Listen up, you pasty, drug-addicted prostitute of a student: I know how you feel. It’s February, perhaps the worst month of the year. Spring Break seems far away. It’s cold and snowy, and there is nothing to do in this city unless you’re going to see Liza Minelli on Friday night at the MCI Center. All you want to do is sit inside, order food, pop pills and bundle up. Tired of doing that on campus? Then do I have a solution for you!
The 4th Annual D.C. Independent Film Festival kicks off on Friday night at two District theaters. If it proves to be as exciting as it has in the past, then get ready to laugh, cry and make out for only a few dollars.
The DCIFF starts on at 6 p.m. on Friday night at the Cineplex Odeon with a Shorts Fest, headlined by a 13-minute film called FUCK, which tells the story of a man whose last dying word is just that. Throughout the brief film, the f-word takes on several different meanings, such as “sex.” Also showing during the Shorts Fest is The Enemy. Billed as a comedy, this is what the DCIFF website has to say about the movie: “Four soldiers of a mysteriously massacred platoon try to uncover what happened. But will they be able to piece together the truth in time to face the enemy?” Where does the comedy lie? In the bloody massacre? You’ll just have to find out.
Full-length films follow at 7 p.m. on Friday, featuring a healthy selection of film noir and depressing indie pics that will make you want to die. There will be Q&A with the directors as well, including several local filmmakers who will debut at the event.
The festival continues at noon on Saturday at the Cineplex Odeon with a host of shorts, animated films and documentaries. The highlight of the day is D.C. filmmaker Andreas Gutzeit’s Past Lives, an hour-long documentary that examines scientific evidence for reincarnation. If death doesn’t interest you, don’t worry: other films will be running on Saturday. Selections include The 5 Emotions of a Bug on a Windshield, All Babes Want to Kill Me, Peroxide Passion and Penis Graduation.
On Sunday, the DCIFF moves over to Mazza Gallerie, but the fun doesn’t stop. There will be Bert, an animated tale about a young vegetable in search of his family. The Flats will debut at 2:30 p.m., putting a new twist on the old story of two best friends caught up in their desires and dreams, while Moo covers the equally important topic of cow-tipping. The highlight of the day-a documentary entitled Gay Cops: Pride Behind the Badge-offers a different take on the familiar subject of prison sex.
If you can’t make it out this weekend, don’t worry. The Festival runs through March 6. You can head out to the theaters any day this week to get a dose of local and international film. Tuesday will see a focus on African cinema, and there is a sprinkling of Spanish and Canadian films as well. In addition, for aspiring young filmmakers, there will be a number of workshops and seminars to help you get started in the business.
Cineplex Odeon is located at 4000 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Mazza Gallerie is located at 5300 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Seminars will be held at other locations. Check www.dciff.org for more information.
