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BEST OF THE MITTEN MOVIE PROJECT
12 SELECTIONS FROM THE PAST YEAR
TUESDAY 12.02.08 7:30 PM
From November 2007 to October 2008, the Mitten Movie Project has screened 123 independent shorts from Michigan and beyond..
And from those 123 shorts, 12 of the best will be screened on December 2, 2008, as part of the Best of the Mitten Movie Project at the Main Art Theatre (118 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067).
The Mitten Movie Project began in late 2005 as a monthly film festival showcasing independent films, shorts, trailers, music videos, and documentaries from around the world. Following a successful run of InZer0 premieres from May 2007 to May 2008, Curator Connie Mangilin, began booking the festival in November 2007 for the now annual Zombie Night, and has been steadily building a following of indie film enthusiasts.
The December 2nd screening showcases some of the best local filmmaking talent – from claymation to zombies to a 1930’s period piece, the lineup is extremely solid from start to finish. Headlining the night is the wildly clever and at times embarrassingly accurate “Cribs: Arab American Style,” a satire of the MTV Cribs show.
As a bonus for the filmmakers, the Mitten Movie Project is letting the audience vote on their favorite short – The Audience Choice Award. The recipient of the Audience Choice Award will receive a $100 gift certificate to go towards filmmaking and other prizes from local companies and artists.
An afterparty will be held at Mr. B’s (215 S.. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067 – walking distance from the Main Art) where moviegoers can catch up with old friends, meet new people, and discuss the night’s films.
For descriptions and a screening schedule, see the program notes below. For more information, poster art, and Mitten Movie Project updates, go to myspace.com/mittenmovieproject
HONORABLE MENTION (in alpha order): Afro-Zombies directed by Brian Papandrea, The Blind Waiter directed by Josh Becker, The Bobs 2 directed by Mike Madigan, ClickAss directed by Tommie Green, Forever in Time directed by Chuck Grady, Frankie directed Travis Seppala, Gay Zombie directed by Michael Simon, Get Out of My House directed by Gary Bosek, The Grass Grows Green directed by Jesus "Chin" Beltran, Living in the Shadow of the Moon-Dog directed by Paul C. Daniels, MySpace: The Movie directed by David Lehre, Quick and Easy Meals: Prison Edition direted by Mike Madigan, Super Happy Funtime Burlesque directed by Rob St. Mary, To the Tomaskis directed by Jacquelyn Ryan, and Zombie Love directed by Yfke Van Berckelaer.
BEST OF THE MITTEN MOVIE PROJECT – PROGRAM NOTES
Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Main Art Theatre (118 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067)
Presale Tickets $8 at www.myspace.com/mittenmovieproject
Door $10.
This is the best of the best over the past couple years. If there’s ever a Mitten Movie Project you want to come to, this is the one. Only the best independent shorts and trailers will be screened!
The Mitten Movie Project is a monthly film night dedicated to screening independent films the first Tuesday of every month at the Main Art Theatre (118 N. Main Street, Royal oak, MI 48067). Presale tickets are available for $8 at www.myspace.com/mittenmovieproject. Tickets at the door are $10. A pre-screening reception starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Art lobby where moviegoers can mingle with the directors, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. After the screening, a Q&A session will be conducted with the filmmakers in the theatre. An afterglow party will be held at Mr. B’s (215 S. Main Street) to end the night’s activities.
Total running time: 1 hr, 42 mins. In order of screening (tentative lineup):
JESUS RISES – Directed by Chris Brown (01:30) (Michigan) Filmed in classic grindhouse style, this is the story of Jesus risen from the dead – as a zombie.
“G” – Directed by Rich Jackson (1996) (01:30) (Michigan) “g” is an experimental animation made of 1,350 individual hand drawn frames. More metaphorical than literal, the short follows an apparently un-flight worthy character sporting homemade wings. When faced with the choice to put them into use, his decision will go really good or really bad.
MANGURT – YOGURT FOR MEN – Thought Collide Productions (2007) (01:51) (Michigan) Commercial for Mangurt - Yogurt for Men. Absurdist comedy at its best. Starring Clark Eagling, Howard Hertz, Bart Bealmear, Tiffanie Kilgast, Nicole LaDouceur, and Jeanne Joubin. Directed by Rob Gulley and written by Gary Burnaska.
THE GOOD WIFE’S GUIDE – Directed by Kristine Trever (06:50) (Michigan) Inspired by “The Good Wife’s Guide” that was originally published in the May 13, 1955, issue of Housekeeping Monthly, this witty and bizarre short features Ruth (Dana Drew) as she goes about her daily duties as the good wife. The original text of “The Good Wife’s Guide” was used for the voiceover narration.
THE THINGS THAT ATE DETROIT - Directed by John Dunivant (06:52) (Michigan) While you may know John Dunivant for hosting the most raucous and wild Halloween party in Detroit – Theatre Bizarre – he also has a fondness for making zombie films. “The Things That Ate Detroit” is a 1950’s style slice of life film that showcases zombies after they’ve taken over the city and fallen back into their typical routines of daily life.
REVOLVER – Skeletons in the Closet Films (1997) (05:43) (Michigan) Written and directed by Tom Gurisko. A short film that takes a lyrical look at the fine line between appreciation and exploitation. A cautionary tale about the hazards of sharing.
DISEASE ISLAND – Vendetta Studios and David Lehre Productions (08:27) (Michigan) Directed by David Lehre. A ridiculous and hilarious take on reality TV shows like “Survivor.” www.davidlehre.com
THE MISLED ROMANCE OF CANNIBAL GIRL AND INCEST BOY – Bizjack Flemco Productions (13:00) (Colorado) Directed by Richard Taylor. A Comedy/Horror shot entirely on Super 8 film featuring a psychedelic soundtrack, a bevy of gore and sex, and a special appearance by Lloyd Kaufman, creator of the “Toxic Avenger.” “The Misled Romance of Cannibal Girl and Incest Boy” will not disappoint anyone looking for an original shocking piece of art. WARNING: This short contains graphic violence and some sexual content and is not suitable for young children. www.myspace.com/incestcannibal
SNIPPY – Skeletons in the Closet Films (04:03) (Michigan) Written and Directed by Tom Gurisko and John Mollon. Animated claymation short fashioned as a public service announcement for kids. Walk with your host, "Snippy" as he guides you through the many hidden dangers lurking in the otherwise innocuous kitchen..
THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER – Six Crows Productions (24:00) (California) Rural Indiana, 1933. When two Chicago-Irish rumrunners arrive at her doorstep demanding protection from her father, Sarah Beaumont’s life is forever changed by the violence that descends upon her home. Directed by Daniel Casey and production designed by John Lord Booth III, both of whom are AFI graduates and Michigan natives.
BITCH – Directed by Lilah Vandenburgh (15:00) (New York) A tough girl with a predilection for quality vinyl and a hard jab soon finds herself falling for a jerk with poor social skills and bad taste in music. Official selection at Sundance Film Festival, AFI Film Festival, Seattle Film Festival, CineVegas Film Festival, among others. www.bitchthemovie.com , www.myspace.com/bitchthemovie
CRIBS: ARAB AMERICAN STYLE – Directed by Mike Eshaq (13:04) (Michigan) Produced by Mizna Entertainment for the annual Arab American Comedy Festival. This is what it’s like when worlds collide. Come take a walk through Ali’s crib and see how they kick it in east Dearborn. focalpointefilms@gmail.com
For Mizna Entertainment, visit www.loanmod.com/entertainment.php
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