Published: Friday, February 10, 2012
Discover quirky gems at annual Everett Film Festival
EVERETT -- Teresa Henderson takes pride in her job.
Her volunteer job that is.
Being co-director of the Everett Film Festival means being highly selective of the films -- going for quality and using a something for everyone approach.
“We pride ourselves on our selections,” Henderson said.
And this year, the festival's 15th, that pride is certainly well deserved.
This year's selection of films is a bold combination of documentary, quirky love story and dramatic feature, with a smidge of animation thrown in.
The 15th annual Everett Film Festival kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday afternoon.
These films are a bit unusual and might raise your eyebrows but will pique your interest.
“They are certainly different films than you'd see out at the mall,” Henderson said.
Let's start with a couple of Henderson's favorites.
“The Hedgehog,” by Mona Achache, is based on a novel and contains a cast of quirky characters who live in an apartment building.
The female concierge is a grumpy, unattractive woman who keeps to herself until one of the apartments opens up and a dapper Japanese man rents it. He begins to court her and we watch her transformation.
The subplot involves a smart, talented young girl who befriends this concierge. The girl also has decided to commit suicide on her 12th birthday.
Though this may seem dark, the movie handles this in a charming and sometimes humorous way, Henderson said.
There's also a surprise ending.
“It has the whole collection of pathos and humor,” Henderson said. “And all of these personalities coming together.”
Henderson also liked “The Tree,” by Julie Bertuccelli, filmed against the harsh Australian Outback. The story is a sometimes lyrical slice of life that has an 8-year-old girl rescuing her mother from depression after her husband dies.
The girl believes her dad speaks to her through a huge tree.
Another film offering is “Tupperware,” by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt. This documentary is not so much about the ubiquitous plastic container or its reclusive inventor but about how Tupperware became the darling product of the 1950s.
Here's a hint: behind every great man … .
Other films include “Happiness,” about a woman who enters an odd shop and buys a mysterious box marked “happiness,” and the animated film “Sita Sings the Blues,” set to the 1920s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw.
There's also “El Cortejo: The Courtship,” about a woman who continues to visit her husband's grave year after year, and “Fabrica de Munecas -- Dolls Factory,” about the life-changing moment for Anna, who works in a doll factory.
On Saturday, 13 film shorts will roll as part of the “Experience Everett Film Project.” Those shorts sprang from a filmmaking competition in which budding videographers were asked to create a three-minute video extolling the city of Everett's best features.
The 15th annual Everett Film Festival kicks off tonight with its signature sumptuous catered gala with food ranging from light treats to more hearty selections and desserts, starting at 6 p.m. at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett.
Films continue through 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range from $40, which gets you a full-festival admission, including gala opening, to $15 for seniors, students and military. Call the EPAC 425-257-8600 or 888-257-3722 or go to www.everettfilmfest.com.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
Her volunteer job that is.
Being co-director of the Everett Film Festival means being highly selective of the films -- going for quality and using a something for everyone approach.
“We pride ourselves on our selections,” Henderson said.
And this year, the festival's 15th, that pride is certainly well deserved.
This year's selection of films is a bold combination of documentary, quirky love story and dramatic feature, with a smidge of animation thrown in.
The 15th annual Everett Film Festival kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday afternoon.
These films are a bit unusual and might raise your eyebrows but will pique your interest.
“They are certainly different films than you'd see out at the mall,” Henderson said.
Let's start with a couple of Henderson's favorites.
“The Hedgehog,” by Mona Achache, is based on a novel and contains a cast of quirky characters who live in an apartment building.
The female concierge is a grumpy, unattractive woman who keeps to herself until one of the apartments opens up and a dapper Japanese man rents it. He begins to court her and we watch her transformation.
The subplot involves a smart, talented young girl who befriends this concierge. The girl also has decided to commit suicide on her 12th birthday.
Though this may seem dark, the movie handles this in a charming and sometimes humorous way, Henderson said.
There's also a surprise ending.
“It has the whole collection of pathos and humor,” Henderson said. “And all of these personalities coming together.”
Henderson also liked “The Tree,” by Julie Bertuccelli, filmed against the harsh Australian Outback. The story is a sometimes lyrical slice of life that has an 8-year-old girl rescuing her mother from depression after her husband dies.
The girl believes her dad speaks to her through a huge tree.
Another film offering is “Tupperware,” by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt. This documentary is not so much about the ubiquitous plastic container or its reclusive inventor but about how Tupperware became the darling product of the 1950s.
Here's a hint: behind every great man … .
Other films include “Happiness,” about a woman who enters an odd shop and buys a mysterious box marked “happiness,” and the animated film “Sita Sings the Blues,” set to the 1920s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw.
There's also “El Cortejo: The Courtship,” about a woman who continues to visit her husband's grave year after year, and “Fabrica de Munecas -- Dolls Factory,” about the life-changing moment for Anna, who works in a doll factory.
On Saturday, 13 film shorts will roll as part of the “Experience Everett Film Project.” Those shorts sprang from a filmmaking competition in which budding videographers were asked to create a three-minute video extolling the city of Everett's best features.
The 15th annual Everett Film Festival kicks off tonight with its signature sumptuous catered gala with food ranging from light treats to more hearty selections and desserts, starting at 6 p.m. at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett.
Films continue through 3:15 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range from $40, which gets you a full-festival admission, including gala opening, to $15 for seniors, students and military. Call the EPAC 425-257-8600 or 888-257-3722 or go to www.everettfilmfest.com.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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