The Filmcake

Friday started out quite nicely with the documentary Official Rejection. It’s clear that filmmakers, even after production has wrapped, put so much of themselves into trying to get their films seen. Expectations vary greatly…as does quality…but regardless, you certainly have to admire the effort. This nicely edited documentary sort of captured filmmakers struggles. To be clear, trying to get your movie into a festival isn’t one of life’s great obstacles, but it does make for a compelling little film.

The panel afterwards–The Life and Times of Independent Film–was just as entertaining and informative. The moderator was good, the questions from the audience were good, and the panelists were insightful. I could have sat in on panels all day…based on some of the content. Lloyd Kaufman with a microphone would have kept me entertained for some time. And there certainly could have been a panel based solely on the question of one audience member who questioned the male-centric aspect of filmmaking. Maybe next year…

Official Rejection Panel

After that, we stopped in at the Oklahoma Film and Music Office Reception for a drink (Stella, of course) and a bite to eat. The place was packed. It was nice to see all of the interaction…even if from a wallflower vantage point.

Oklahoma Music & Film Office Reception

Then, we stopped in for the Okie Shorts. We didn’t stay for the whole program, but we did manage to catch the two we had been anticipating–Safe and Hit Boys II Men. Both exceeded expectations. In all honesty, I really look forward to what all these guys do next. Good stuff. Right here in Oklahoma.

After sneaking a couple of beers in at the Red Piano, we headed over to Untitled [Artspace] for the Horror and Midnight shorts. I was a little  disappointed that the Frolic wasn’t a bit closer to Untitled, but I managed nevertheless. Plus, it gave us time to unapologetically get our pictures taken with the Alba shark and then check out some of the art inside.

The Horror Shorts were good, but I was REALLY impressed with the Midnight Shorts. For one, they replayed Miracle Investigators. I love that one. Misadventures of Moon Kitty pleasantly lived up to my expectations. It was like a tripping LOLcat or something. Weirdly nice. I also really, really liked Whore. Well acted, well written, and well shot. Very good. And Money Please! was funny but also surprisingly relevant.

Today, we’re going to try to at least catch the Short Femmes before settling in for some Peace, Love, and Wavy Gravy.