March 10, 2008

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The Crisis of Water

Is there anything we take more for granted than clean water flowing effortlessly out of the tap? Having such constant and unfettered access to clean water is a relatively new phenomenon in the world, and in certain parts of the globe, it is still an everyday struggle. Now, a sophisticated and visually enthralling documentary is warning us that our complacency could result in chaos. The film, which screened as a World Premiere yesterday at the Colony Theater, is titled ONE WATER. It has been produced and directed by Sanjeev Chatterjee, the vice-dean of the School of Communications at the University of Miami, and Ali Habashi, a University of Miami professor. One would not have expected an ecological documentary, made with modest means under the auspices of a university, could be quite so involving; but the film is eloquent and passionate enough to inspire audiences to action.

"Our intent was to make a movie that would compel people to make a difference," Chatterjee commented in a front-page story in Saturday’s Miami Herald.

Shot during five years in 14 countries, the film interlaces a number of interviews (from the likes of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Dalai Lama), with mini-sequences that convey the role water plays in different cultures across the globe. Taking the audience on an expeditionary trip from the mountains of Ecuador to the shoreline of Japan to the desert in India, the film uses striking imagery and an original score by Miami-based composer Thomas M. Sleeper, to offer images with a majesty that one rarely sees in a documentary. The goal of the filmmakers is to make an impact similar to the wake-up call to global warming generated by last year’s Oscar winner AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. A lively discussion with the filmmakers and community activists followed the screening.

Short Takes on World Issues

The focus on world issues continued with the screening of LIVE EARTH, a compilation film made up of 10 shorts that explore the challenges facing our global community. Filmmakers from the U.S., Europe and Latin America all participated in the film that reinforces our common challenges for the future of the planet. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion with several of the directors and community activists, who posited ideas of how to inspire change.

Final Bows

As is its custom, Sunday's screening included a replay of all of the Festival’s Grand Jury Prize winners, including TRICKS (Poland), COCHOCHI (Mexico) and SANTIAGO (Brazil). Other Festival favorites having their final bows on Sunday included THE LITTLE TRAITOR (Israel), THE TREE OF GHIBET (Cameroon/U.S./Italy), YO (Spain), DARLING (France), MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD (Italy), THE POPE’S TOILET (Uruguay/Brazil/France) and the American indie THE VISITOR.

It’s a Wrap!

After a year of preparation and 11 days of execution, the Miami International Film Festival ended yesterday on a high note. Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, the Festival had a little something for everyone…compelling visual stories, a world tour of international cinema and the dazzle of some Hollywood glamour (from the likes of Demi Moore, Helen Hunt, Chris Cooper, Danny Glover, Kate Hudson and Patricia Clarkson). Whatever your taste in film, there was something in this year’s ambitious program to perk your interest and remind you of why you fell in love with movies in the first place. Program strands devoted to music and world issues and the addition of a Short Film Competition are only a few examples of what was new at this year’s MIFF.

As important as the public screening events were the increasingly comprehensive professional events at this year’s festival. For the sixth year, the Miami Encuentros production and development sidebar was able to bring producers, distributors, agents and financiers together to network and create lasting professional and even personal relationships. An example of the success of the initiative was the the World Premiere screening at the Festival of LOKAS (Chile), which was a Miami Encuentros project last year. The director of the film declared at the press conference that connections he made in Miami allowed him to finish the film and actually sell remake rights to the U.S. and France.

The REEL Seminar Series, held at both Miami Dade College and the Miami Beach Cinematheque, brought together an impressive array of experts in the field of financing, distribution, promotion and marketing. The Seminars, coordinated by Susan Wrubel, were like an intensive “boot camp” for filmmakers, giving them a year’s worth of training and information in a consolidated week and a half. The series is a definite boon to the local film and television industry, which will only be enhanced with the announced opening of the Televisa Film and Media Production Center, that has been endowed at $1 million by Televisa to Miami Dade College.

Industry response to the quality and diversity of the film programming was very pronounced. Michael Werner, CEO of sales agent powerhouse Fortissimo Film Sales, stated in an interview that “Miami has the potential to become a major player in the exchange of ideas and product between the U.S. and Latin America in particular.”

Jytte Jensen, senior curator at New York’s venerable Museum of Modern Art, also praised the “strong programming” and “a setting in a city of obvious film buffs and intelligent appreciation of non-traditional cinema.”

The setting, weather and relaxed atmosphere were also praised by filmmakers and attending guests.

To helm the Festival for the first time during a significant anniversary year could be a formidable task for any seasoned professional. However, for Patrick de Bokay, who seemed to enjoy the proceedings as much as any audience member, the Festival confirmed an assumption he has held steadfast for the past year.

“Miami has great potential to expand its stature and status in the international film world,” de Bokay shared in an interview earlier this week. “Not only can we get access to some of the world’s best films and most illustrious talents, but also the distribution community is waking up to the fact that we have a very special and focused event here, one that invites their interest and participation.”

The debonair director is able to use his expertise in public relations and his experience working for both studios, independents and international film festivals to chart a path for the Miami International Film Festival that is both bold and far-reaching.

“Miami is a great city, and a great city deserves a great film festival,” de Bokay concluded.

Sandy Mandelberger, Daily Wrap Editor

Marcos Jorge interview	Anand Tucker interview	Felix Viscarret interview
Lee Kang-Sheng interview	Aaron Fernandez interview	Carlos Moreno interview
Joanna Hogg interview	Gabor Rohonyi interview	Alejandro Brugues interview