My City Buzz - What's YOUR Buzz??? - Traverse City Film Festival 2007

Home

Taryn's Corner

Traverse City Film Festival 2007 - Review

Written by Taryn Shick

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

The third annual Traverse City Film Festival took place July 31 through August 5, 2007. The annual festival is held in downtown Traverse City and produced by Michael Moore. The festival is hailed as a festival that features “just great movies.” I agree that the Traverse City Film Festival meets this motto. Sure, you get a few big name stars there. But you also get a lot of regular people that are at the festival just to see movies and not to network or try to sell their films or buy films or spot a celebrity.
This year’s stars included Christine Lahti, (Chicago Hope, Jack and Bobby) and Larry Charles (director of Borat). Lahti was present to receive the Michigan Filmmaker Award; she was born in Birmingham, Michigan. Charles was there showing some never before seen footage from Borat and participating in panel discussions. The festival continues to focus on unique, independent films and documentaries, both U.S. and foreign. The classic films in the Open Space were back once again. These are beloved films presented outside at night for free. It’s like a drive-in, but without the cars. This year’s films included E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Grease and North by Northwest.
New to the festival this year was the inclusion of Midnight Madness, a selection of new cult-favorite horror films playing at special midnight showings. I love the tradition of cult films at midnight and hope this is back next year. The screenings this year were The Host, a Korean monster movie (see my previous review) and Black Sheep, a tail, er…tale, of vampire sheep coming from New Zealand (see my review below).
This year, I caught one documentary and one midnight screening. Here’s what I thought.

Everything’s Cool - Documentary
Directors: Daniel B. Gold, Judith Hefland
I wasn’t too keen on seeing yet another documentary about the environment and global warming. I’m an avid recycler and I care about the environment, of course. But I figured it was going to be old news and boring. I was wrong. Everything’s Cool details more than just the scientific evidence regarding global warming. That was there but so was why nothing much has been done with it. It discusses how the politicians labeled the scientists as people who were overreacting so that they wouldn’t have to make any changes. It presented shocking and depressing images. But it then went on to display hopeful and positive images. It told of how changing from an oil-dependent fuel source to alternative fuel sources would not only be better for the environment but also better the economy, which is a lot of the argument against not making the change. This change would create jobs globally, and plenty of them. Everything’s Cool presents interesting facts and people with interesting stories. But it does so with a sense of urgency and a plea to take action now. Action on an individual level will not be enough, it says. We must take action that will change our governmental policies and procedures. It sounds like a lot, and it is, really. But after seeing this film, it is clear why it must be done.

Black Sheep - Horror Comedy
Starring: Nathan Meister, Danielle Mason, Tammy Davis
Written & Directed by: Jonathan King
Black Sheep is a comedic horror film from New Zealand. It tells the story of regular farm sheep who become blood-lusting vampire sheep thanks to genetic engineering. We can thank Weta Workshop, who did the effects on Lord of The Rings, for helping bring this movie to life. I loved this movie. It’s funny. It’s gory. It takes a stand against experimenting on animals. What’s not to love? Add in the fact that it reminds me of one of my favorite films Dead Alive, and you can’t go wrong. Naturally, with the film being from New Zealand and Weta Workshop being involved, Black Sheep would conjure up similarities to Dead Alive. Dead Alive connects to New Zealand and Weta Workshop through Dead Alive director, Peter Jackson. Both films deal with having to survive being pursued by those with an affliction for devouring flesh. In Dead Alive, it’s zombies; in Black Sheep, it’s vampires. But that fact does not detract from the fact that the film is highly original. The characters are well-developed. The absurd plot is actually believable, to a point. It’s amusing from beginning to end. I love that anyone bitten by one of the vampire sheep, does not just turn into a vampire. They also turn into sheep. It’s so baaad, it’s good. Even if you’re not a fan of Dead Alive, if you like horror films mixed with ridiculous comedic premises, you’ll love Black Sheep.

So ends another wonderful experience at the Traverse City Film Festival. Can’t wait until next year. .

One person has commented on this article.

1. Untitled
Mitch Emerson, Registered

I am intrigued by Black Sheep, lol.

Taryn have you seen Night of the Living Dorks?

Posted 2007-08-15 18:16:04

< Prev		Next >