The 23rd MVFF
Films A-Z

March 22—26, 2023

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Bad press

Dirs. Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler | Documentary | 2023 | 1 hr. 38 min. | English and Mvskoke with English subtitles

Followed by a discussion with co-directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, film subject Angel Ellis, and representatives of the Aquinnah Cultural Center

A nuanced tale about a modern Native community, this film documents a Muscogee (Creek) Nation newspaper’s fight for freedom of the press in order to keep tribal government accountable.

BUTTERFLY, BUTTERFLY

Dir. Len Morris | Documentary | Brazil / India / Indonesia / Kenya / U.S.A. | 2022 | 40 min.

Followed by a discussion with director Len Morris, producer Petra Lent McCarron, food activist and writer Ali Berlow, and film subject José Velázquez Castellanos; Mr. Morris will also share an 8-minute excerpt from his new work in progress, THE PINK BUCKET, which is co-directed by Fernanda Mora Brenes and Ms. McCarron

A survey of Island filmmaker Len Morris’s 30 years of documenting the lives of children all over the world, this deeply personal film also considers the human rights changes that have since occurred, for better or worse.

Dance Shorts:
Camera and Choreography

1 hr. 30 min.

Island dancers and choreographers Abby Bender and Jesse Jason will be “dance emcees” for this program, performing between films

From the poetic to the political, these short films from Norway, Australia, the U.S., China, and South Korea capture filmmakers and choreographers collaborating to create their own hybrid art form.

SHADOWLAND (Copy)

Dir. Kari Hoaas | Norway | 2022 | 7 min.

This is a poetic investigation combining circular and spiral choreography with intimate frame and focus.

Dirs. and Choreogs. Nadav Heyman and Anabella Casanova | U.S.A. | 2023 | 7 min.

An elderly man finds himself in the crosshairs of neighborhood mischiefs.

MILEZ (Copy)

Dirs. and Choreogs. Stephanie Patrick and Ben Lee | U.S.A | 2022 | 4 min.

Witnessing the changes ushered in by the pandemic, eight Early Era dancers inspect the systems that we abide by, and the sameness required of average people to operate within them. To the rhythms of Austin-based hip-hop duo Magna Carda, these artists must decide whether to stay or break free.

Dir. Li Chen | China | 2022 | 10 min.

Li Chen states: we hope there will be less pollution, destruction, and war around the world. Our fate will be connected closely. We will live harmoniously with nature. The world should be more united, like a family, and we can explore the civilization of the universe together.

YURODIVY (Copy)

Dir. Ryan Renshaw | Australia | 2022 | 4 min.

Based upon the legend of Sisyphus and using the voice of the late philosopher Alan Watts, this film explores contemporary humankind's relentless pursuit of wealth and happiness.

SUCK IT UP (Copy)

Dirs. Baye & Asa | U.S.A. | 2022 | 13 min.

This is a dance film confronting the violent fallout of male insecurity and entitlement.

GHOSTLY LABOR (Copy)

Dirs. and Choreogs. John Jota Leaños and Vanessa Sanchez | U.S.A. | 2022 | 13 min.

Through tap dance, Mexican zapateado, son jarocho, and Afro-Caribbean movement, this film explores the history of systemic exploitation of labor, while highlighting the power and joy of collective resistance, in the US–Mexico borderlands.

DEEP RISING

Dir. Matthieu Rytz | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2023 | 1 hr. 33 min.

Narrated by Jason Momoa, this timely fly-on-the-wall documentary unveils the corporate interest in, and consequences of, mining the ocean floor for rare metals needed in the electric-battery revolution.

Documentary shorts:
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

55 min.

Followed by a discussion with directors Jason Blevins and Elina Street, and producer Olena Lysenko

Featuring stories of human resilience, and the inspiring dedication of those who refuse to give up, these short documentaries remind us that amidst personal, national, and global conflicts we are connected through our potential to persevere.

I NEVER HAD DREAMS OF MY SON (Copy)

In August 2014, Oleksii Shevliuha disappeared during the Battle of Ilovaisk in eastern Ukraine. Five years later, his father searches for him, using Ukrainian folklore and modern technology. Many hundreds of YouTube videos later, he catches sight of an imprisoned man resembling his son.

CLEAN (Copy)

Dir. Miranda Stern | Documentary Short | U.K. | 2022 | 19 min.

A personal and female-centered view into addiction, this film weaves together observational and lyrical elements, taking us into the challenging, relatively unknown world of long-term recovery as one couple negotiates it and plans for an uncertain future.

THE LESBIAN BAR PROJECT (Copy)

Dirs. Erica Rose and Elina Street | Documentary Short | U.S.A. | 2021 | 19 min.

Released before a powerful television docuseries of the same name, this short film sheds light on the ongoing struggle for lesbian bars to survive in the face of economic and social challenges. Through archival footage and contemporary interviews with bar owners and patrons, the film provides an intimate look at the vital role these bars play in the LGBTQ community, while also highlighting the urgent need for support and preservation. At once celebratory and sobering, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in queer history and activism.

Firelight media: Works in Progress

1 hr. 15 min.

Founded by award-winning filmmakers and Island seasonal residents Marcia Smith and Stanley Nelson, Firelight Media is a nonprofit organization that supports and develops nonfiction filmmaking by and about communities of color. Four filmmakers supported by Firelight—Brittany Ferrell, Sequoia Hauck, Karla Murthy, and Raúl Paz-Pastrana—will be in residence at Slough Farm ahead of the film festival. They are working on new documentaries at various stages of development. At this event, they will present parts of their works in progress.

Brittany Ferrell (Copy)

Sequoia Hauck (Copy)

Karla Murthy (Copy)

Raúl Paz-Pastrana (Copy)

Flamin’ Hot

Eva Longoria's feature directorial debut, starring Jesse Garcia and Tony Shalhoub, tells the uplifting story of Richard Montañez, a Mexican-American janitor who claimed to have invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Freedom on fire: ukraine’s fight for freedom

Dir. Evgeny Afineevsky | Documentary | U.K. / U.S.A. / Ukraine | 2022 | 1 hr. 54 min. | Ukrainian and Russian with English subtitles

Followed by a discussion with director Evgeny Afineevsky; Ukrainian-American filmmaker and former Disney Studios executive Iya Labunka will moderate

From the aftermath of the 2014 Revolution of Dignity to the 2022 Russian invasion, this heartrending film documents the resilience and personal stories of the Ukrainian people.

HEALING DAKOTA

Dir. James Michael LaMonte | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2022 | 1 hr. 22 min.

Discussion to follow with director James Michael LaMonte, cinematographer Zach Levenson, sound designer Jan Klier, and executive producer Elizabeth Cool; three K-9 dogs, and the police who work with them, will also be in attendance

A Massachusetts dog trainer’s rehabilitation of a German Shepherd sheds light on the help needed by K-9 dogs with PTSD.

IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?

Dir. Ella Glendining | Documentary | United Kingdom | 2023 | 1 hr. 27 min.

Followed by a prerecorded discussion with director and film subject Ella Glendining

British filmmaker Ella Glendining, born with a rare condition, sets out to meet similarly bodied people and challenge misconceptions and attitudes about living with a disability.

IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL

Dir. Alexandria Bombach | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2022 | 2 hrs. 3 min.

Followed by a discussion with director Alexandria Bombach

This reflection on the careers of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers—the Indigo Girls—celebrates the folk rock duo’s friendship and commitment to political and social causes.

JOYLAND

When a Pakistani family’s youngest son joins a burlesque theater and falls for a trans woman performer, the inevitable tension between religious conservatism and sexual expression takes center stage.

JUDY BLUME FOREVER

Dirs. Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2023 | 1 hr. 37 min.

Followed by a prerecorded discussion with film subject Judy Blume, co-directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok, and Vineyard Haven librarian Emily LaPierre

This tribute to beloved American author Judy Blume honors her radical honesty about puberty and sex, and explores her life and lasting cultural impact.

LOVELY JACKSON

Dir. Matt Waldeck | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2022 | 1 hr. 44 min.

Followed by a discussion with director Matt Waldeck and film subjects Rickey Jackson, his wife Clarissa Jackson, and their daughter Lovely Jackson

The story of America’s longest wrongfully convicted prisoner, Rickey Jackson, is retold and reenacted by Jackson himself in this powerful and novel true-crime documentary.

Narrative Shorts: CONNECTIONS

45 min.

Followed by a discussion with filmmakers Amy Yasmine Omar and Cameron Morton

One purpose of film is to tell stories that reflect the human experience. These shorts focus on connections with those we love—from two friends getting each other through work (and heartbreak), to the affection of a dog and his toys.

I'M GONNA GET YOU (Copy)

Dir. Jeremy Weinstein | Narrative Short | U.S.A. | 2022 | 3 min.

This is a heartwarming, family-friendly animated short that explores the power of friendship to soothe frustration and loneliness—all in a charming way both children and adults will understand and enjoy. The story is an allegory about an anthropomorphic ball overcoming its struggles in the real world, through the comfort and strength a companion provides.

BREAKING FAST WITH A COCA-COLA (Copy)

Dir. Amy Yasmine Omar | Narrative Short | U.S.A. | 2023 | 14 min. | English and Turkish with English subtitles

After growing up in the secular households of their Turkish immigrant parents in the Midwest, Özlem and Ada are desperate to celebrate a tradition of their own. For the first time, they embark on a day of fasting and a night of feasting for Ramadan, embracing their cultural differences along the way.

CAROL & JANET (Copy)

Dir. Andrea Rosen | Narrative Short | U.S.A. | 2022 | 9 min.

Carol and Janet's shared ex-boyfriend leaves each of them tokens of gratitude: pieces of himself.

IVALU (Copy)

Ivalu is gone, and her little sister is desperate to find her. Their father does not care. The vast Greenlandic nature holds secrets. This film adaptation of a Danish graphic novel was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at this year’s Academy Awards.

patou: in black and white

Dir. Fiona Cochrane | Documentary | Australia | 2022 | 55 min.

Introduced, via Zoom, by director Fiona Cochrane and film subject Pat “Patou” Powell

An exploration of the life of Jamaican singer Pat Powell, this film examines his experiences with race, identity, and family in the U.K., Germany, and ultimately Australia.

Plan C

Dir. Tracy Droz Tragos | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2022 | 1 hr. 39 min.

Followed by discussion with a film subject and a guest from Friends of Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard

This urgent film follows public health activist Francine Coeytaux and the team behind a national campaign to provide abortion pills to those without access.

Return to seoul

In this vibrant, globally acclaimed drama from Cambodian-French writer-director Davy Chou, a French adoptee unfamiliar with her native culture and language, returns to South Korea to search for her identity.

rye lane

A fresh take on romantic comedy and a love letter to South London, this film follows two 20-somethings as they navigate the modern world of dating and spend a wild, impulsive day in the streets of Peckham and Brixton.

Saloum

In this fast-paced, genre-bending “southern” from Senegal, three mercenaries are forced to seek refuge in a holiday camp where past secrets risk exposure by forces human and supernatural.

SHOWING UP

In her fourth collaboration with indie favorite Kelly Reichardt, Michelle Williams joins fellow 2023 Oscar nominees Hong Chau and Judd Hirsch in this subtle, funny, Palme d’Or-nominated film about a sculptor whose upcoming exhibition is jeopardized by personal struggles.

Stephen curry: underrated

Dir. Peter Nicks | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2023 | 1 hr. 50 min. | Rated PG-13

Following NBA titan Stephen Curry on his journey from unremarkable high school basketball player to global star, this atypical sports film presents a multifaceted portrait of the man and athlete.

THE ART OF SILENCE

Dir. Maurizius Staerkle Drux | Documentary | Switzerland / Germany | 2022 | 1 hr. 21 min. | English, German, and French with English subtitles

Legendary pantomime artist Marcel Marceau’s tragic early life, heroic involvement with the French Resistance during World War II, and lasting artistic influence are illuminated in this new film by the son of a renowned Swiss mime.

The Lady Bird Diaries

Dir. Dawn Porter | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2023 | 1 hr. 40 min.

Followed by a discussion with director Dawn Porter and producer Kimberly Reynolds

Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter returns to the MVFF with this captivating documentary that delves into the revealing audio diaries Lady Bird Johnson recorded during her husband’s presidency.

utopia: WILD VISIONS IN SILICON VALLEY

Dirs. Angela Andersen and Claus Kleber | Documentary | Germany | 2022 | 44 min.

Island filmmaker Angela Andersen and co-director Claus Kleber expose the dark side of industry leaders like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Page, raising important questions about the impact of technology on humanity's future.

Vineyard Shorts

51 min.

Followed by a discussion with directors Matt Taylor and Ollie Becker, and producer Chris Fischer

This program highlights the work of Island residents Chris Fischer, Matt Taylor, and Ollie Becker, whose five thought-provoking short films showcase the diverse voices and creativity of Martha’s Vineyard’s filmmaking community.

DEEP ROOTS: DAVID FLANDERS, SIMON ATHEARN, AND THE FISCHER FAMILY (Copy)

Dir. Matt Taylor | Documentary Short | U.S.A. | 2023 | 20 min.

In 2005, Chilmark resident and filmmaker Matt Taylor shot nearly 100 hours of video footage documenting agricultural practices on Martha's Vineyard. With a 2022 grant from the Vineyard Vision Fellowship, he has created a series of short films which, upon completion, will be donated to the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society. Three of these films are presented here, profiling farmers Simon Athearn, the Fischer family of Flat Point Farm, and the late David Flanders.

FISH STORIES (Copy)

Dir. Conor Hagen | Documentary Short | U.S.A. | 2023 | 25 min.

The small volcanic island of Hachijo-jima is nearly 178 miles off the coast of Japan, but considered part of Tokyo’s prefecture. Life there centers around fishing and the ocean, and is therefore slower and, some might say, more fulfilling. The intent of this film, produced by Islander Chris Fischer, was to document the beauty of this special place, and so protect it by encouraging us not to visit, as that would risk changing things.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD SKATEPARK (Copy)

Dir. Ollie Becker | Documentary Short | U.S.A. | 2023 | 6 min.

Skateboarding has always been a creative way to interact with your surroundings, and on an island with few ideally paved surfaces for it, finding places to skate calls for ingenuity. This short film brings us into the world of skateboarding on Martha's Vineyard, and how its close-knit community came together to create the Island's only skatepark.

WAITING TO CONTINUE: THE VENEZUELAN asylum seekers on Martha’s Vineyard

Dir. Ollie Becker | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2023 | 20 min. | English and Spanish with English subtitles

Followed by a discussion with film subjects; tickets for this film’s opening-night screening also include admission to a dinner preceding it

This new short film by Circuit Films director Ollie Becker documents the experiences of the 48 Venezuelans who were flown to the Island last September.

SPECIAL SURPRISE SCREENING

1 hr. 45 min. (approx.)

Join us for this exclusive look at a renowned director's new feature-length documentary work in progress.

The 23rd MVFFFilms A-Z