SJIFF3 RECAP
By Cole Akins
As the curtain drops on the 3rd annual San Joaquin International Film Festival, I thought it fitting to provide a recap and highlights of the 10-day event. It has been a great experience.
The Festival opened with the visual tale The Secret of Kells. The little film that could was nominated for BEST ANIMATED FILM at this years (2010) Oscars but couldn’t muster the strength to out duel Pixar’s Up.
Oscar nominated films continued throughout the week with the powerful film The Messenger, starring Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster, that left audiences understanding an angle of war often forgotten. Ajami, has been heralded as the greatest Israeli film ever made. Modesto’s State Theater was packed with over 400 guests for the Young Victoria showing, winner of BEST COSTUME DESIGN. The Empire Theater
in Stockton and the State Theater proved excellent venues with their own unique histories. This was the first year SJIFF3 travelled to Modesto and it received an excellent reception! We hope to return next year.
The Festival was a showcase for Oscar nominated films and respected indy films that could have flown below your radar, but deserve to be seen for their quality, creativity, and message. There was a film for everyone in this year’s line-up.
SJIFF3 provided the special intimacy that makes film festivals such a unique experience for moviegoers. There were multiple opportunities to meet with filmmakers through Q&A sessions. Sisters Athena (right) and Alyssa (Left) Lobit Joined us from LA to talk about their film The Things We Carry- how the story developed, obstacles, and more. A distribution deal was just reached through Lono Entertainment. The documentary We Came to Play chronicled the lives of amateur pianists as they competed in the Fifth International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs in Fort Worth, Texas. Then the audience cheered as actual contests Esfir Ross (right) and Ken Iisaka gave is a surprise concert; a true encore! Director Alex Rotaru also sat down for a chat with Festival creator Sophoan Sorn to talk about the film and his future projects. Local filmmaker Matt Marconi, currently teaching at Delta College, spoke with the audience at the State Theater after his short film Sally. His principle actors joined him to add even greater depth to the discussion.
University of the Pacific Alumni Thedore Thomas ’73 returned to Stockton and received The Ambassador Award. The award honors an exemplary talent connected with the local community - who endeavors to: promote cross-cultural appreciation; catalyze the creative arts; to utilize the power of film; and to contribute to the quality of life for the greater community and beyond, through film and media.
Thomas’ wife and producing partner Kuniko Okubo also took part in the discussion regarding their film Walt and El Grupo. The documentary follows Walt Disney as he travels through South America during the WWII era.
Theodore Thomas (on winning the Ambassador Award): "What a great honor. The qualities of the Ambassador Award are of real importance to Kuniko and me; goals that one strives towards even though confirmation that they have actually been achieved is often elusive. For them to be singled out in our filmmaking is extremely gratifying, and humbling. Thank you very, very much.”
In closing, I want to thank all the readers of FESTBUZZ and all those who support The San Joaquin Film Society through memberships and attending yearly events. Your support made the 3rd San Joaquin International Film Festival a success. Also, to Programmer/Creator Sophoan Sorn and the Board for for their passion and dedication in bringing these film events to the greater Stockton community. To all the sponsors and volunteers: Thank You
The complete line-up of films shown at SJIFF3:
http://www.sjiff.org/festival/schedule.html
That’s a wrap! Check the official website for film events throughout the year!
