The 2011 Hells Half Mile Film & Music Festival: Four Days of Creativity, Independence & Vision

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    icon Sep 15, 2011
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The 2011 Hells Half Mile Film & Music Festival is once again poised to present an impressive array of cutting edge independent films and musical artists from directors and musicians that carve their creativity outside the coloring box of mainstream sensibilities.
   
This year 26 original feature films and documentaries will be showcased at the four day festival, which runs from September 29 – October 2nd, with original musical artists performing at the former Masonic Temple on Madison at 6th Street in Bay City.
   
The HHM Fest is more than an event for those who simply appreciate film & music. According to Festival organizer Alan LaFave, “This is a grassroots effort to develop a community that participates in the arts. It started from a ‘wouldn’t it be great’ conversation into ‘we can do it’ action. We hope our efforts will inspire others to develop new arts and culture opportunities within our community.”
   
Tickets and passes are now available for the festival by going to the HHM website at www.hhmfest.com. All access passes are discounted to $40.00 and include access for one to all films, receptions, and the Saturday night music event. Film passes only are also available for $25.00 and include access for one to all films.
   
Many directors and actors of the various featured films will be present at screenings and also to conduct workshops.  As for what type of cinematic excitement patrons can expect, the Opening Night Film featured at HHM will be Maria My Love, which was the official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival along with HBO’s New York International Latino Film Festival.
   
Directed & written by Jasmine McGlade Chazelle and co-written by actress Lauren Fales, whom also stars in the film along with Karen Black and Judy Marte, Maria My Love tells the tale of a woman reeling from the loss of her mother who tries to ignore her grief by helping an eccentric older woman organizer her life. She soon realizes that she needs to accept her limitations, as well as the complicated lives of her altruistic boyfriend and her competitive sister. This tender drama examines the space we need from others and the spaces that we need to share. 
   
Another pivotal film showing at this year’s festival is The Dungeon Master, written & directed by Rider & Shiloh Strong, whom will also be in attendance at the festival. Showing Friday & Saturday at The State Theatre, this is the tale of a group of friends who immerse themselves in Dungeons & Dragons in hopes of reliving the geeky fun they had back in their younger days, only to have things go terribly wrong once the ‘dungeon master’ shows up dressed in a cape. While poking fun at D&D, the focus doesn’t really extend to the game itself; and this film should appeal to anybody who was ever bullied back in high school for simply being ‘different’.
   
The Strongs also have two other films featured at the 2011 HHM Film Festival, Irish Twins and Method. The former is the tale of two brothers, born within a year of each other, who evolve into very different men, which becomes increasingly apparent to them on the eve of their father’s funeral; whereas Method explores an actress who takes her new role a little too seriously.
   
As for musical documentaries, in addition to the much anticipated premier of Color Me Obsessed (see accompanying interview & profile in this edition of The Review) music fans should gear up for Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone. Call them the right band at the right place and time; Fishbone challenged both racial stereotypes and the music business by fusing punk rock and funk in the late 80s and early 90s. This definitive documentary explores how the band challenged the system to create a new form of music that also served as a symbolic soundtrack to the socio-politics of Los Angeles. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne with commentary by admiring musicians such as Flea and Gwen Stefani, this film celebrates both the history and controversy of this incredible and groundbreaking group.
   
In terms of the music portion of the Hells Half Mile Film & Music Festival, patrons can expect to hear some innovative artistry at the former Masonic Temple on Saturday, October 1st. Featuring the One AM Radio and The Crooked Trees, Austin/Brooklyn-ite Leslie Sisson, lead vocalist and guitarist in The Wooden Birds, will also be performing. With a voice that has been described as a ‘subdued Stevie Nicks, she is known for her effortless harmony and is described by one critic as an ‘indie-rock Emmylou Harris.’ Tickets to this all ages show are only $12.00 at the door, or $10.00 in advance. Doors open at 8 PM and beer and wine will be available.
   
For a full listing of all the featured films, events, showtimes, venues, and more, please go to the Hells Half Mile Film & Music Festival website at www.hhmfest.com

 

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