Comments: SFIFF: Winners.

For what it worth the top five of the fest for me was:

1. Triple Agent (Eric Rohmer)
Like LADY AND THE DUKE, this doesn't seem like prime material for a new Eric Rohmer film from synopsis (which includes secret agents and a war) but the film is every bit a Rohmer film; from his observations about his characters to the (SPOILER) somewhat open ending.

2. Ana and the Others (Celina Murga)
This film almost out-Rohmers Rohmer with its quiet attention to detail and lovely bits of insight regarding Ana and what it means to come back to your former home after being away from a few years. A very promising debut film for Murga, whom quickly announces herself as a major player in the international film scene.

3. Doppelganger (Kiyoshi Kurosawa)
The funniest Kurosawa film I have seen (which isn't really saying much - since I don't remember laughter being one of my major responses to his previous films) but this film really embodies its central gimmick very well and makes very effective use of split-screen.

4. Dig!
A fascinating insight into The Brian Jonestown Massacre and (less so for) The Dandy Warhols, and the eventually rivalry that sprouted up between the two (formerly friendly) bands. This will open in October and run on the Sundance channel for that same period.

5. Playing 'In the Company of Men'
An intriguing mixture of corporate maneuvering and theatre, underling the performance quality inherent in both. A film that (among other things) is in love with the very act of weaving a story.

Also I must give credit to THE 5 OBSTRUCTIONS and DOUBLE DARE which I saw and liked at other festivals.

I didn't see any of the films that won awards!

Posted by Jason at April 30, 2004 2:50 PM