Clean Slate

So for this year, SFIFF's sixth, I simply implore you to check out the film festival because it's the opposite of the big-budget Hollywood bullshit that we're subjected to throughout the year.

For realz: Would you rather see a shitty Nicholas Sparks movie (The Best of Me opens Friday; I haven't watched it, but I follow, on principle, the idea that the man's books and movies are bologna)? Or would you rather see "the first Iranian vampire Western"? A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night bills itself as such, and is there a better tagline for a movie this year? I think not.

I have a well-documented love of short films, and SFIFF is big on them, too. This year I count 50 (and I counted twice, though I may be off by one or two). Look out for the "New Mexican Shorts" program on Thursday, Oct. 15. I'm excited for A Horseback Ride to the Soul. As the spouse of a professional works-with-horses person, it's particularly relevant to me. In fact, they all look good, with Lightning in the Hand—about a claim dispute in 1890s New Mexico—piquing my interest the most.

But it's not all movies and popcorn. There are four Master Discussions. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Santa Fe's own George RR Martin will be at the Jean Cocteau Cinema. Pen Densham (who wrote, among other things, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) will be at the CCA on Sunday, Oct. 19, along with actress Maura Dhu Studi and cinematographer Lee Daniel. Plus, Sunday's event is moderated by Chris Eyre, who directed Smoke Signals.

And if that isn't enough on the big-name front, Ted Hope, one of the most successful independent film producers ever, will appear Saturday at the CCA, and Hampton Sides will be at the CCA on Friday night with Kirk Ellis (John Adams).

Seriously. That's a heapin' helpin' of indie. Go for the shorties. Stay for the long ones. Drink in the big events.

SF Independent Film Festival
Wednesday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 19
$10-$250
Full schedule at: santafeindependentfilmfestival.com

Santa Fe Reporter