16-day bicycle ride. Along the way confessions are made, burdens are unloaded and old wounds are healed in this emotional examination of redemption and forgiveness.
Soap – This tense, darkly humorous tale follows a neglected wife in over her head when she finds her lover dead due to the most peculiar of circumstances. This cautionary tale tragically snowballs out of control and you can’t help but laugh at how logically one small incident can become a nightmare.
Foet – Director Ian Fischer takes a broad swipe at our consumerist society with this gruesome tale of a pro-life supporter who becomes obsessed with handbags made from fetal skin. The film’s disturbing subject matter is effectively rendered and hard to shake.
The Sunday lineup
Four sessions and 20 films are on tap for the last day of the festival, which culminates with the screening of the seven best films, all of which are exceptional in their own right. In addition to those features, three others stand out during this final afternoon.
The Dying Western – Fiction and reality begin to blur for a delusional extra in Hollywood westerns who takes great pride in his ability to pull off convincing death scenes. However, when his wife is diagnosed with cancer, he tries to best her as she deteriorates, which alienates his son.
Live from New York – This touching documentary examines the devotion of Louis Klein, a man who has attended 546 tapings of “Saturday Night Live” over the course of 28 years. Not just an obsession, Klein’s devotion becomes a cornerstone of his life as well as the show’s.
My Name is Jerry – It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf as Jerry (Doug Jones), a lonely middle-aged salesman finds out. After falling for a much younger woman, who introduces him to punk music and a new attitude towards embracing life, he tries to mend the fences with his estranged daughter.
Charming and quietly effective, this dramedy, co-produced by IT contributor and Springfield resident Zach Baliva, hinges on Jones’ ability to engage us and the quirky charm of his co-star Katlyn Carlson as Jordan, the object of his affection. Sweet and unassuming, the film reels you in when you’re not looking and provides a moving message without the maudlin flourishes.
