November is not a slow month for the New York City film festival circuit. Big Apple Film Festival starts the 1st of the month and continues until the 5th. All of the films screening at the festival have come straight out of New York’s independent film scene – so not only will the films fit the city’s distinctive style, but if you’re looking to join the industry it’s not a bad place to start networking. DOC NYC follows up from November 10th to the 17th, showcasing the best of documentary film. A few recent favorites will be showing, including “Cameraperson” directed by Kirsten Johnson and “13th” by Ava DuVernay, along with highly anticipated premieres – the lineup is worth a look.
“Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary”
Finally there is a documentary focusing on the genius who is John Coltrane. Beginning by discussing his childhood, the film documents the rapid and prodigious career of the artist who is almost unanimously considered one of the best jazz musicians in history. Director John Scheinfield uses a combination of traditional doc methods, like interviews and archival footage, along with some that are new to the genre, such as animation, to best illustrate Coltrane. Using Coltrane’s story, the film transcends a traditional biography by demonstrating his passion as power and is considered to be for “anyone who appreciates the power of music to entertain, inspire and transform,” according to the “Chasing Trane” website.
Set for theatrical release in 2017, “Chasing Trane” is premiering in New York as part of DOC NYC on November 17th at SVA Theater.
“Blood, Sand and Gold”
Alright, so “Blood, Sand and Gold” is actually a full-fledged action movie and it was independently made for a total of $274,000. It screens complete with desert car chases, tense relationships, and, of course, a lot of gun fire. These characteristics run rare in the independent circuit, usually due to budgetary restrictions. The film follows Jack Riordan, an ex-con, who is hired by an archaeologist to find a lost treasure on a path that leads them across the world. Turns out someone close to the hunt is working against him as the tension unravels in some pretty photogenic locations. If you’re down to see an action movie with an indie style twist, this might be your only option for a while.
“Blood, Sand and Gold” is playing at the Big Apple Film Festival on November 3rd.
“Girl Flu”
A coming of age narrative that centers around a girl’s period, “Girl Flu” is pushing the boundaries of filmic female portrayal. Bird, the protagonist, is forced to grow up quickly when she gets her period and sees that her needs are not met by her mother or her town. The film focuses on how in a short amount of time a lot of change can occur in the pace and trajectory of life. Director Dorie Barton describes her film debut as “a story about a universal experience…we all have to grow up; half of us do it by getting a case of the Girl Flu.”
“Girl Flu” is screening at the Big Apple Film Festival on November 1st.
“Manchester by the Sea”
Manchester by the Sea is the story of Lee Chandler, grieving the death of his brother while simultaneously gaining responsibility of his teenage nephew. In a spirit unique to the Massachusetts town, the film unravels a previously ignored personal history that forces Lee to confront his past. After its premier at Sundance this past year, the film sparked a bid war for distribution and certainly has an Oscars buzz. Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, known for “You Can Count on Me” (2000) and “Gangs of New York” (2002), “Manchester by the Sea” has will not disappoint.
Set for release on November 18, you can catch “Manchester by the Sea” at theaters around the city.
“Certain Women”
Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women premiered at the New York Film Festival last month and has now made its way to theatres. Known for films such as “Meek’s Cutoff” (2010) and “Night Moves” (2013), Reichardt’s movies are mainly experiential and tend to lean toward revisionist based on her reconstruction of voices that were silenced throughout history, mainly focusing on those of women. They also often include Michelle Williams. “Certain Women” fulfills both of these by bringing together the stories of three women in a small town as they face some of the unfortunate potentials that come from being a woman.
“Certain Women” is available throughout the month at select theaters around the city, including IFC Center on 6th Ave. and BAM Rose on Lafayette St. in Brooklyn.
Illo: Alex Gilbeaux