He's Johnny Cash

A documentary about Johnny Cash will be screened at the Woodstock Film Festival this year.

It's called "Johnny Cash's America."



I watched it last night and it was simply fantabulous. Everyone from Johnny's boyhood neighbor to his sister, to Al Gore to U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander from Tennessee, to Snoop Dogg and Kris Kristofferson are interviewed. These folks really take a topic that has been explored six ways from Sunday and cover new ground. A great movie.



Click here for show times at the film fest. Click here for more info on the film.

Dandy Donovan

I interviewed the singer Donovan a couple weeks back and asked him what, in his opinion, is the reason behind his long, long legacy and success over decades.



His reply was priceless:

“I’m a pretty hot songwriter. I’m one of the best.”

And humble, You forgot humble, D-man.

Donovan will be all over the film fest. Check it out by clicking here.

Also, check out the Poughkeepsie Journal this Sunday, Sept. 28, for the whole story, adn the kickoff to our print coverage of the Journal.

Click here to view some psychedelic footage of Donovan, a true flower child, hippie and pied piper for the time of peace and love.

Bela is back

Banjo player extraordinaire Bela Fleck will return to the Woodstock Film Festival next week.

Bela will play a concert with Abigail Washburn Oct. 2 at the Bearsville Theater to open the fest, then his excellent film, "Throw Down Your Heart," will be screened Oct. 2 at the Bearsville Theater; and Oct. 3 at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck.




This film offers tons of excellent music that Bela made during his visit to rural and cosmopolitan Africa, the nation from which the banjo is originally from. The film was made by Bela's brother, Sascha Palladino. The two collaborated in the past on "Making Music for Two," a doc about Bela's album and tour with bass player Edgar Meyer. "Making Music for Two" took home the 2004 WFF prize for best short documentary.

The thing I really loved about "Throw Down Your Heart" was how Bela, a true maestro, has no ego, and seems in true awe of these African musicians, who themselves are phenomenal.

Be sure to check this blog next Thursday morning, where I will be posting info about Bela and Abigail's concert. I'll also be talking about the show and the film when I am on WDST FM next Thursday morning.

Thanks, Bela!

Would you buy a used car from this guy?

Ladies and Gentleman, Greg Gattine from WDST.......





The fine folks at the WDST "Morning Show" - Host Greg Gattine, News Director Franz Kaisik and Producer Carmel Holt - have been kind enough to have me as a guest on their Woodstock-based radio station each Thursday morning since June 2002. Some days are better than others, some time they skewer me, sometimes I skewer them. Sometimes I finish my spot busting buttons with pride, other times I hang up the phone and think, "oh my god did I realy just say that on the radio???""


I've always said they have the upper hand, getting up at something like 3:30 a.m. and pounding cups of coffee for hours. I don't even drink coffee!!

Anyway, on Thursday, Sept. 25, I will be making my usual live, call-in appearance on WDST, and the Woodstock Film Festival is likely to come up during our discussion. So tune in if you can - 100.1 in Ulster County; 106.3 FM in Poughkeepsie; and 102.3 in Newburgh; and like the commercial says, "anytime on wdst.com."

The same goes for next Thursday, Oct. 2, where I will be giving a full report on the Bela Fleck opening night concert.

What's that old saying, tune in turn on......???

The Beatles and Bowie

Two films I am looking forward to seeing this year are "32A" and "All Together Now." "32A" features a score written by Gerry Leonard of High Falls, who plays guitar for DAvid Bowie and Rufus Wainwright. Gerry will unfortunately miss the film fest, as he is on tour right now with Suzanne Vega. "32A" also features a Bowie tune and in case there is not ENOUGH David Bowe at the WFF this year, three of his band members will perform at the Colony Cafe Friday, Oct. 3 - Earl Slick on guitar, Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and Sterling Campbell on drums.




For those Beatle fans in the audience, "All Together Now" is a documentary of the Cirque De Soleil show "Love," which is built around psychedelic re-mixings of classic Beatle songs. "All Together Now" will be screened Friday, Oct. 3, at the Bearsville Theater.



That's all for now. Check back soon. And I'll see you in Woodstock.

The adventure begins!!!!!

Yup - It's that time of year again - brisk temperatures, the first tinges of fall foliage and the Woodstock Film Festival.

The 9th annual WFF opens Wednesday, Oct. 1, with a concert by banjo maestro Bela Fleck, whose movie, "Thrown Down Your Heart," will be shown at noon Oct. 2 at the Bearsville Theater and at 9 p.m. Oct. 3 at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck.

I've seen this film and it's very, very, very good. Bela is never one to let his ego get in the way of some real fine music, despite his incredible talent as a banjo player. This film is no exception. How can you go wrong with communal jam sessions, ancient music and African villages.

I'll be at the concert and I will be just about living at the Colony Cafe in Woodstock, which is base camp for the WFF, throughout the entire fest, attending screenings, panel discussions and of course, movies, movies, movies. And I will be blogging about it all, right here, as it happens, or maybe a little bit after it happens.

This blog was widely read last year and we're hoping for the same success this year. Please check back here often, as I'll be posting from here in on, with much more frequency during the film fest. Please feel free to post your comments, criticisms, analyses, or otherwise. If you are at the WFF and take photos, and would like to share, pls send them to me at jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com.

You will literally be able to track my every move throughout the WFF, from Wed., Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5. I will be eating, drinking, sleeping, then eating some more, the Woodstock Film Festival. I am exhausted already, but very excited. I LOVE movies, I just love them.

My favorites: "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart; "Star Wars: Episode IV" with Mark Hamill, which is really the first one; "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet; and "Marie Antoinette" with Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power, made in 1938.

Guest of Cindy Sherman

Here is a little something about a Rhinebeck / Red Hook native whose documentary GUEST OF CINDY SHERMAN is one my favorites at Tribeca this year.

I had the chance to catch the film at a press screening in Tribeca and was taken by the high energy of the NY art scene and the authenticity and charm of Cindy Sherman, one of American's most infamous, provocative photographers. Soon after I talked with Tom Donahue, co-director, about his film. Tom has edited documentaries for HBO about the photographer Spencer Tunick whose film NAKED STATES was shown at a Woodstock Film Festival special screening a few years back. Spencer was the one to alert Donahue about Paul H- O, of the NYC Public Access program GALLERY BEAT and Cindy Sherman's life partner at the time, who was looking for a filmmaker to help him turn his hundreds hours of one of a kind footage into a film. Soon after the journey creating a fun and unique travelogue through the New York art world has begun.

"The project evolved over time but never really strayed from its central storyline - That of the changing art world and of a man's psychological crisis in dating a more powerful woman", says Donaue. "In the first two years we made the film, we conducted over 70 interviews, shot lots of verite and gathered large amounts of archival footage. After our money ran out, we made a broadcast deal with the Sundance Channel and that gave us the money to start editing in 2006. The editing started just after Paul and Cindy broke up so the third act of the film was continually in flux. We realized as we got further into the process that we needed to be honest about one of the reasons for their breakup - The film itself. That wasn't easy for me because I'm generally opposed to that kind of self-conscious filmmaking. Nonetheless, this was a very personal story and the movie became a very significant factor in their relationship so it really couldn't be avoided. The real structural trick of this film was the balancing act of telling Paul's story, Cindy's story and the story of the art world in a way that didn't bog the film down in exposition or turn it into another boilerplate artist documentary. Our goal was always to tell a good, entertaining story first and foremost and to lend insight into Cindy's work in a way that is unique and entertaining".

Donahue has two new works in progress right now. One is a documentary about the pioneering Hollywood Casting Director, Marion Dougherty, who, according to some, single-handedly changed Hollywood over the last half century. The other is his narrative feature debut which he is planning on shooting this summer. We wish him luck.

After taking a couple of days off from Tribeca to go back to the Woodstock Film Festival office to catch up on much needed work, I went back yesterday along with our deputy director Nikki Goldbeck for a day of movies, meetings and parties. After sitting down with the Executive Producer of Harbinger Media, a global organization, funded by the Soros Foundation, that facilitates, supports, promotes and distributes filmmakers throughout the world who document war torn situations and other socially relevant issues, we set off to see some movies.

First on the agenda was Julian Schnabel's LOU REED'S BERLIN. The concert film spotlights Reed's 33 year old album about the painful collapse of two lovers in the backdrop of the Berlin Wall. Shunned by critics for over 30 years, the album has been resurrected by Schnabel, who produced the 5 day live concert and who directed the film. The result is a hauntingly dark and melancholic piece with some great performance by Reed and his band.

Next was our friend Tom Donahue and Paul H-O's art documentary GUEST OF CINDY SHERMAN. Before the screening we ran into Tom who was curious to hear our thoughts of the film, warning us that while many loved it, some critics expressed concerns of exploitations. When we saw Tom later on at a party we both quickly told him how much we loved the film. And indeed, this intimate and high energy look into the art world in NYC in the nineties along with a particularly intimate and endearing look into Cindy Sherman, one of America's most unique and provocative photographers, is both entertaining and insightful. I'll have more about the film in a later piece.

At the A&E Indie Films party later that day, held at the Rivington Hotel in the trendy lower east side, much of the independent film community gathered for good drinks, food, and endless conversations. It was nice to meet some of the young filmmakers who submitted their films already to the Woodstock Film Festival (some of whom might have a good chance of making it to the final line up...), as well as other filmmakers who were encouraged by us to submit. The party was full with WFF's alumni, including Thomas Kikis of DARKON, Ann Chaisson of P.S., filmmakers and Woodstockers Alex Berger and Avi Wider, and many more. Festival's long time friend Amos Poe, and indie icon, was there as well, talking about his upcoming project, starring Scarlett Johansson, to be shot in Italy later this summer. Talking to Amos, whose film EMPIRE II is screening at Tribeca, and whose short film JUST AN AMERICAN BOY screened in one of WFF's special year round events a few years ago, I was amazed by all the new projects he's involved with these days. Amos has always been a very busy filmmaker as well as an NYU teacher, but lately his work seem to have sky rocketed. I'll definitely follow up on his progress.

Industry members, including many film sales agents, distributors, programmers, and producers milled about during the crowded party enjoying the beautiful NY night and A&E's hospitality. Nikki and I stayed until nearly the very end, until, like Cinderella, we had to leave before midnight so that we can catch our "coach" (bus) back upstate.

Music, Peace

Seeing the documentary PLAYING FOR CHANGE: Peace Through Music, was truly an uplifting experience. I got to see it at a public screening, courtesy of one of Tribeca's programmers who walked me in (my pass this year gets me to press & industry screenings only), which made a big difference, as it was great to see the audience applaud after each song as if they were at a concert...

Filmmakers Jonathan Walls and Mark Johnson literally travelled across the world in search of virtuosic street musicians who played for freedom and peace. Taking the song STAND BY ME as one of the anchors of the film, sung originally by an old street musician in Santa Monica California, and using it as the template for more than 35 streets musicians from Nepal to Amsterdam and from Tel Aviv to Cape Town, who, each, sang their own version of the song along with the taped version from Santa Monica, they created a magical musical piece that spans continents, generation, cultures, economics and religions. And that was just the start...Pretty amazing. The standing ovation at the end of the film was one of the many indications at the screening how moved the audience was. The final treat, when the filmmakers walked to the front for Q&A and invited some of the street musicians we have just seen, from Amsterdam, Paris, Brazil...the applause were deafening. Good experience.

Following the screening the Kodak reception at the Filmmakers Lounge was a nice extension. Even though there was no music there, there was a good mix of industry folks, from the Director of Film at the Consulate General of Israel to filmmakers from Cuba, Australia, France, and of course, NY, and so again, there was a sense of global togetherness.

But it was at the Netflix party later on which celebrated the film CHEVOLUTION, about the commercialization of the CHE image throughout the world, where more of the film community came together. Talking to producer Ted Hope (THE ICE STORM, IN THE BEDROOM, 21 GRAMS, THE SAVAGES) about his new project, which he is intent to shoot in NY (thanks in big part to the new tax incentive that has recently come through in NY), we discussed the possibility of the film shooting in the Hudson Valley, and, crossing my fingers, it looks good!!! Stay tuned, but if all goes well, that will be a great economic boost to the local economy. Other folks, from Liesl Copland of Netflix, to folks from Cinetic Media, Killer Films, Magnolia Pictures, and many others rounded up the night to the lively tunes of a Cuban band, who, by the way, kept on playing songs by the musician who scored many of WFF's alum Hugo Perez's films. Hugo, a great intellectual filmmaker who transforms when he hears the sounds of his youth, could not leave the party until its very end as he loved the music so much.

And on that "musical" note, let me end for now. Until next time.

Tribeca's First Day

Well, my first day has (finally) come to an end. I'm tired...Attending a film festival in NYC is unlike any other experience. You have the whole city to take into account... It takes over, and you have to try hard to stay focused, not to mention navigate everything. Last year Tribeca was all over the city, and everyone complained, so they certainly made an effort this year to keep it concentrated, but still, you have to walk at least 10 blocks from one thing to another, and trying to figure out what is where is a task all on its on.

The apartment I'm staying at, courtesy of one of my wonderful friends from Upstate, is situated perfectly not more than 10 blocks or so from most industry related venues. And so, after registering both at the press headquarters (very hard to find by the way, after finding it myself I ended up helping a few foreign press reps who were wandering about on the street totally lost, find it, as it was really sort of hidden...), and Industry Headquarters, situated in what they call The Target Filmmakers Lounge - a "red" room filled with Target red and white furniture and snacks that I really never want to eat; cookies, chips, candy...I ventured to see some movies.

The first film I saw at the Press & Industry screenings was WAR, LOVE, GOD & MADNESS. A surprisingly good documentary about the war in Iraq seen through a fiction filmmaker who was trying desperately to make a film in war torn Iraq from 2003 to 2005. The narrative he was shooting ended up being Iraq's entry to the Academy Awards that year. And the docs was very high energy and compelling, with some tragic, or painful results.

Next on the agenda was the British film A BOY. Here too I was surprised for the better. A nice, moving film, with principal actor who was, frankly, quite amazing. That guy will go far, I'm sure of it.

Coming out of the theater though I was talking to a film critic friend (whose name I should not mention here), who told me this was the first Tribeca film she did not walk out of... ouch...

Well, party at Apple Store in Soho was next on the list. And that was a fun one. Granted, the line to get in was around the block, but once you got in, it was great fun. Although I did not lay eyes on her myself, the word was that Madonna was in the house... Great party, huge space (filled with top of the line Macs, everyone, including me, was checking their e-mails), with plenty to drink and eat, and lots of filmmakers and industry folks. It was good to connect with many who I have not seen for awhile, from sponsors, filmmakers, press, industry. Good party. Oh, and my former assistant, Rachel Katz, who also travelled to Sundance with me, and who now works for Tribeca, was there as well. So how can you possibly go wrong?

Time to look through my schedule and figure out the next day. I do know I have a meeting scheduled at the Filmmakers Target Lounge at 9:00 am tomorrow, and that I have the Netflix party tomorrow night. Need to look at the rest on the agenda.

Until next time then.

A couple more days

With only a couple of days before the Tribeca Film Festival starts, and many of the pre-fest press screenings already in full swing, I'm trying to get my bearings and begin to figure out plans for Tribeca this year. A nice friend is allowing me to stay at her apartment in the village, so thats all great, wonderful location, beautiful apartment (although the wifi there might be sketchy...), I'm feeling good about that.

This year many of the venues will be around the Village area, not far from where I'll be staying, so I'm looking forward to walking everywhere, from screening venues to screening venues, and from filmmakers hospitality lounge to party locations.I have some of my party invites in place, although I'm sure more will come within the next couple of days.

I'm going through the press & industry screening schedule now. There are so many films that I'll try to see in between meetings and parties. Shall I go to see my friend Amos Poe's new film EMPIRE II which was inspired by Andy Warhol's 1964 film EMPIRE? Its 3 hours long, but supposed to be quite magnificent. There is a special screening of the film at Tribeca, I should try to see it.

There is also my friend Tom Donahue's new art documentary GUEST OF CINDY SHERMAN which I'll definitely try to see, followed by a party.

Then there is the new narrative BALL DON'T LIE co starring our good friend Melissa Leo which I should definitely catch.

Also, the New York Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development will be holding a day long event at the filmmakers lounge, I'll be sure to attend with plenty of promotional material for the festival and the film commission, trying to lure filmmakers to shoot their next film in the Hudson Valley! With record number of productions hitting our area in the next few months, it is becoming easier and easier to lure some of the best films up here.

Much more to get ready for. Until next time.

Tribeca Film Festival knocking on Bill Plympton's door

Woodstock Film Festival animation programmer Bill Plympton, one of America's most renowned and innovative animators, is getting ready for the world premiere of his new feature IDIOTS AND ANGELS.   The film sketches a Lynchian dark comedy about a morally bankrupt man scrabbling to hide the good in himself - which manifests itself in a pair of angel wings that just won't go away.  I have not seen it yet, but from everything I know about it so far, its supposed to be really great, a bit reminiscent of PERSEPOLIS.

Bill is always so cool and collected, it has been fun to see him getting excited and nervous about his upcoming premiere.  He and I talked a few times in the past few weeks as he's been getting ready, talking about the right PR representation for the film, sales reps, getting the buyers to come see the film...  I mean, as far as I'm concerned, everyone knows and loves Bill!  I know they will all come, who could possibly miss it? But premieres are always nerve wrecking no matter what, and you always have to do as much as you possibly can for your film.  Even Bill...  I plan to do my little best and invite all the buyers I personally know to come and join me at Bill's first screening at Tribeca and at the party to follow.  Until then, I keep my fingers crossed for him as I'd love nothing more than to hear that IDIOTS AND ANGEL sold immediately after its first screening.  So here is to Bill!

Of course I hope to show his film in Woodstock!  We'll see what happens after the dust settles following Tribeca.

In the meantime, there are many other films and filmmakers connected to the Woodstock Film Festival and the Hudson Valley region who will be participating in Tribeca, each one with his or her exciting story.   I've been so busy with work on the Woodstock Film Festival these days, with its various year round screenings and activities, that I did not get the chance to wrap my brain around the Tribeca programming, activities, parties and networking yet, but I will do so soon. I look forward to seeing many Woodstock alumni at Tribeca and discover many exciting new works.