A few comments about the festival overall. We really didn’t know what to expect with the Covid situation. But we really feel confident that all the people around us are as safe as possible. People are really good about keeping their masks on in the theater. It does seem that there are fewer people in attendance overall, however. Some of the screenings there are quite a few empty seats. But on the other hand, we have been in 2 screenings that were packed. But it seems perfectly safe. I hope we’re not unrealistic. It is our hunch that very few actors are in attendance this year. I suspect anyone that does not have to travel is preferring not to, and I get that. So the only actors we are seeing so far are those who are being honored with a tribute.
I am so thrilled to have the condo proximity to our theater. When we leave one movie, we get in line for the next. But usually we have 45 minutes to an hour to wait for the next film. In that time we can run back to our condo and grab a snack or whatever. I hope we can get future condos with this kind of proximity.
1 A tribute to Riz Ahmed and his film “Encounter.” Well I already wrote about actors getting a tribute being the only ones in attendance and then unfortunately Riz Ahmed was not here! We were told that it was due to travel restrictions. They had a recording of a virtual interview with him that they did last night at another venue. This is a very bright guy! He’s an Oxford graduate in philosophy and it certainly shows. The director —Michael Pearce was here to introduce the film. We were not so sure whether we would like this movie by the description in the program. But my recommendation to you is regardless of what you read, this is a very good movie to see and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a lot of acting nominations. I’m sure it will have wide appeal. It was done by Amazon so it probably will be available there too.
2. “ The hand of God”—-in Italian, set in beautiful Naples in the 1980s, as the writer/ Director said in his introduction, when life was less complicated and more naive. The story follows a young man coming-of-age and discovering his creative side as well as his manhood. It is a family story with humor and pathos. For my friends who love Italy and Italian films, this one is delightful.
3. “Belfast”— Kenneth Branagh is writer / director and Jamie Dornan & Judi Dench star. Branagh introduced the film (cool!) and said it was the story of him as a 9 year old in 1969 in Belfast during the “ troubles.” The boy who played him was quite talented. Dornan played his father and Dench his grandmother. Excellent film! Highly recommend
Ok, 11 films so far & 2 more days ahead! 😁
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