Third year going to OIFF. Its a great excuse to take a ferry to an island during the off season and watch a ton of movies that aren’t out yet. This was our first year going for all five days and ended up seeing 14 movies. We averaged 3-4 movies a day and by the end, decided that 3 a day is what we’ll probably end up doing next year.
I love going to the movies and seeing things with a bunch of different people. Fun to hear audible gasps and to laugh with everyone. Movies I’ve never heard of, would probably not usually see, and the shared experience of it all is what keeps us coming back. That and Orcas Island is lovely and more convienant to go to, especially compared to any other film fest. I also bring my bike, which is a good way to break up the day.
Every movie I saw in rough order of which ones I’d recommend:
Josephine. This was incredibly well done and the best one of the fest. Has a really tough subject matter (SA), so not for everyone.
Boatbuilders. its an old school-style documentary that I miss: where the filmmaker is there just to observe; no talking heads, no narration. Takes place over ~18 months where pro dudes in Maine build the most beautiful wooden sail boat for a financial advisor guy.
Clarissa. This was so good. A modern retelling of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, set in Nigeria. Friendships and connection. Growing up/apart. War. Should vs. want.
The Meltdown. Chile in the winter. Kids away from parents. Self interest. Open ended. Very much my kind of a movie.
Look Back. Japanese. Two girls become friends and make manga together. Creative partnerships. Growing up/apart. I need to read the book this is based on.
La Gradiva. French. High School trip. Coming of age. How we treat people. Still thinking about this one.
All of a Sudden. Fast connections that go deep. Death and dying. Eye contact. Elder care.
La Bola Negra. Epic, gay, Spain. Incredible cinematography. Loved the opening credits design. I thought the back half wasn’t as strong, which is why it’s not higher on the list.
The Debut. Love Julianne Moore. This is a funny and fun movie that I recommend seeing with a bunch of people in the theater. Starts strong, gets kind of weird.
Others that I saw: The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, Everytime, Fjord, Paper Tiger, Union Town.
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