AT-HOME BENEFITS

When elderly mother Edna inexplicably vanishes, her daughter Kay and granddaughter Sam rush to their family’s decaying country home, finding clues of her increasing dementia scattered around the house in her absence. After Edna returns just as mysteriously as she disappeared, Kay’s concern that her mother seems unwilling or unable to say where she’s been clashes with Sam’s unabashed enthusiasm to have her grandma back. As Edna’s behavior turns increasingly volatile, both begin to sense that an insidious presence in the house might be taking control of her. With Relic, first-time writer/director Natalie Erika James crafts an unforgettable new spin on the haunted-house movie.

The sensational winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival is a wildly entertaining and continually revealing immersion into a week-long annual program in which a thousand Texas high school seniors gather for an elaborate mock exercise: building their own state government. Filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine closely track the escalating tensions that arise within a particularly riveting gubernatorial race, training their cameras on unforgettable teenagers like Ben, a Reagan-loving arch-conservative who brims with confidence despite personal setbacks, and Steven, a progressive-minded child of Mexican immigrants who stands by his convictions amidst the sea of red. In the process, they have created a complex portrait of contemporary American masculinity, as well as a microcosm of our often dispiriting national political divisions that nevertheless manages to plant seeds of hope. Directors: Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss (US 2020) 109 min.

Program included a LIVE filmmaker Q&A and with filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, moderated by CFI Executive Director and Founder Mark Fishkin.

CLICK HERE to watch the recorded conversation!

“Kelly Reichardt’s manifest-destiny epic in D minor…gives you the feeling that you’ve just witnessed a major work from a great American filmmaker.”

-David Fear // Rolling Stone

Kelly Reichardt once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.  (USA 2020) 121 min.

When seriously ill teenager Milla falls madly in love with smalltime drug dealer Moses, it’s her parents’ worst nightmare. But as Milla’s first brush with love brings her a new lust for life, things get messy and traditional morals go out the window. Milla soon shows everyone in her orbit – her parents, Moses, a sensitive music teacher, a budding child violinist, and a disarmingly honest, pregnant neighbour – how to live like you have nothing to lose. What might have been a disaster for the Finlay family instead leads to letting go and finding grace in the glorious chaos of life. Babyteeth joyously explores how good it is not to be dead yet and how far we will go for love. Not Rated. Director: Shannon Murphy (Australia 2020) 120 min

Program included a LIVE filmmaker Q&A and with director Shannon Murphy and actress Eliza Scanlen, moderated by MVFF Director of Programming Zoë Elton.

CLICK HERE to watch the recorded conversation!

This inspiring music documentary featuring Grammy-Award winning artist Speech, of hip hop collective Arrested Development, offers a rare glimpse at the human stories — and songs — that are locked away in our nation’s jails and prisons.  With the U.S. incarcerating more of its citizens per capita than any other nation on the planet, the music of 16 Bars serves as a rare testimony to the raw and messy truth behind the criminal justice system‘s revolving door.

Program included a LIVE filmmaker Q&A and extended panel discussion regarding the criminal justice system, and how it has been affected by the current COVID-19 crisis.

CLICK HERE to watch the recorded conversations!