Standing in line at the 38th Cleveland International Film Festival, waiting for the theater to clear so the passholders could enter and take up the precious aisle seats, I began talking with the smartly dressed, middle-aged woman next to me. She was, at that moment, a total … [Read more...] about Bye-bye CIFF 38
The Movies Are Coming! The Movies Are Coming!
Yes! CIFF 38 is only two days away . . . and I’m almost ready. I’ve been through the catalog, checked all the films that interest me (85), and plotted them on the schedule pages. Even seeing six a day, which is only barely possible, would not get me in to all 85. Having a … [Read more...] about The Movies Are Coming! The Movies Are Coming!
Winding Up and Shutting Down
The film festival ended last Sunday, and after a few days of rest, I’m ready to wrap-up the experience. I began winding down (preferable to going cold turkey) on Saturday, scheduling only two films on each of the last two days. They were all good! Good Ol’ Freda was one classy … [Read more...] about Winding Up and Shutting Down
CIFF 37: Movie about Movies
Oh boy, do I love movies about making movies! Casting By, a documentary about the unsung heroes—casting directors—who suggest and promote actors to directors, was an absolute treat. Marion Dougherty, the star of this documentary, began her career casting talent for Kraft … [Read more...] about CIFF 37: Movie about Movies
CIFF 37: Mixed Bag on Thursday
Following the failed Hungarian uprising in 1956, the secret police become obsessed with monitoring the actions of ordinary folk as well as their own colleagues. With agents, double agents, and double-triple agents . . . and so on, it’s a challenge to follow who’s doing what to … [Read more...] about CIFF 37: Mixed Bag on Thursday
