The week before last, I attended The Hamptons International Film Festival. I found it to be just the right size...not too big and not too small. Set in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the overall quality of movies in the narrative, short film and documentary categories was excellent!
In addition to Tom Hooper and Danny Boyle, two of my favorite contemporary filmmakers, for their respective movies "The King's Speech" and "127 Hours", I'd like to pay special props to the following standouts who exemplify great film making and how excellence is in the details:
In addition to Tom Hooper and Danny Boyle, two of my favorite contemporary filmmakers, for their respective movies "The King's Speech" and "127 Hours", I'd like to pay special props to the following standouts who exemplify great film making and how excellence is in the details:
WHEN WE LEAVE - Feature Narrative
Directed by: Feo Aladag
A stunning and heartbreaking drama, WHEN WE LEAVE confronts the realities of female oppression within traditional, religious families. While the story seems sadly familiar, Aladag's directing is so eloquent and powerful, she brings fresh perspective to a topic we've heard about many times over. Even when I knew what was coming, the filmmaker still managed to surprise us and serves as testament to how details and execution are everything. I was blown away. Since it's premiere, it has been recognized many times over with honors, and it has been selected as Germany's official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
A stunning and heartbreaking drama, WHEN WE LEAVE confronts the realities of female oppression within traditional, religious families. While the story seems sadly familiar, Aladag's directing is so eloquent and powerful, she brings fresh perspective to a topic we've heard about many times over. Even when I knew what was coming, the filmmaker still managed to surprise us and serves as testament to how details and execution are everything. I was blown away. Since it's premiere, it has been recognized many times over with honors, and it has been selected as Germany's official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
STRIKING A CHORD - Short Documentary
Directed by: Susan Rockefeller
Directed by: Susan Rockefeller
Focusing on the healing power of music through the perspective of American troops in Iraq, STRIKING A CHORD hits a perfect pitch with Rockefeller's dynamic and confident directing style. Even if it's a story we think we know, Rockefeller takes us behind the scenes of men and women in combat in ways we haven't seen before. And she does so with perfect cinematic rhythms, letting the characters tell their own stories while showing both the adrenaline rush of their lives along with their vulnerability as humans, the heartbreak and nobility of their sacrifices, and the common denominator which everyone shares: music. The film is made in association with the We Are Family Foundation. for more information and to see the trailer, go to: http://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org//initiative/striking-a-chord-movie
I recommend both films highly. Each one of these filmmakers shows how excellence is achieved through the small details, showing us what we think we know in ways we haven't seen or thought about before. Kudos ladies!!
Special nods also to Daniela Bajar for her hard work as an Industry Liaison and to all those involved in selecting such a high level of films. You all made the festival a great experience.
Wendy Kram, Producer/Owner
WK Productions & L.A. FOR HIRE, Inc.
310-994-3258 (direct)
310-943-2440 (fax)
Wendy Kram was recognized by Creative Screenwriting Magazine in their 2010 Edition of "Best Script Consultants" as the “crème de la crème", ranking within the top 3 out of 165 consultants reviewed by screenwriters.
