You don't need to trek all of the way to Park City to experience some of cinema's top new documentaries, contemporary international films and restored classics. For three decades and counting, the homegrown Three Rivers Film Festival has invigorated the local cinema community with its November program of visiting filmmakers, informal and insightful discussions, live music, and a celebratory opening bash.
Channel your inner auteur for the next 16 days, with more than 50 films at Pittsburgh's Filmmakers' three city theaters. Featuring films that span 29 countries, the 2011 Festival highlights documentary subjects, riveting storytelling, experimental cinema, and regional and global issues.
Much more than movies on a screen, the largest film festival in Western PA brings the craft of cinema to life, with a robust repertoire of accompanying programs, including the chance to meet contemporary filmmakers, view compelling classics alongside pioneering new works, and go behind the screen as visiting artists discuss their creative practice in Pittsburgh's hippest theaters. Last year, more than 7,400 film fans attended.
So what's not to miss during this year's installment?
One aspect that makes the Festival so lively is its impressive lineup of visiting filmmakers, who will be on hand to introduce and discuss their work. Don't miss the directors of the two opening night films, Farmageddon and Resurrect Dead, as well as the mid-festival highlight, The Encore of Tony Duran, with local Central Catholic and Carnegie Mellon grad, Gene Pietragallo.
On Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Brooklyn-based director-editor team Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley will be in town to present their new award-winning documentary, Battle for Brooklyn, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local architect Rob Pfaffmann. Shot over seven years and compiled from 500 hours of footage, Battle for Brooklyn chronicles the very public and passionate fight waged by owners and residents facing condemnation of their property to make way for the controversial Atlantic Yards project, a massive plan to build skyscrapers and a new NBA basketball arena in the heart of Brooklyn. Described as a "gripping David and Goliath story," the film examines issues surrounding eminent domain, historic preservation and the use of public dollars to support private development.
Additional film screenings featuring visiting directors, producers, actors and crew members include Fallingwater: Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterwork, Effects, Empty Quarter, Joanna, Mister Rogers & Me, Torn, and Patagonia Rising.
Mark your cinema calendar now for Black Power Mixtape on Nov. 11 and 12. Created from recently discovered archival footage recorded when a group of Swedish TV journalists came to the US in the late 1960s, the audio-visual collage chronicles the Black Power movement. Co-produced by Danny Glover and directed by Goran Hugo Olsson, the film also features newly added commentary by prominent African American voices, and original music by Questlove and Om’Mas Keith.
If classics are your cuppa joe, don't miss the chance to see some cinematic wonders on the big screen. Boasting new, restored prints, you'll relive the magic of the silver screen with the legendary Katharine Hepburn in The African Queen and Bringing Up Baby, and Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver. For horror fans (and there are plenty here in Zombieville, USA!), don't miss the last remaining 35mm print of Effects, a creepy cult classic made right here in Pittsburgh.
What's new this year?
Turning its lens to the environment, the Festival will spotlight five documentaries that address a broad range of timely issues that impact our planet, the global economy and our daily lives. Ever since An Inconvenient Truth raised a new level of awareness back in 2006, there's been a flood of films made by equally impassioned and informed directors, and the Festival is now providing a regional platform for these important voices. Works and topics in the Festvial's new "Enviro Cinema" series include: Farmageddon (local farming); Bophali (chemical spills); Into Eternity (nuclear waste); Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson (oceanic crusader); and Patagonia Rising (hydroelectric dams).
Back this year is the Festival's focus on contemporary Polish cinema, featuring five outstanding contemporary films and accompanying receptions. Don't miss the chance to experience The Adventures of Prince Achmed, a kaleidoscopic paper cut-out version of the Arabian Nights. Thought to be the first animated feature film, the dazzling work will feature live piano accompaniment by Rochester, NY-based Phillip Carli.
For cutting-edge contemporary cinema, Sync'd 4 is your ticket. The program will feature local experimental films and live music by Pittsburgh groups Gangwish and Lung Face Feet.
Always a Festival highlight, Boston-based Alloy Orchestra is back in town with a matinee of family friendly short films and live sound effects, including crowd pleasers by the legendary Buster Keaton. For the immersive cinematic experience, don't miss Alloy's closing night presentation, a premiere of the recently rediscovered German expressionist silent film, Morning to Midnight. Directed by Karl Heinz Martin, the 1920 masterpiece features radically stylized sets, which will be further enhanced by Alloy's live score.
Ready to help The Three Rivers Film Festival turn 30 and Pittsburgh Filmmakers turn 40? The flick festivities kick off during an opening night bash on Nov. 4 at 9 p.m., with films, live music by Colonizing the Cosmos, drinks and fare, and even a birthday cake and champagne toast.
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