Despite a cold slowing me down over the first few days (not the swine flu, I promise!), I finally hit my stride and caught a bunch of great docs at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Marshall Curry’s RACING DREAMS was a delightful surprise. I don’t think there is a subject I care less about than NASCAR racing, so I approached this film with a dose of skepticism. Yet from the moment the film started, the next 95 minutes raced by as I became swept up in the film’s characters. Curry’s film is about more than racing (which I admit I have a higher appreciation for after watching the film). He also captures the fleeting transition from childhood to the teenage years in all its awkward glory. He was joined by the film’s three subjects for the Q&A – who unanimously agreed that he did an excellent job showing what it was like for them.
Last week STF audiences were treated to a rare 1942 classic NATIVE LAND, directed by Leo Hurwitz and Paul Strand; narrated by Paul Robeson. New York Magazine highlighted NATIVE LAND as a critic’s pick, describing it as “an unabashed ode to organized labor, with moments of sheer cinematic poetry.” Photo of Tom Hurwitz (son of NATIVE LAND filmmaker Leo Hurwitz) and Manny Kirchheimer (former colleague of Leo) who joined us for the Q&A of this special screening.
Earlier this week, I enjoyed a special sneak preview of EVERY LITTLE STEP at the Paris Theater. Although I saw this film last fall when it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, there was something quite magical about seeing it again in New York. Sitting in the audience were many notable figures connected to the show – including the brother of Michael Bennett (who conceived and choreographed the original show), Bob Avian (original co-choreographer), John Breglio (producer), Donna McKechnie (original “Cassie”), Marvin Hamlisch (wrote the score), Baayork Lee (who created the role of Connie and served as Bennett’s assistant choreographer), Jessica Lee Goldyn (revival cast – Val), Deidre Goodwin (revival cast – Sheila), Yuka Takara (revival cast – Connie) and many others. During the Q&A, Bennett’s sibling thanked the filmmakers for “so lovingly conjuring the spirit of my brother.” John Breglio added that “the documentary memorializes the essence of what Michael would have wanted,” elaborating that “after we saw this film, we knew we had found the new theatrical version of A Chorus Line.”
As Al Franken awaits a court verdict to determine his status as Minnesota’s senator, it was perfect timing to revisit the film AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE. Directors Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus joined us for a memorable screening of Franken’s transformation from no-holds-barred comedy to politics. The screening proved extra timely since this week there were new developments in his journey to the senate. For the latest on Franken’s career, visit http://www.alfranken.com/ and to read a full review of the STF screening, read Karina Longworth’s piece on SpoutBlog. (Photo L to R: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker and Nick Doob)
Congrats to our friends Nicole Barrett and James Stewart who attended the first two screenings of STF’s spring season in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Neither THE ENGLISH SURGEON nor NURSERY UNIVERSITY was able to shock Nicole into labor. But last Friday, she gave birth to infant Emily, the first known case of STF loyalty beginning in the womb. Wait a second, Nicole: I just realized your husband’s name is James Stewart. Now, that’s movie love.
BEFORE (at “Nursery University,” Monday, April 6).
Marshall Curry’s RACING DREAMS was a delightful surprise. I don’t think there is a subject I care less about than NASCAR racing, so I approached this film with a dose of skepticism. Yet from the moment the film started, the next 95 minutes raced by as I became swept up in the film’s characters. Curry’s film is about more than racing (which I admit I have a higher appreciation for after watching the film). He also captures the fleeting transition from childhood to the teenage years in all its awkward glory. He was joined by the film’s three subjects for the Q&A – who unanimously agreed that he did an excellent job showing what it was like for them. 
Last week STF audiences were treated to a rare 1942 classic 
Earlier this week, I enjoyed a special sneak preview of 
As Al Franken awaits a court verdict to determine his status as Minnesota’s senator, it was perfect timing to revisit the film AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE. Directors Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus joined us for a memorable screening of Franken’s transformation from no-holds-barred comedy to politics. The screening proved extra timely since this week there were new developments in his journey to the senate. For the latest on Franken’s career, visit 
BEFORE (at “Nursery University,” Monday, April 6).
AFTER, Friday, April 10.