My Cucalorus experience was rushed. It went by so quickly! I had a hell of a weekend traveling from work, home, and downtown several times per day (as well as finding parking.. haha).
My first film was Children of Salt, where I also met Caleb Ward. It was great to see a UNCW graduate's production. Although the sound mixing could've been improved a little, for a low-budget film, this was spectacular! The narrative was revealed and paced in a gratifying way, and the story was captivating.
My second screening was the Minorca Shorts block. I had gotten off of work early, and forced my co-worker to come with me to this screening. I knew where TheaterNOW was this time, so we made it (and both got in for free!). I particularly enjoyed Bloodhounds, as well as Trouble and the Shadowy Deathblow. We stayed for the Q&A, which gave another perspective behind the decisions made--I always love hearing stories about how/where/why certain shorts and films are made.
My third screening was Living Stars, which was a delight. Kids, Adults, and Seniors all participated in a compilation of dancing in Buenos Aires. Some were very good, some were a little unsynchopated, but all of them depicted dancing as a way to live life. In outer-textual analysis, this could be a metaphor for accepting the music given, and breaking up the daily routine. While I sat at Jengo's watching this, I just thought about how every culture connects to music and dance of some form.
My fourth screening was Stomping Ground, which I kid you not, was one of the best films I have seen in a long time. It had the dark humor of Zombieland, but no narration. I was engaged and entertained throughout the whole film. After the Q&A, I forced myself to go and talk to the director (Dan) and the lead actress (Tarah), which was probably good for my social skills. I just seriously want this thing to come on Netflix now.
My fifth screening was The Return.
This was such a powerful way to start my day, I often found myself reflecting on my identity throughout the rest of my day. Although the other viewers were mostly either a) older than 60, or b) Jewish, I felt that I got a lot out from seeing this documentary. I think it spoke to the young feminist in me, searching for her own truth.
I really enjoyed Cucalorus; it was my first real film festival and I know now that I will never work on Cucalorus weekend again. Hopefully the next film festival I go to takes me to NYC. That would be chaotic but amazing.
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