Aug 31 Telluride

 Today I saw 2 films although I should get credit for two for the first film due to the length (3.5 Hours).

1).  Steve McQueen, who directed  “12 years a slave”, brought his brand new documentary: “Occupied City.”  It’s about Amsterdam, under Nazi occupation.  His ingenious method of telling the story was to visually show sites in the city today, and the activities going on now  while the voice narrative told what happened on that site during occupation.  His impetus for the film was his wife’s ( Bianca Stigter) book on this topic.  Both of them were present for a Q & A after the screening.  They live in Amsterdam—-she’s from there and he’s been there 27 years.  Of course we all knew that Amsterdam had been occupied —at least from Anne Frank—-but the extent of the inhumanity …. Well… what can I say…  The cinematography was super and the message urgent. 

I’ m not sure how well distributed this film will be, but if you have a chance, I do recommend it.

2) So the next film (“ Tuesday “)was a Completely different kind of film.  Part fantasy, part tragicomedy, and other adjectives, Julia Louis-Drefus (who was here to introduce the film before the screening!!!) is in a Completely different role —-a mother of a terminal teenage daughter, who has great difficulty dealing with the situation.  If you can suspend reality and just go along for the ride, I loved this film.  It speaks to anyone who has dealt with death—and shows it  in a way that is not painful but rather philosophical.  I highly recommend this film.  

There was a late night film but I’ve decided to be sane and pace myself. 

I did see my former middle school student who comes every year.  Fun!  

Pre Telluride Aug 30, 2023

 Officially the festival starts tomorrow but we were able to get our programs  & schedule of events today. The programs were printed before the actors were given the go ahead from the union to come to festival, so we do not know if we will have any of the actors present, but we are hopeful. 

Today I was able to go to a special screening ( as a Legacy member)  of one of the films: “Anatomy of a Fall” — a French film , but half was is English. The filmmaker— Justine Triet — was present. It won the Palme d’Or at Cannes!  It was compelling & I highly recommend this one. I don’t like to give away too much of the plot but much of it was in a courtroom where you’re constantly challenged to consider the other side.  Keeps you guessing!  

I look forward to my companions seeing it Saturday so I can debate it  with them.  

So tomorrow we’ll see 2-3 films— and we’re off!  😀  

We’re so happy to be here!  Nice condo & weather.  

Telluride Film Festival 2023---50th year!

 This year marks the 50th year of the festival, so we expect to see more films as 1 more day has been added to the festival---so 5 days of viewing!  We're going early to get acclimated & settled and we have a new condo this time.  The pre-festival begins on Wednesday Aug 30 when I'll see a sneak peek ahead of the full line up.  We'll  probably get our programs Wednesday and the excitement begins.  Just the other day it was announced that although the writers strike is still on and the actors have joined them, there has been a concession/ tentative agreement granting actors permission to promote their films at festivals,  including Telluride.  So we hope to see some folks.😁

We are our typical foursome: Michelle, Pat, Julie, & moi.  

I'll probably start blogging on the 30th.  As usual, I may be writing on the fly, so forgive brevity & goofs! 

Anxious Jane