ON ICE

ARRANGED HAPPINESS

This stunning film shares an insider’s view of what it is like to live and work at the bottom of the planet in the unrelenting extremes of Antarctica. Frozen Planet photographer Anthony Powell shares a very personal look at the day-to-day experiences of ordinary people surviving in an extraordinary place.

Filmed over 15 years, the story is not from the point of view of scientists, but of the people who spend the most time there – the everyday workers who keep the equipment, vehicles and bases running in the harshest environment on the planet.

New Zealand. 93 min.

This is a non-political story of love and hardship, set in India’s politically-charged Kashmir Valley. The film’s loving portrayal of one Muslim Kashmiri family’s search for a groom for their daughter provides an intimate and compelling counterweight to a widely-held perception of Islam in the West. In an era where the rival nations of India and Pakistan promote tension and amplify cultural racism, Daniela Dar-Creutz’s film conjures up an unexpected dose of humanity and mesmerizing beauty where few have thought to look for it. India/Germany 89 min.

Avila Beach Community Center

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Vic & Carol Ascrizzi

Thursday, March 6, 1pm

Sponsored by Granada Hotel & Bistro

Friday, March 7, 10am

Palm Theatre

Thursday, March 6, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Palm Theatre

BEYOND SIGHT

BOOGIE STOMP!

Seventeen years after Brazilian Derek Rabalo is born blind, he decided that he wanted to surf. As if that isn’t crazy enough, is determined to surf one of the most dangerous waves on the North Shore of Oahu – Pipeline. Through the encouragement of his parents, best friend, and surf coach, Derek embarks on a two-year journey of grueling mental, physical, and spiritual training. As he perseveres towards his goal of surfing Pipeline, he has inspires some of the best surfers in the world, who have joined him on his mission to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. USA/Brazil. 87 min.

“Two red hot pianos, one foot-stompin’ movie!”

Bob Seeley spent his formative years playing with Meade Lux Lewis and other Jazz greats. He became known to insiders as the best boogie and stride player in the world. Fellow Detroiter, Bob Baldori has played piano and harmonica with Chuck Berry since 1966. Together, the Bobs hit the road to revive America’s forgotten music. Their compelling film includes footstompin’ concert and dance clips and tour footage from around the world. Bob Baldori will be in attendance. USA. 84 min.

Sponsored by The Mortgage House

Saturday, March 8, 12pm Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

Sponsored by Craig & Toni Kincaid & SLO Jazz Festival

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Downtown Cinemas

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Galaxy Theatre

19 97

Actor Ernest Borgnine entertained audiences in 1997 when he was honored by the SLOIFF.

D O CUM E N TA R I ES

slofilmfest.org

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slofilmfest.org

D O CUM E N TA R I ES

BOTSO: THE TEACHER FROM TIBLISI Sponsored by Lucia Cleveland & Paul Vanderheyden

DRIVEN: A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE WORLD OF MARATHON SWIMMING

Sponsored by Barrie Cleveland & Avila La Fonda

The story of nonagenarian Wachtung “Botso” Korisheli – musician, sculptor, beloved teacher to generations – is an inspiring example of human resilience. Escaping Stalinist Georgia into Nazi Poland and Germany, Botso eventually found his way to Morro Bay. Through interviews with him and many musicians and artists he has mentored, and in sequences filmed on a trip to his native Republic of Georgia, the picture of a uniquely warm, creative, and gentle soul emerges.

Directed/produced by local filmmakers Tom Walters and Hilary Grant. USA/Republic of Georgia. 82 min.

Plunge into adventure as “Driven” explores the obscure yet fascinating sport of marathon swimming. Follow three individuals - a swimming veteran, a novice swimmer and single mom and a junior high school student - as they attempt to swim the twenty miles across the Santa Barbara Channel.

In frigid water, without wetsuits, in the dead of night, these swimmers put everything on the line to chase a dream. With commentary by notable marathon swimming figureheads, this film illuminates this unheralded endurance sport – and searches for what it really means to be driven. USA. 72 min.

Fremont Theatre

Downtown Cinemas

Thursday, March 6, 4pm

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

Sunday, March 9, 4pm

Avila Beach Community Center

FUREVER

HEY BARTENDER

This thoughtful, sometimes absurd and completely amazing documentary by Amy Finkel explores the astonishing lengths – including taxidermy, freeze-drying, mummification and cloning – some people will go to to preserve not only the memory, but the actual bodies, of their deceased pets. What makes the film so special is that Finkel passes no judgment on the mourners and their efforts to maintain the connection with their beloved pets, and is also even-handed in her treatment of the $53 billion-dollar-a-year memorialization “industry” some would say prey on the bereaved. USA. 80 min.

Hey Bartender gains unprecedented access into the world’s most exclusive cocktail bars and features commentary from well-known bar owners, celebrity bartenders and journalists.

This tantalizing film documents the comeback of the Bartender, from the respected position they held before Prohibition, through the post-war era of the cocktail party, the three martini lunch, and the Hollywood-influenced bottle flipping.

Bartending is no longer looked at as a part-time job, but as a craft and a talent that is quickly rising to the level of the celebrity chef. Spoiler alert: you will definitely want to head straight to the closest bar immediately after seeing this film.

USA. 95 min.

Sponsored by Susan Minker

Thursday, March 6, 4pm Downtown Cinemas

19 98

Sponsored by ASH Management & MoTav

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Galaxy Theatres

Friday, March 7, 4pm Park Cinemas

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Director Stanley Kramer and wife Karen visited the SLOIFF to collect the 1998 King Vidor Award.

Friday, March 7, 7pm Downtown Cinemas

15

I AM NOT A ROCK STAR

ICEBOUND

Over an eight-year span, filmmaker Bobbi Jo Krais-Hart followed the gritty coming-of-age story of Montreal pianist, Marika Bournaki whose life has centered around becoming a world class concert pianist since age five. Shot in cinema verité style – from age 12 until age 20 – in rehearsal rooms, hotels, airports and concert halls around the world, the film offers a compelling look inside the insular world of classical music through Marika’s often tumultuous journey to find her own voice. Krais-Hart’s insightful and fascinating film explores the universal themes of dreams, family, sacrifice and growing up. Canada. 85 min.

Icebound is the fascinating tale of the 1925 Serum Run – an epic effort by more than 30 men and their dogsled teams racing against time, winter storms and the wilderness to save the isolated village of Nome, Alaska from a deadly outbreak of diphtheria. This story is what legends are made of – it was the inspiration for the annual Iditarod race and made famous by the Spielberg animated film Balto. Rare photographs, newsreels and interviews with the last surviving witnesses who provide a personal narrative, bring the heroic nature of this truly amazing feat to life. USA. 90 min.

Sponsored by SLO Film Club

Saturday, March 8, 10am

Avila Beach Community Center

Sponsored by MedStops Medical Clinics

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Downtown Cinemas

Saturday, March 8, 4pm Palm Theatre

Sunday, March 9, 4pm Downtown Cinemas

LORD MONTAGU

MAGICAL UNIVERSE - CA PREMIERE

At the age of two, Lord Edward Montagu inherited Beaulieu, his family’s 7,000 acre English estate. Across England, these historic houses were being demolished but in a bold effort to save his home, 25 year old Edward Montagu, challenged aristocratic conventions and opened his home as a public tourist attraction. Very quickly, Beaulieu began generating revenue and Montagu’s heritage and estate seemed safe. But later that year, he was arrested for consensual homosexual offenses and became the focal point of a landmark trial. Despite this catastrophic personal setback, Edward Montagu was determined not to let scandal define him. In fact, it became the eventual inspiration for England’s most famous vintage car collection!

UK. 80 min.

Filmed piecemeal for over 10 years with limited budget, Magical Universe is a strange and inspiring portrait of an octogenarian outsider artist who spends all day alone in his labyrinthine house in Maine creating collage art. The documentary profiles Carbee’s amazing body of work and his relentlessly creative lifestyle. Filmmaker Jeremy Workman (SLOIFF award winner in 1999) forms an unusual bond with Carbee, whose friendship with Workman becomes his only link to the outside world. At its core, Magical Universe is about wonder, friendship, and the transcendent power of creativity. USA. 77 min.

Sponsored by Paul G. Metchik, Attorney at Law

Saturday, March 8, 10am Palm Theatre

Sponsored by La Perla Del Mar

Saturday, March 8, 10am Downtown Cinemas

Sunday, March 9, 4pm La Perla Del Mar

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

La Perla Del Mar

19 99

Jim Dee – Palm Theatre owner, co-founder of the SLOIFF and local legend – was honored in ‘99.

D O CUM E N TA R I ES

slofilmfest.org

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slofilmfest.org

D O CUM E N TA R I ES

MCCONKEY

MY SHANGHAI - WORLD PREMIERE

The late Shane McConkey is revered as a pioneer of freeskiing and ski-BASE jumping. Through his talent and ability and his trademark irreverent humor, he inspired countless athletes. In this new film from Red Bull Media House, the filmmakers celebrate the life of one of the world’s ultimate innovators, with awe-inspiring footage of death-defying stunts.

“McConkey” is a heartfelt examination of the legacy one athlete left to the progression of his sports, and the path he paved to conquer his dreams. This is one of those films best seen on a big screen – the cinematography and scenery are truly mind-blowing! USA. 109 min.

Growing up fast in 1930s Shanghai, the “Paris of the Orient,” Virginia Lumsdaine McCutcheon was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II. Vivid archival footage, personal photos gathered from family collections and declassified secret documents from the British Archives bring her amazing story to life. At 92, she unveils a deeply personal story of love, loss, art, and the art of survival in this portrait documentary. Her stories weave in her family, a visit to the local farmers’ market in her hometown of Morro Bay, her studio and her collection of beautiful woodblock prints.

USA. 56 min.

Downtown Cinemas

Downtown Cinemas

Sponsored by Boutique Hotel Collection & BK Richard

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Galaxy Theatre

Sponsored by Barbara Bell

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

Sunday, March 9, 4pm

Galaxy Theatre

OUT OF THE FIRE

PERFECT STRANGERS

Set against the backdrop of rural West Virginia, Out of the Fire offers a rare, absorbing look into the little-known world of wood-firing potters. This surprisingly interesting documentary follows master craftsman Kevin Crowe and his apprentice Krista Loomans, through an intense four-day, high-temperature kiln firing, in which nearly 2000 pots and their livelihood are at stake. Integral to their success is the support of family and their devoted band of volunteers who make the trek to Tye River two-times a year to provide extra hands, love and a sense of community for the often isolated and reclusive artists. USA. 76 min.

engag­ing characters. One is Avila Beach resident, Ellie (longtime SLOIFF volunteer), who embarks on an unpredictable journey of twists and turns, determined to be a kidney donor.

Five hundred miles away, Kathy is enduring nightly dialysis and losing hope of ever receiving a transplant - until Ellie reads her profile on an online website. Both women face unexpected challenges as their parallel journeys unfold over the course of four years. “Perfect Strangers” raises questions about what motivates an individual towards an extreme act of compas­sion. USA. 69 min.

Sponsored by John Swift

Saturday, March 8, 1pm Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Films for Good “Perfect Strangers” tells the story of two unique and

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Thursday, March 6, 7pm La Perla Del Mar Palm Theatre

20 00 Two King Vidor Awards were given in 2000, to 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Producers Robert A. Harris and James C. Katz.

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

Avila Beach Community Center

17

RIDING OVER THE MOON:

SECOND OPINION

Elizabeth Pickering-Burnham-Freitag grew up in Southwestern Colorado under pioneer conditions. She put herself through art school, taught Eskimo and Indian children in Alaska, and worked in China during WWII. Later she married and raised five children which hindered her artistic career, but after thirteen years she picked up her brushes and was still painting at age 95. The filmmakers have done a wonderful job ‘painting’ an inspiring portrait of an ‘ordinary’ woman who has always found a place for art in her life. USA. 53 min.

Filmmaker Eric Merola bravely produced and directed “Burzynski” and its sequel. We are proud to have him back at the SLOIFF for the third year in a row – with yet another eyeopening documentary on the important topic of cancer research. This one tells the story of Ralph Moss, a science writer who risked it all by blowing the whistle on a massive cover-up involving Laetrile, a promising cancer therapy being tested at Sloan-Kettering, one of America’s leading cancer research centers – where he was employed at the time. Ralph Moss will join filmmaker, Eric Merola, for a stimulating Q&A after the film. USA. 75 min.

Palm Theatre

Downtown Cinemas

Sponsored by Tom Sant & Susan Hirsch

AN ARTIST UNBRIDLED Sponsored by Toni Bouman Re/Max Del Oro & Embassy Suites

Thursday, March 6, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 7pm

La Perla Del Mar

Thursday, March 6, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 4pm La Perla Del Mar

SEWING HOPE

VALENTINE ROAD

It can be difficult to hear the stories told by the women abducted from their homes as young children, sexually abused, and brainwashed into becoming soldiers in the army that terrorized Northern Uganda for 25 years. It would be easy to assume that this is a film about hopelessness and despair. But on account of Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe and her vocational school in Gulu, Uganda, this is an inspirational story about the power of love and how learning a simple set of practical skills can help to restore dignity, independence and life. Forest Whitaker narrates the documentary, based on the book of the same title. USA/Uganda. 54 min.

In February 2008, a classroom shooting shattered the coastal, working class town of Oxnard, California. As the community reeled and the national media descended, a 15-year-old lay dead and his 14-year-old attacker awaited trial for murder. Was this a hate crime, retaliation for unwanted playground flirting or something more complex? The film raises key questions facing schools and communities all over the country: what do you do to help kids like Brandon and Larry before violence occurs – and what do you do after you’ve failed? USA. 89 min.

Sponsored by Humankind & SLO Motion Shoes

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

La Perla Del Mar

Friday, March 7, 1pm Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Growing Together Initiative & Tranz Central Coast

Friday, March 7, 7pm Palm Theatre

20 01 Howard Keel thrilled SLOIFF audiences in 2001.

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

D O CUM E N TA R I ES

slofilmfest.org

TIME

FREMONT PALM slofilmfest.org

DOWNTOWN

PARK

GALAXY

LA PERLA DEL MAR

AVILA BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER

5:30pm

Opening Night Reception

7-9pm

Opening Night Starring Adam West (pg. 6)

1-3pm

1) Sum Total of 1) Second OpinMemory (p.26) ion (p.17) + Riding Over 2) Wind (p.27) + Moon (p.17) You’ll Be a Man 2) Blessing in (p.22) Disguise (p.23) + Arranged Happiness (p.13) Botso (p.14) 1) Ad Ensempio 1) Furever (p.14) (pg. 23) + 2) Son Simon American Jeru- (p.26) + New salem (pg. 12) York Heartbeat 2) Life Inside Out (p.20) (pg. 21) Running Blind 1) Stalled 1) Interstate Sing-along: Wild Horses (p.26) + Running (p.27) + Perfect (p.25) + Driven: (p.27) + Ameri- Les Miserables for Jim (p.8) Strangers (p.16) Marathon Swim- can Mustang 3D (p.22) 2) A Lovely Treat ming (p.14) (p.12) (p.23) + Silvi 2) Boogie Stomp (p.21) (p.13)

4-6pm

7-9pm

10am12pm 1-3pm

4-6pm

5:30pm

Antarctica: Year On Ice (p.13) 1) Catch (p.24) + 1) Neighbors Toastmaster (p.26) +Every(p.22) thing Fine (p20) 2) Volti (p.27) + 2) Blue (p.24) + Sewing Hope Choosing Signs (p.17) (p.20) 1) Arranged Life, Liberty & Hey Bartender Happiness (p.13) Resilience (p.25) (p.14) 2) Silk (p.26) + + Some Things Everything is Mean SomeFine Here (p.20) thing (p.26) + Do-Si-Do In the Sky (p.24) 2) McConkey (p.16)

Antarctica: Year On Ice (p.13)

God’s Got His Head in Clouds (p.24) + Sewing Hope (p.17)

Shorts program METROPOLIS #1: Steffi Likes – SLO Masonic This (p.27) + Lodge (p.9) Last Days of Cinerama (p.25) + Some Things Mean Something (p.26) + Neighbors (p.26)

Ad Esempio (p.23) + Boogie Stomp (p.13)

You’ll Be a Man (p.22)

Son Simon The Beast (p.26) + (Furever and The Angel (p.14) (p.23) + Second Opinion (p.17)

Shorts program #2: A Lovely Treat (p.23) + Moritz & the Woodwose (p.25) + Into the Silent Sea (p.25) + Wind (p.27) Filmmaker mixer–Mo/Tav Hearst Castle Visitor Center Theatre SPARTACUS (p.8)

6:30pm

7-9pm

OTHER

Surf Nite: Barbie Boy FIVE SUMMER (p.23) + ValenSTORIES / Honk tine Road (p.17) (p.7)

1) Exposure (p.24) + Hank & Asha (p.21) 2) Hey Bartender (p.14)

Stalled (p.27) + The Little Tin Man (p. 10 )

Wild Horses Life Inside Out (p.27) + Riding (p.21) Over Moon: Artist Unbridled (p.17)

Please check slofilmfest.org for possible schedule changes

Cal Poly - IF YOU BUILD IT (p.10)

TIME

FREMONT

10am12pm

10am2pm

12pm

The Last Days of Cinerama (p.25) + Q&A / Intermission How the West Was Won (p.8)

PALM

DOWNTOWN

1) Adonis (p.23) + Lord Montagu (p.15) 2) Moritz & Woodwose (p.25) + American Jerusalem (p.12) 3) Filmmakers Panel (p.6)

1) HIOB (p.25) + Magical Universe (p.15) 2) God’s Got Head in Clouds (p.24) + American Mustang 3D (p.12)

PARK

GALAXY

LA PERLA slofilmfest.org AVILA BEACH OTHER DEL MAR COMMUNITY I Am Not a Rock Star (p.15)

1-3pm

To The Bone (p.27) + Out of the Fire (p.16)

1) I Am Not a Rock Star (p.15) 2) A Birder’s Guide to Everything (p.20)

Exposure (p.24) A New York Shorts: + Hank and Asha Heartbeat (p.20) #3: Blessing in (p.21) Disguise (p.23) + Catch (p.24) + Interstate (p.25) + Adonis (p.23)

4-6pm

Do-Si-Do In the Sky (p.24) + Icebound (p.15)

1) Into the Silent Sea (p.25) + My Shanghai (p.16) 2) For The Birds (p.24) + Little Tin Man (p.21)

Blue (p.24) + Toastmaster (p.22)

7-9pm 9pm

Indie Film & King Vidor Awards (p.11)

10am12pm

1-3pm

Anita (p.10 )

4-6pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Closing Night / CCFS Awards & Face of Love (p.11)

Bay Theater Beyond Sight (p.13)

Barbie Boy HIOB (p.25) + (p.23) + Magical Perfect StrangUniverse (p.15) ers (p.16)

KV Award reception SLO Masonic Lodge (p.11) Central Coast: 1) Filmmakers of 1) Art w/o Tomorrow (p.29) Boundaries 2) Central Coast: (p.30) + My Timo’s Face Hollywood Blvd (p.31) + Passion (p.30) + Put a Lid & Purpose (p.30) on it (p.31) 2) Edge of Dawn (p.31) Central Coast: 1) Central Coast: Central Coast: McConkey Extraordinary Incognita (p.31) Tommy (p.16) Ord (p.30) + + Hardest Job Benjamin (p.31) Heritage (p.30) + After Steinbeck (p.30) Dusk (p.31) + + Sum Total of Lucky 13th (p.31) Memory (p.26) + Sufferin’ Till Straight (p.31) 2) Silk (p.26) + Choosing Signs (p.20) Steffi Likes This 1) Following the Volti (p.27) + My (p.27) + Birder’s Ninth (p.10) Shanghai Guide to Every- 2) Icebound (p.16) thing (p.20) (p.15)

To The Bone (p.27) + Out of the Fire (p.16)

Life, Liberty, Resilience (p.25) + Learning to Float (p.30)

For The Birds Running Blind (p.24) + Lord (p.26) + Driven Montagu (p.15) (p.14)

Closing Night in HQ (p.11)

20

slofilmfest.org

N A R R AT I V E F EAT U R ES

A BIRDER’S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING

A NEW YORK HEARTBEAT

15-year-old birding fanatic David Portnoy thinks he’s made the ornithological discovery of a lifetime. On the eve of his father’s remarriage, he escapes on an epic road trip with his best buddies to solidify their place in birding history. David and his posse steal a Chevy Cabriolet and set out on a trip of adventure and mishap. Along the way, rival birders and Dr. Lawrence Konrad (Ben Kingsley) try to beat them to the punch. This funny and poignant coming-of-age story was cowritten by Luke Metheny (2011 Oscar-winning “God of Love” filmmaker/star) who will be in attendance for a Q&A. Comedy.

USA. 88 min.

Tjardus Greidanus wrote and directed this period street gang drama exquisitely filmed on the streets of New York City, and starring Escher Holloway, Rachel Brosnahan (“House of Cards”) and veteran actor Eric Roberts. Greidanus’ last film, “The Shot Felt Round the World,” opened the 2012 SLOIFF. His first narrative feature tells the story of a 17-year-old trying to make a rep for himself on the streets of New York in 1959. A bad choice lands him on the wrong side of a notorious gangster, and in his attempt to hide, he is taken in by a sheltered young woman who finds herself in a very precarious position.

USA. 94 min.

Downtown Cinemas

Downtown Cinemas

Sponsored by Vic & Carol Ascrizzi

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Sunday, March 9, 4pm Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Dream Camp/Joe Patane

Thursday, March 6, 4pm

Saturday, March 8, 1pm La Perla Del Mar

CHOOSING SIGNS

EVERYTHING IS FINE HERE

An American woman (Jessica Lancaster) travels to Cork because of what she takes to be “signs” from the Universe. Her beliefs are challenged by those around her, and when she meets Eamon (Owen Dara) she is forced to take responsibility for the path of her own life, realizing that when it comes to love the Universe may not always be on her side.

This delightfully Irish romantic comedy explores the conflicts that exist between people who believe there is nothing beyond what we see, and those who believe that the spirit world is a daily part of our lives. Romantic comedy. Ireland. 85 min.

A beautiful and intelligent 25-year-old woman is on the verge of accepting a writing fellowship to Heidelberg and is engaged to a man she loves. Life is good – until the unimaginable happens. She steps into the wrong taxicab and is brutally gang raped in a deserted area near Tehran. With her virginity lost, surrounded by rumors, and besieged by the halfhearted effort to catch the criminals, she is left to pick up the pieces and go on. Talented Director/Producer Pourya Azarbaijany, made this controversial film without a permit from the government and is now banned from screening it in his own country. Drama. Iran. 75 min.

Sponsored by Lou & Anne Robinson

Friday, March 7, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

20 02

Sponsored by Shannon & Mike Larrabee

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Downtown Cinemas

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Academy-Award winning music composer, Elmer Bernstein, was the SLOIFF honoree in 2002.

Friday, March 7, 4pm Palm Theatre

21

HANK AND ASHA

LIFE INSIDE OUT

In this award-winning modern love story, an Indian student in Prague and a lonely New Yorker begin a correspondence through video letters – two strangers searching for human connection in a hyper-connected world. Asha, born and raised in India, is studying abroad in Prague for a year. Hank, a filmmaker and lonely new transplant to New York City, is facing increasing pressure from his parents to return to North Carolina to rescue the failing family business. Hank and Asha celebrates the relationships that have a lasting impact on our lives, whether they last a moment, or a lifetime. Romantic Comedy. USA. 73 min.

Laura (Maggie Baird) is a devoted mother of three teenage boys. The twins are confident and outgoing, while the youngest son, Shane (Finneas O’Connell), is the family misfit, a disappointment to his father. At 15, he is sullen and withdrawn, earbuds perpetually in his ears. When Laura impulsively decides to sing at her first open-mic night, she convinces Shane to come along, and it becomes an experience that opens his eyes and shakes his earbuds loose. The honest and funny perfor­mances by Baird and O’Connell (real-life mother and son) and the wonderful supporting cast will leave you smiling and hum­ming. Drama/comedy. USA. 102 min.

Downtown Cinemas

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express Atascadero

Friday, March 7, 7pm

Saturday, March 8, 1pm Galaxy Theatre

Sponsored by Avalon Foundation

Thursday, March 6, 4pm

Friday, March 7, 7pm

Avila Beach Community Center

THE LITTLE TIN MAN

SILVI

Working in his brother’s restaurant and unhappy with the arc of his acting career, to say that Herman (Aaron Beelner) is dissatisfied would be an understatement of epic proportions.

When asked to audition for the “Mayor of Munch­kinland” in an upcoming remake of “The Wizard of Oz,” he takes the opportunity to aim a little higher. He enlists the help of his best friend (a woman he’s secretly in love with), as well as his flamboyant brother and their mutual friend, Juan. Her­man and his pals find themselves on a very amusing journey of self-discovery illustrating the lengths we’ll go to for the things we love. Romantic comedy. USA. 84 min.

When her husband leaves her, Silvi finally realizes that her rather dull marriage has failed. At first lost and lonely, the 47-year-old Silvi realizes this is an opportunity to start over again. Anonymous sex, endearment in the dark and lunatic lovers push her into an emotional chaos of affection, pleasure and borderline experiences. She learns that finding the right partner can be quite a challenge. Lina Wendel’s honest and endearing portrayal of a woman desperately trying to re-invent herself has been winning this wonderful film awards and accolades. Drama/Comedy. Germany. 97 min.

Sponsored by iiiDesign

Sponsored by Films for Good

Friday, March 7, 7pm Galaxy Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Palm Theatre

Downtown Cinemas

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

In 2003, the Festival was re-organized.

In 2004, actress Eva Marie Saint was honored.

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N A R R AT I V E F EAT U R ES

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N A R R AT I V E F EAT U R ES

TOASTMASTER

YOU’LL BE A MAN/TU SERAS UN HOMME

THE TRADITION MUST LIVE ON! In the early 1920s, Armen Nerguizian conducted weddings all over Armenia, Georgia and Russia. He was a poet, a master of improvisation cleverly sharing moments of joy and reviving the spirit of loved ones.

He was known as “The Toastmaster.” Nearly a hundred years later, Armen’s grandson, Uncle Kapriel, living as a recluse in Glendale, CA, maintains his connection to the past and his cultural roots. Uncle Kapriel sees the visit of his nephew Alek, awaiting his mother’s second wedding, as the perfect opportunity to pass on the family tradition. Comedy. Spain/USA. 80 min.

Ten-year-old Leo is a solitary dreamer who seeks refuge in books. When the funny and carefree 20-year-old Theo is hired to be his “sitter,’ Leo is forced out of his shell and, despite their age difference, the two form a warm and trusting friendship.

But not everyone approves, including Leo’s father. The situ­ ation gets much worse when Theo innocently takes Leo on a trip to the seaside. Wonderful performances by French actors Aurélio Cohen and Grégoire Monsaingeon do justice to the story based on a book. Won Best Foreign Film at the Arizona International Film Festival. Drama/Comedy. France. 86 min.

Sponsored by Ekmanian Tax & Accounting

Friday, March 7, 1pm Palm Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 4pm Galaxy Theatre

Sponsored by Rabobank

Thursday, March 6, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

sing-along with Les Miserables (2012) Sponsored by Galaxy Theatre Atascadero & Sheila Blake “Do you you hear the people sing?” You will if you’re at the Galaxy Theatre on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00pm! Last year’s sensational Oscar-winning musical is back, and this time, it’s okay to sing along!

English subtitles will allow you to harmonize with Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and the cast of “Les Miz” – it will be almost like being right there at the barricades with them!

Come early and loosen your vocal cords with a drink or two at the welcoming Galaxy Theatre bar. Take drinks and food into the theatre and test your Les Miz knowledge in a trivia contest before the show – win festival passes and more! Feeling a little nervous about singing in public? Don’t worry about it! If Russell Crowe can do it, you can too! PG-13. USA. 158 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7:00pm

Galaxy Theatre, Atascadero - $10 General / $8 Students & SLOIFF Film Society All passes welcome

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20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

The 2005 Festival was moved to March 2006, and Actor Morgan Freeman was honored that year.

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Avila Beach Community Center

OU R VOLU N T EER S ROC K !

Our incredible volunteer corps numbers over 200 people who help out in a wide variety of ways throughout the festival, and during the rest of the year.

The SLOIFF wishes to thank each and every one of them, too numerous to mention here.

• You know who you are!

We couldn’t do it without you! Take a bow.

AD ESEMPIO

ADONIS

In this Italian short narrative feature (reminiscent of the late Sidney Lumet’s Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead), an ordinarily honest family man becomes so desperate for money that he reluctantly agrees to take part in a bank robbery...which has unintended consequences. Drama. Italy. 15 min.

Thursday, March 6, 4pm

Poor ol’ Kip is unlucky in love – until he employs the services of Adonis, a chick magnet who knows how to break the ice and get guys dates. This candycolored short film is full of tricks -- with actors green-screened into a tableau of dollhouses and miniature landscapes to create a virtual dating paradise. Animated romantic comedy. USA. 10 min.

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Fogcatcher Inn

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Indulge Magazine

Saturday, March 8, 10am

Galaxy Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

BARBIE BOY

THE BEAST & THE ANGEL

Sponsored by Dr. Denise Taylor Bobby is an imaginative 7-year-old whose favorite toy is the classic “Barbie” doll. After his father chides him that “dolls are for girls,” Bobby goes on a journey to discover what on earth he SHOULD be playing with - and ultimately must choose between conforming to society or being the person he wants to be. Drama. USA. 13 min.

Friday, March 7, 7pm Palm Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

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A LOVELY TREAT Sponsored by Jane & George Roach

SHORTS

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The tall and the short of it: a sweet romantic comedy about high expectations, love, and that very fine line between reality and fantasy. Comedy. USA. 10 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Palm Theatre

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Avila Beach Community Center

Avila Beach Community Center

Sponsored by Damon Castillo Band

MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, one of the most influential guitarists of all time, is a man who believes in second acts. Clean and sober at age 50 after some prison time and a life of addiction, Wayne discovers the secret to rehabilitation is to have something to live for – music. This is his story. Documentary.

USA. 20 min.

Friday, March 7, 4pm La Perla Del Mar

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Sponsored by Rosemary & Fred Weintz After being dumped, Katie is devastated to find out she has herpes. But when she meets a charming guy who also has herpes, Katie starts to rethink her fate. Maybe contracting an incurable venereal disease isn’t such a bad thing–until she learns things aren’t quite what they seem. From the filmmakers of 2013’s Best Narrative Feature, Missed Connections. Comedy. USA. 10 min.

Thursday, March 6, 1pm Palm Theatre

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Avila Beach Community Center

La Perla Del Mar

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Director Norman Jewison and Actor James Cromwell received King Vidor Awards in 2007.

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SHORTS

BLUE

CATCH

A day in the life of a balloon. Blue sees enough to make any level-headed balloon scared for his life – pins, needles, pops, oh my! Little does Blue know that one child has a different plan for him altogether, one that just might give his short life a whole other meaning. Animated. USA. 6 min.

For eight-year-old Jimmy, baseball is more important than anything in the world. But he has a pretty big problem: he can’t catch fly balls. His dad would teach him how if he weren’t always called in to work. So Jimmy decides to take matters into his own hands. Drama.

USA. 11 min.

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Nita Kenyon

Sponsored by Martin Resorts

Downtown Cinema

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

DO-SI-DO IN THE SKY Sponsored by Palm Theatre “Do-Si-Do in the Sky” follows the

Friday, March 7, 1pm

adventures of the US Army’s pilot recruitment project in which a team of highly skilled helicopter pilots created a helicopter square dance team. They toured national air shows across the United States during the 1950’s with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. Doc. USA. 17 min.

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Downtown Cinema

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Avila Beach Community Center

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

EXPOSURE

FOR THE BIRDS

Shy, lonely and single, Adam and Candace each seek the help of a therapist to overcome their problems with the opposite sex. It’s soon clear to the doctor that no amount of positive reinforcement will help either of them, so he decides on something more drastic: speed-dating. The horror!

Romantic comedy. USA. 21 min.

Friday, March 7, 7pm

Based on the execution of Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh, this film is an exploration of a life unjustly interrupted. This heart wrenching story seeks to rally action against injustice, not only in Iran but everywhere. Beautifully shot in black & white and color, this is an impressive student film from Brooks Institute. Drama.

USA. 14 min.

GOD’S GOT HIS HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Downtown Cinemas

Galaxy Theatre

Sponsored by Peggy & Bill Kelley

Sponsored by HopeDance

Downtown Cinema

Saturday, March 8, 4pm

Galaxy Theatre

Sunday, March 9, 4pm La Perla Del Mar

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Indulge Magazine Under a cloud-filled sky in a small country church in Italy, an elderly local priest is kneeling in prayer, content in his solitude and faith. Suddenly, the candles flicker, and he turns to find 11-year-old Angelina standing behind him, stonefaced and staring. This will become the priest’s greatest challenge. Drama.

Italy/Lithuania. 14 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7pm La Perla Del Mar

Saturday, March 8, 10am Downtown Cinemas

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20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

David Crosby and Peter Fonda bantered on stage when Fonda was honored for career achievement.

HIOB

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INTERSTATE

INTO THE SILENT SEA

Downtown Cinema

teaches illegal immigrants how to drive.

All is well until one day, after a lesson with an ambitious new student, a HSI agent shows up at his door. Will he save himself, or the immigrants he has been helping? Cinematographer Justin Kane is the SLOIFF’s AFI Scholarship recipient.

Drama. USA. 20 min.

Alexander, a lone cosmonaut, is adrift in orbit around Earth. He has lost communications and life-support is dwindling fast.

In Italy, a radio engineer working the night shift discovers a voice amidst the empty static. Through the night the men bond – but will their newfound friendship last the night? Drama. Sweden/USA. 25 min.

Avila Beach Community Center

Downtown Cinema

Avila Beach Community Center

Sponsored by Rand Productions Hiob is German for Job (as in The Book of). Commissioner Berger lives in the shadows; years of delivering news of others’ deaths have made him a cynic.

Now Sophie, the wife of his new colleague, has trustingly turned to him for help. Film Noir. Germany. 20 min.

Saturday, March 8, 10am Saturday, March 8, 4pm

Sponsored by The Movie Experience Sponsored by Rosemary & Fred Joaquin is a driving instructor who Weintz

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Saturday, March 8, 1pm

Avila Beach Community Center

THE LAST DAYS OF CINERAMA

Sponsored by Mona & Gordon Jennings “The Last Days of Cinerama” is a cel-

ebration of the revival (and an examination of the demise) of the first major widescreen film process. It’s also a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the first three-panel Cinerama film in 50 years. Director Robert Garren and actor/ filmmaker Stanley Livingston will be on hand to discuss the process and will introduce “How The West Was Won” on March 8th. Documentary. USA. 25 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

Avila Beach Community Center

Saturday, March 8, 10am Fremont Theatre

LIFE, LIBERTY AND RESILIENCE

Sponsored by TJA Advertising & Public Relations An African-American WWII veteran and grandson of a slave re-traces his segregated roots and his U.S. Navy service on Iwo Jima. From poverty to war to interracial marriage, Life, Liberty & Resilience reveals how Joe LaNier, in his own words, is able to overcome life’s hurdles and lead an amazing, loving and forgiving life. Documentary. USA. 44 min.

Friday, March 7, 4pm Downtown Cinema

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Saturday, March 8, 4pm Downtown Cinemas

MORITZ AND THE WOODWOSE

Sponsored by Rich Ferguson Moritz’s younger brother Adam is suffering from kidney disease and their family has relocated to the countryside to be alone. One day, Moritz wanders into the forest and discovers a half-human creature trapped inside a tree. The stranger begs Moritz to help him escape and, in return, offers him a macabre bargain. Drama. Germany. 20 min.

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Avila Beach Community Center

Saturday, March 8, 10am Palm Theatre

Avila Beach Community Center 20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Actor Malcolm McDowell entertained the Opening Night audience with hilarious stories.

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SHORTS

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SHORTS

NEIGHBORS

RUNNING BLIND

SILK

Jake just got locked out of Aubrey’s apartment. In his underwear. Brad was nice enough to step into the hallway to tell him to go home. But if Jake could just borrow a pair of pants...? Neighbors is a short film about the lengths we will (and won’t) go to for imperfect strangers.

Comedy. USA. 10 min.

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

In 2012, EJ Scott set out to run 12 marathons in 12 states for charity. This would be considered an amazing feat for anyone to accomplish…but EJ suffers from a rare degenerative eye disease and several years ago, he was diagnosed as legally blind. He takes us on an inspiring journey proving that if there’s a will, there’s a way!

Documentary. USA. 32 min.

Rani (Oscar nominee, Shohreh Aghdashloo) was forced into marriage at age ten. Now middle-aged, she may have found a way to reclaim her life.

Made as part of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, actress-turned-filmmaker Catherine Dent was inspired by a photo essay about young girls being “traded for a goat on a rope.” Drama. USA. 17 min.

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Fremont Theatre

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Rand Productions

Sponsored by SLO Marathon

Thursday, March 6, 7pm

Avila Beach Community Center

Sunday, March 9, 4pm

Downtown Cinemas

Avila Beach Community Center

Sponsored by Palm Theatre

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

SOME THINGS MEAN SOMETHING

SON SIMON

Birthday cards have rarely had meaning until Tony opens one for his 30th birthday.

As a develop­mentally disabled adult living with his mother in England, Tony has little joy–until he reads a few rhym­ing couplets about love, on a card from a father he has never known. Drama. UK. 30 min.

Avila Beach Community Center

A family on a leisurely outing at a farmer’s market is thrown into chaos when a simple miscommunication causes them to lose track of their young son, Simon. As they frantically search the market, Simon is approached by a stranger who seemingly wants to reunite him with his parents. Drama.

USA. 7 min.

This is a beautifully made film about loss, nostalgia, discovery, and hope. It brings to light both the dark and light sides of Alzheimer’s disease, from the perspective of the patients as well as the caregivers. It offers helpful insight as we face this impending epidemic. Documentary. USA. 30 min.

Downtown Cinemas

Downtown Cinema

Palm Theatre

WORLD PREMIERE

Sponsored by Park Cinemas

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Friday, March 7, 4pm

Sponsored by Martin Resorts

Sponsored by KCBX FM Radio

Thursday, March 6, 4pm

Thursday, March 6, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 4pm

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Galaxy Theatre

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THE SUM TOTAL OF OUR MEMORY

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Actor Alan Arkin was honored in 2010 with the King Vidor Award presented by James Cromwell.

Palm Theatre

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STALLED

STEFFI LIKES THIS

TO THE BONE

“Stalled” was pieced together solely using real quotes found in women’s washroom stalls across North America. Distinct characters were created out of the honesty of hundreds of people around the world, and filmmaker Shannon Kohli has artfully tied them all together in her compelling short film. Docu-drama.

Swiss/Can/NZ. 16 min.

Like many of us these days, Paul is a Social Media junkie who can’t seem to live his life without his smart phone. But one particular day, he learns it would have been better to leave it at home.

Comedy. Germany. 5 min.

Avila Beach Community Center

Valencia is a pre-teen girl who works with her father and younger brother in the fields of California as a migrant farmworker. Sick of it all, she rebels in a flash of anger -- by telling the truth. The full truth, though, cannot be expressed in words, as she soon finds out. Drama.

USA. 9 min.

Palm Theatre

Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Pacific Western Bank

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Palm Theatre

Sponsored by Wine Shed

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Sunday, March 9, 4pm

Sponsored by Park Cinemas

SHORTS

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Saturday, March 8, 1pm Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Friday, March 7, 7pm

La Perla Del Mar

Galaxy Theatre

VOLTI

WILD HORSES

WIND

Each afternoon after school, 10-yearold Riccardo sneaks into a small-town theatre to watch acclaimed local actor Mattia rehearse for an upcoming performance. Despite difficulties due to Down’s syndrome, Riccardo is inspired

by Mattia to learn the lines to Midsummer Night’s Dream. An inspiration to those who wish to perform, regardless of the obstacles. Drama. Italy. 30 min.

LA photographer (“The Killing”’s Mireille Enos) returns to her native Nevada to document and possibly intervene in the government’s cruel roundup of a herd of beautiful wild horses she has known since childhood. The story is skillfully crafted in a combination of black & white and color, still photographs, and action cinematography by Oscar winner Robert Richardson. USA. 19 min.

In this creative animated short from Germany, the inhabitants of a windy area seem helplessly exposed to the weather.

However, they appear to have learned to deal with their difficult living conditions… until one day when the wind mysteriously stops blowing.

Animated. Germany. 4 min.

Palm Theatre

Park Cinemas

Avila Beach Community Center

Sponsored by The Movie Experience

Friday, March 7, 1pm

Sunday, March 9, 4pm Galaxy Theatre

Sponsored by Solstice Green Directory

Thursday, March 6, 7pm Friday, March 7, 7pm

Sponsored by TJA Advertising & Public Relations

Thursday, March 6, 1pm Downtown Cinema

Friday, March 7, 4pm

La Perla Del Mar

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Oscar-winning actor, Greg Kinnear, amused the audience when he was honored in 2011.

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When the plot thickens, it’s good to have someone to talk to.

Healing through Talk Therapy

Susan Hirsch, MA

Marriage and Family Therapist Intern # 64372

805-­‐234-­‐3416 1141 Pacific Street, Suite F San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Supervised by Beverly Ford, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 17089

slofilmfest.org

Filmmakers of Tomorrow Showcase

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Presented by SESLOC Federal Credit Union and Exchange Club of San Luis Obispo The Filmmaker of Tomorrow Showcase is now in its 8th year and continues to draw creative short films from youth filmmakers all over the world. What began as a way to highlight local youth films has now grown into a global competition for young, aspiring filmmakers, from elementary through high school.

This year’s Showcase presents the finest films submitted from every age level, and includes two films created in the SLOIFF Summer Filmmaking Workshops in 2013. Twenty-six finalists are vying for cash prizes in several categories, which will be presented by sponsors at the end of the screening. This competition was juried by the program coordinators, Denise Dudley and Cassie Brown, who will MC the event.

Sunday, March 9, 9:30am - Downtown Cinemas, San Luis Obispo

Tickets available an hour before the screening and are free to all students, $5 for everyone else. All festival passes welcome.

A WINTER TALE (3 min) Niajia Belton, Kamari Moore, Tatyana Crute, Tyzion Jackson, David Gyambrah All aged 17 Cicely L Tyson School of Performing and Fine Art, East Orange, NJ THE BLUE GECKO (2 min) Rebecca May Celsi, 13 ACCESS Academy, Portland, OR COLOR (5 min) Russell Wyatt Roberts Basketville, Perth, Australia COME AL SOLITO / AS ALWAYS (9 min) Rodolfo Lissia, 19 Liceo Luigi Galvani, Bologna, Italy COMFELISENT (2 min) Mohit Sebastian, 18 Raffles Academy, New Dehli, India DOGS IN DOHA (7 min) Will Wegner, 14 American School of Doha, Menasha, WI ESCAPING THE ISLAND (4 min) Malone Lumarda, 18 La Salle High School, Monrovia, CA ETCH (3 min) Brianna Singer, 17 Natomas Charter School, Sacramento, CA FLIP (4 min) Isabella Olaguera, 16 Communications High School, Deal, NJ FLAWS (2 min) FROM FARM TO TABLE (5 min) UNPLUGGED (3 min) Gabrielle Giacomo, 16 Convent of the Sacred Heart Larchmont, NY

GIRLY (9 min) Kira Bursky, 17 Interlochen Arts Academy, Asheville, NC KOREA REMEMBERED (5 min) Kyle Plummer, 17 California Virtual Academy, Cambria, CA LAUNDRY DAY (3 min) Michael Stevantoni, 17 Carihi Secondary School Campbell River, BC, Canada LITTLE GREEN (3 min) Yu-hsuan Tseng, 14 Kun Shan University Tainan City, Taiwan ONE AND TWO (5 min) Will Azevedo & Geri Milan, 14 Adrian Gonzalez, age15 YMCA Youth Institute at Santa Lucia Middle School, Cambria, CA PAC-ERGY (4 min) Eli Kepins & Diego Leonardo, 14 Ivone DeJesus & Giovanni Espinoza, 13 YMCA Youth Institute at Santa Lucia Middle School, Cambria, CA PUSH (3 min) Logan Kepins, 14 Axel Mendez & Marissa Martinez, age 13 Crystal Martinez, 12 YMCA Youth Institute at Santa Lucia Middle School, Cambria, CA

SPECIAL DELIVERY (2 min) Isaac Capp, 13 Atascadero Fine Arts Academy San Luis Obispo, CA SUPERDATE (3 min) Sasha Fox, 13 The Harvey School Chappaqua, NY TOUCHED BY FATE (9 min) Carlos Plummer, 12 Kyle Plummer, 17 California Virtual Academy Cambria, CA THE TREASURE ADVENTURE (6 min) Participants of SLOIFF Summer Filmmaking Workshops - 8-11 yrs.

San Luis Obispo, CA WHY NOT? (4 min) Mariah Hall, 16 Andover Central High School Andover, KS

ROAR! (6 min) Catriona Warren, 12 Middle Park Primary School Melbourne, Australia

ZENAIDA (10 min) Alec Cano, 17 University High School, Hanford, CA

SCREENWRITER’S BLOCK (3 min) James Tralie, 16 Upper Dublin High School Fort Washington, PA

ZOM COM (6 min) Participants of SLOIFF Summer Filmmaking Workshops - 11-15 yrs.

San Luis Obispo, CA

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central coast filmmaker showcase Presented by

The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is proud to showcase this eclectic mix of films written, directed and/or produced by residents of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties. Central Coast talent will be featured in venues all over SLO County on Sunday, March 9, followed by an awards presentation before our Closing Night film.

MEET THE JURY JODY NELSON is a Santa Barbara filmmaker, and specializes in documentary and short narrative films. She has also designed and led film production classes for adults and children, including stints with the SLOIFF Youth Summer Filmmaking Camps.

JOE PATANE has produced several health and wellness videos, and started his “Dream Camps” program for emotionally and behaviorly challenged youth in 2007. Since then, several of their films have been screened in our Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase.

Joe now lives in San Luis Obispo and has been a SLOIFF board member for several years.

D O CUM EN TA R I ES art without boundaries

the hardest job

“Art Without Boundaries” is a documentary portrayal of how an innovative method for treating sufferers of Alzheimer’s, autism, and dementia through directed painting was devised by Noell Hammer in 2008. This method, known as “Mneme Therapy”, has had an astonishing effect in improving the quality of life of hundreds of patients and their families. From Los Osos filmmaker, Celia Zaentz. 12 min.

20-year-old filmmaker Trevor Nelson presents a touching personal story, as told by his mother, Laura. After discovering her son had mental health issues such as ADHD, they tried several common drugs. But when Trevor’s health got worse, she turned to an artificial color, flavor and preservative-free diet which changed everything. This film is a tribute to a mother’s determination and devotion. 7 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1am Downtown Cinemas

Sunday, March 9, 10am Palm Theatre

heritage steinbeck:

honoring family, cultivating land, touching lives The Steinbeck family celebrates a 130year heritage in California agriculture.

The documentary explores the generational history and honors the story of a B-26 military plane crash on the family property that happened in the 1950s.

The family passion for farming wine grapes and making wine is a testament to its resolve to continue its legacy. 32 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Palm Theatre

A nostalgic and personal memory of LA’s grand Hollywood Boulevard, from the late 40’s to the present. Stories from the personal view point of filmmaker and writer, David Baumgarten, are told with wonderful archival photos and footage.

25 min.

Sunday, March 9, 10am Palm Theatre

learning to float

At the age of 12, Giovanni Douresseau weighed 280 pounds when he was taken on his first surf trip. He fell in love with the feeling of riding a wave and met a mentor figure who helped him move past his rough, fatherless upbringing in LA. to completely turn his life around. 10 years later, Giovanni has lost over 100 pounds and attempts to give underprivileged kids the gift of surfing that was given to him many years ago. 20 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Avila Beach Community Center

extraordinary ord

Fort Ord in California was abandoned and gifted to Monterey County in 1994.

It was one of the largest and most important Army installations in the nation.

Almost 20 years later, the community continues to be divided about what to do with the San Francisco-sized property, dotted with toxic blight and an epic wilderness. 24 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

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my hollywood blvd.

Palm Theatre

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

Sir Richard Taylor came all the way from New Zealand to receive career achievement honors.

PASSION & PURPOSE

A group of individuals in the city of San Luis Obispo were interviewed about what brings them passion and purpose in their lives and professions. Filmmaker Jennifer Alton, a lawyer and writer with a love of history and humanity, asks some big questions: How were you called to your profession? Who has inspired you?

What is your vision of the future in 100 year? The final film was put into a time capsule to be opened in 2113. 53 min.

Sunday, March 9, 10am Downtown Cinemas

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lucky 13th

Riley’s life is turned upside down when she wakes up one morning with a new ‘lust’ for life. She takes us on a roller coaster of sex, regret...and more sex!

Who will win Riley’s battle within? And you thought the 13th was unlucky... 15 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

incognita

timo’s face

after dusk

Sunday, March 9, 10am

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Have you ever wondered how a mask is made? Local artist and musician, Timo Beckwith walks us through the five-day process, wordlessly revealed in an intimate and succinct fashion. We witness the joy and intensity of a master artist immersed in his work, as Garry Eister quietly captures his performance. 14 min Downtown Cinemas ___OOO___

After a disturbance in his attic, Count Dracula finds a film camera. He is off on a journey to become a professional photographer - if he can only overcome his big problem with taking photos in light! Produced by an Intermediate Filmmaking Class at Allan Hancock College.

12 min.

Downtown Cinemas

Sponsored by San Luis Obispo COASTKEEPER® Over the course of one night, four actresses disguise themselves as men in order to get away with robbery. Denise, their newest recruit, is brought on for her ‘audition.’ The only problem is, she’s told their late night antics are ‘extreme improv’ instead of extremely illegal. This debut comedy short by Chris and Sarah Daly stars a cast of local actors. 39 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

Downtown Cinemas ___OOO___

AN IMAT ION

put a lid on it

tommy benjamin

A college couple are forced into a dangerous game of cat and mouse after being involved in a car accident. After seeking help from a nearby man, they soon realize he has alternate and deadly intentions for them. Over the next 24 hours they will unravel the clues to the mystery. Written and directed by Jesse Stanley. 106 min.

Adventure Club SLO presents an original film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Best friends, Proteus and Valentine, leave their country life behind to seek adventure and fun in the big city. Down on their luck, they are discovered by a notorious B movie producer who mistakes Valentine for former child actor, Tommy Benjamin. Drama, comedy and romance ensues. Johnee Gange leads his team of Adventure Club writers and actors, with this non-traditional program for people with special needs. Hollywood actor, Ted Levine, lends his expertise as well.

78 min.

Palm Theatre

Park Cinemas

NAR RATIVE F I LMS edge of dawn

Sunday, March 9, 10am

Cats, dogs, ants and swans enjoy an unexpectedly adventurous and colorful evening of frolic, music, libations and more. By Carmel Valley’s Ellen Osborne.

3 min.

Sunday, March 9, 10am Palm Theatre

sufferin’ till you’re straight

An adult socio-political spoof of “Schoolhouse Rock.” Original SHR cast member Essra Mohawk and Supremes Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene give us a musical history lesson about the struggle for gay rights and the famous gays and lesbians whose contributions have helped shape our society. 3 min.

Sunday, March 9, 1pm Downtown Cinemas

Sunday, March 9, 1pm

20th A N N I V E R S A R Y

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Actor John Hawkes eloquently fielded questions from Jim Dee and the audience in 2013.

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Innovative Solutions for the Cinema Industry

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FILM IN D EX A Birder’s Guide to Everything..20 A Winter Tale.............................29 Ad Esempio..............................23 Adonis......................................23 After Dusk..................................31 A Lovely Treat............................23 A New York Heartbeat................20 Anita.........................................10 American Jerusalem..................12 American Mustang 3D..............12 Antarctica: A Year on Ice............13 Arranged Happiness...................13 Art Without Boundaries..............30 Barbie Boy.................................23 Beast and the Angel, The..........23 Beyond Sight............................13 Blessing in Disguise..................23 Blue......................................24 Blue Gecko, The.........................29 Boogie Stomp!............................13 Botso..........................................14 Catch..........................................24 Choosing Signs...........................20 Color...........................................29 Come al Solito............................29 Comfeliscent.........................29 Do-Si-Do In The Sky.....................24 Dogs in Doha.............................29 Driven....................................14 Edge of Dawn...........................31

Escaping the Island...................29 Etch........................................29 Exposure................................24 Extraordinary Ord......................30 Everything is Fine Here........20 Face of Love.............................11 Five Summer Stories................7 Flaws........................................29 Flip........................................29 Following the Ninth................10 For The Birds.............................24 From Farm to Table................29 Furever.......................................14 Girly........................................29 God’s Got His Head in Clouds....24 Hank & Asha.............................21 Hardest Job, The........................30 Heritage Steinbeck....................30 Hey Bartender...........................14 HIOB........................................25 How the West Was Won..............8 I Am Not a Rock Star................15 Icebound................................15 If You Build It..............................10 Incognita................................31 Interstate................................25 Into the Silent Sea...................25 Korea Remembered................29 Last Days of Cinerama, The....25 Laundry Day................................29

Learning to Float........................30 Les Miserables............................22 Life Inside Out...........................21 Life, Liberty & Resilience............25 Little Green................................29 Little Tin Man, The.....................21 Lord Montagu............................15 Lucky 13th.................................31 Magical Universe.......................15 McConkey................................16 Metropolis................................9 Moritz and the Woodwose........25 My Hollywood Blvd.................30 My Shanghai.............................16 Neighbors................................26 One and Two.............................29 Out of the Fire...........................16 Pac-Ergy.................................29 Passion & Purpose....................30 Perfect Strangers......................16 PUSH........................................29 Put a Lid On It........................31 Riding Over the Moon.............17 Roar........................................29 Running Blind...........................26 Running for Jim...........................8 Screenwriter’s Block..................29 Second Opinion........................17 Sewing Hope..............................17 Silk........................................26

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Silvi........................................21 Some Things Mean Something..26 Son Simon................................26 Spartacus................................8 Special Delivery........................29 Stalled................................27 Starring Adam West....................6 Steffi Likes This........................27 Sufferin’ Till You’re Straight....31 Sum Total of Our Memory, The.26 Superdate................................29 Timo’s Face...............................31 To The Bone.............................27 Toastmaster........................22 Tommy Benjamin.....................31 Touched by Fate.......................29 Treasure Adventure, The..........29 Unplugged............................29 You’ll Be a Man...........................22 Valentine Road.........................17 Volti........................................27 Why Not?...................................29 Wild Horses...............................27 Wind........................................27 Zenaida................................29 ZomCom................................29

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