Thursday, February 20, 2014

Salute your SHORTS

With just under 2 weeks to go, the Oscars are fast approaching. This week I am dedicating my time to finishing up my favorite categories... The shorts! For the past few years the shorts have offered me some of my most memorable films. Who can forget Miracle Fish (2009) or Time Freak (2011) or last years winner for Live Action short film The Curfew (2012)?
I began the week with a quick trip into Montclair. Now something you should know about me, I'm terrified of driving in the snow. I don't like it. Scary. Yuck. The forecast called for an inch or so and I thought "I'm brave. I got this". With just a few flurries standing between me and the Animated Short Films, I made it just in time. I parked the car and began my walk... Right into the snow! 

Heavy, wet snow pounded down on me. I remembered my last trip to see some Oscar hopefuls and couldn't help but laugh thinking about how it snowed then too. Now, at my destination, cold and wet, I can relax, warm up and de-stress. I won't bore you with the details of each film, I'll just say that my hope is Feral for the win and I HATED Room on the Broom. 


My week ended with the Documentary Shorts. With an impending snow storm,(I know! Right!?)  I hopped a train to head into the city. 

I bought my movie tickets online while riding the train. And thank god I did, both shows sold out! I arrived at the IFC center and boy was I hungry! Much to my surprise and delight, the popcorn was organic. Dye free!!! Get in my belly!
 Popcorn in hand, I cuddle up to a little old man and we wait for our movies to start. The first set had three shorts: The Lady in Number 6, Karama Has No Walls, and Facing Fear. After the third one, the theater cleared out and the next group came in for the remaining 2 docs: CaveDigger, and Prison Terminal. In between I chatted with my new friend. He asked me, "Are you a documentarian?" I replied "No, just a fan". Friend responded with a beautiful answer, "Why not? There's still time for you. Pick up a camera and do." To which his wife interjected, "Just don't got to Yemen" 

Only 3 movies left! Will Pam reach her goal of seeing ALL the nominated films this year??? Stay tuned!