First up was If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.
The new film from the Academy Award nominated Marshall Curry focuses on The Earth Liberation Front, and particularly one of there leading members Daniel who is under arrest facing a life sentence for his crimes. The ELF are a militant environmental splinter group who target companies through property damage/arson. This film premiered at Sundance and raises more questions than it answers. Should he/they be treated as terrorists?(The ELF make sure building that they are destroying are empty). Is what they are doing futile? Who is the villain, the ELF or companies/organisations which harm the environment?
I thought this was an extremely good documentary which makes you think and question. It doesn't take sides and does brilliantly considering the main subject is under house arrest during the filming. Its hard hitting and shows the worst scenes of police brutality I've ever seen. My one gripe is that it didn't touch on the government's(whether Federal or State) role in environmental policy.
Marshall and Sam Cullman (Assistant Director) held a Q & A after which only added to the film.
Next up was Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles.
Since the early 80s mysterious tiles have been appearing first in Philadelphia and then throughout the North Central/Easter US and South America.
The film follows Justin on his mission to solve the mystery behind this urban phenomena. With help from other dedicated followers, he tries to piece the mystery together. The first half of the film is fascinating and riveting as they follow different leads to discover the truth. As the Documentary progresses, and the mystery comes to its conclusion, the focus moves away from the central premise and shifts to the protagonists. Whilst its a very interesting piece of work, I thought the loss of emphasis and the shift was not only clunky but unsatisfying. I think it could use a re-edit as the bits thrown in about Justin destroyed the pace of the films and looked out of place.
The Q & A with the director Jon Foy was enlightening and for a first time feature from someone who did everything himself its a great achievement. Plus I got a badge which is always a win in my book.
Lastly The Cave of Forgotten Dreams
This was meant to be on the big screen on Devonshire Green but, as it sadly died, was moved to the Town Hall. The venue was hardly ideal, but they made the best of it.
The film centres around 32,000 year old cave paintings found in caves in France, and Herzog was given exclusive access to film them. Werner Herzog is a fascinating man, and his sheer presence always adds something to any film. His team of experts are straight out of the Allo Allo book of accents and half of them seem as crazy as him! I'm not sure whether he attracts the offbeat or courts them. The film itself is fascinating and the cave, and its paintings are beautiful. There is also a fantastic mood inducing soundtrack. His awe of the cave clearly comes through in the narration.
I was surprised that this was being shown in 2D as the original concept was 3D, and it suffers for this change. You cannot appreciate the depth of the paintings, which are drawn using the natural contours of the cave. Its great that these screenings are being put on for for to the general public though.
All in all, a great day. The queue management and distribution of staff is as bewildering as ever, but all the volunteers were all very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.
A Sheffield success story.
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