Cannes Indie Fest Kick-Off: DAY 2

Posted in Diary of a Directrix, On the Fest Circuit
May 13th, 2010 by Devi Snively (The Directrix)

seafood bbq smTalk about the perfect cure for jet-lag… we had the most decadent multi-hour BBQ feast on one of the multi verandas overlooking the gorgeous view behind us last night.  We sampled more crustaceans and types of cheese than I’ve likely consumed in the last 3 years combined with lovely red wine and chocolate to follow.  Discussion went late into the night and I can already tell it’s going to be painful to leave this wonderful haven.

catalogue smBut I suppose that’s not what I should be focusing on.  So, what is the Cannes experience like?  Well, we picked up our passes today, along with our fancy swag bags, and were juan of the dead smtickled to see our entry in the official Cannes catalogue. Then we wandered about the Palais Royale which was like a sleeker version of the AFM. It was not very happening as of yet, assuming it will be at all.  As I learned at last fall’s AFM, it seems everybody is selling with far fewer buyers and there tends to be a sense of desperation in the air.

I saw a number of posters for films I’ve seen out on the fest circuit – Must Love Death, I Sell the Dead and of course Human Centipede.  However, nothing stood out too much at the market except for ads for a movie called Mad Cow and a super awesome display for Juan of the Dead – a Cuban zombie film – sweet!  I’m also hoping to get in to see the new Gregg Araki film and a couple others that look poodle smworthwhile.

fifi in france smWe’ve already been invited to a few parties that look promising and saw far too many great dogs.  My own furry purse girl Fifi looked particularly contented as I sipped a late afternoon café au lait in a café just off the Croisette.  Walking around Old Town in particular was quite pleasant – wonderful, winding narrow alleys filled with lively bistros and quaint shops.

family dinner smWe returned to the Villa for the first night of the Cannes Independent Fest and enjoyed the opening night’s entertainment.  Particularly enjoyable was a fabulous Greek short called Beware of Bear (one of the few times I wished a short was feature-length, I didn’t want it to end) and micro-budgeted feature Laid Off which more than made up in heart what it lacked in budget.  Imagine an Apatow film with strong female characters, Kevin Smith-esque dialogue and a Swingers sensibility for like no money and you’ll get the idea. Best performance by a rat by far goes to Rizzo in The Rat Thing from new fest buddy Kevin Keresy whose micro-budget feature has been raking up the awards as well.  Congrats to these fine filmmakers!  Post-fest film discussion was fun (and accompanied by surprisingly good boxed wine – who knew?)  I’d say this fest is off to a grand start!

One Response to “Cannes Indie Fest Kick-Off: DAY 2”

  1. Doug says:

    What is your email address? I will send you some funny mad cow pics!

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