My lack of posts reflects the time spent in theatres, and therefore offline. On Saturday, I saw the truly original documentary Breath Made Visible. The film’s subject, Anna Halprin, was even part of the post-screening Q&A. And she looks amazing, especially when you consider that she is an octogenarian! I then saw Soundtrack for a Revolution, followed by Concert for a Revolution! The Blind Boys of Alabama were awe-inspiring; they literally had to be pulled, dancing the whole way, from the stage by their entourage at the end of their set.

On Sunday, I hit two film festivals – MVFF and the Oakland International Film Festival! I started off the day at Homegrown, a very motivational and thought-provoking environmental documentary. If I had a yard, I would totally start an urban homestead just like the film’s principal subjects, the Dervaes family. After leaving the MVFF, I went home to Oakland to attend the 8th Oakland International Film Festival. I screened the new documentary Faire: An American Renaissance. Having never been to a Renaissance Faire, and having frequently made fun of my mom for attending Faires and admitting to having a good time there, I surprised myself by turning to my friend Amelia post-screening and saying – with no hint of irony – “Let’s go!” Expect to see me at a Ren Faire sometime soon!

My picks for the rest of the week include one of my favorite films of 2009, Barking Water. The film screened tonight, and will again on Thursday night. I was fortunate enough to discover director Sterlin Harjo at a screening of Four Sheets to the Wind at the 2007 MVFF! The Horse Boy (reviewed by The WIP as Over the Hills and Far Away) is screening tomorrow and Wednesday. Tomorrow evening, I will be interviewing director Michel O. Scott. I can’t wait!