Serena Bartlett for GR Film Buffs:
The 51st San Fran International Film Fest draws to a close today with a chance encounter with everybody’s favorite cult lit hero: Hunter S. Thompson. But even if you didn’t score the pricey tickets to tonight’s event, at least you can ogle at the festival’s winner list and plan your adventure to their next screenings at theaters and festivals to come. Here’s a sampling of the winners, some of whom represent the GrassRoutes Buff’s favorites!
New Directors Award: Mushon Saloma for Vasermil, Israel 2007 (we didn’t get to see this one! Maybe I’ll track it down, and I promise to report back if I find anything out!)
FIPRESCI Prize: Lance Hammer for Ballast, USA 2007 (complete review to come)
FIPRESCI Special Jury Mention: Glasses, Japan 2007 (complete review to come)
Chris Holter Humor in Film Award: Dorata Kedzierzawska for Time to Die, Poland, 2007 (complete review to come)
And more, check out the complete list here. They haven't all been announced yet on the main site, but look for them soon!
Showing posts with label SFIFF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SFIFF. Show all posts
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Secrecy
Maria Pecot for GR Film Buffs:
“A great nation’s character is what makes it great. When you are afraid it’s hard to have character. When you get down to it, courage is the ability to follow ones principles, even when you are scared to death.”
Neal Kaytal
Plaintiff Attorney
Hamden v Rumsfield
This crucial documentary chronicles the history of secrecy in government, starting from its WWII era beginnings through today’s post 9/11 society. With the advent of the internet and electronic data, we have never had more information at our fingertips. Ironically, the amount of secrecy within the executive branch of government has never been so great. Secrecy begins by posing the question: what amount of confidentiality is beneficial to national security? Proponents on both sides of the issue make compelling claims. The film reports instances when the media leaked classified information, and terrorists networks benefited. On the flip side, the film suggests secrecy played a role in the successful execution of the 9/11 terror attacks and the atrocities of Abu Ghraib. As the film matures, the panel of attorneys, ex-government officials, and journalists suggests that in post 9/11 America, rampant unchecked executive power extends beyond issues of public safety, and threatens the essence of democracy.
The final SFIFF screening of Secrecy is Thursday May 8 at the Kabuki Theatre in Japantown.
Secrecy is competing for a Golden Gate Award
“A great nation’s character is what makes it great. When you are afraid it’s hard to have character. When you get down to it, courage is the ability to follow ones principles, even when you are scared to death.”
Neal Kaytal
Plaintiff Attorney
Hamden v Rumsfield
This crucial documentary chronicles the history of secrecy in government, starting from its WWII era beginnings through today’s post 9/11 society. With the advent of the internet and electronic data, we have never had more information at our fingertips. Ironically, the amount of secrecy within the executive branch of government has never been so great. Secrecy begins by posing the question: what amount of confidentiality is beneficial to national security? Proponents on both sides of the issue make compelling claims. The film reports instances when the media leaked classified information, and terrorists networks benefited. On the flip side, the film suggests secrecy played a role in the successful execution of the 9/11 terror attacks and the atrocities of Abu Ghraib. As the film matures, the panel of attorneys, ex-government officials, and journalists suggests that in post 9/11 America, rampant unchecked executive power extends beyond issues of public safety, and threatens the essence of democracy.
The final SFIFF screening of Secrecy is Thursday May 8 at the Kabuki Theatre in Japantown.
Secrecy is competing for a Golden Gate Award
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