A CINEMATIC WEEKEND TO REMEMBER by Heidi Dougherty
It was a privilege to attend the Northeast Film Festival on September 13-15,
nestled in the quaint downtown of beautiful Maplewood, NJ. The high level of
quality among the films was astounding. Although this was the festival’s debut,
it had the feel of a festival in its 7th or 8th year. There was nothing sub-par
about it. As numerous filmmakers present told me, it was the best first-year
festival they have ever seen, and one of the best festivals they have ever been
to.
Filmmakers and attendees alike commented on how welcomed they felt, like they
were part of a close-knit community. At the door to greet guests was Festival
Director Larry Rosen himself, and he and Co-Director Tamara Thealander viewed
most of the screenings in the audience, making themselves readily available and
easily approachable to guests, actors, and filmmakers.
From the films viewed, I was most impressed with Imagine and Broken Blood.
Marked by a stellar performance by lead actor Scott Wolf (Party of Five),
Imagine is a short film about a couple’s struggle to make peace with losing
their daughter after a drowning accident and water’s potentially healing and
enchanted role in the process. The film hosts an ensemble of talented actors and
recognizable faces, including Tom Amandes (Everwood). Imagine is a powerful and
highly entertaining film that examines human nature and its capacity to forgive
and move on. Both Scott Wolf and co-star Melissa Deppe were nominated for Best
Actor and Best Actress in a short. The film was also nominated for Best Short
Film.
Broken Blood is a suspenseful full-length feature film about an unsure movie
star who comes home to face the demons created by his family that have left his
brother in an asylum after being accused of a murder. The film
is well-crafted and developed, especially for such a young director like Derek
Wayne Johnson. Equally impressive as the story and film themselves, is the fact
that director Johnson also plays both twin brothers, alike in nothing but their
bond through the family and hometown.
As a filmgoer, it was exciting to meet Johnson at the screening. He even took
the time to have an extended conversation with me after the Q&A ended. Johnson,
who said he completed the film in less than one short year, takes influence by
actors such as Billy Bob Thornton and movies like Sling Blade and Garden State.
He rightfully won Best Actor in a feature. The film was also nominated for Best
Director (Derek Wayne Johnson), Best Supporting Actor (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and
Best Screenplay (Derek Wayne Johnson and Richmond Arquette).
The Northeast Film Festival proved to be a stellar experience for filmgoers like
myself, having a welcoming yet at the same time prestigious feel. Having the
opportunity to interact with the cast and creators of great film was
unparalleled. At the end of each evening, Larry Rosen followed the Q&A sessions
by inviting everyone in attendance to come to their after party, where they
could attend free of charge, getting to mingle with the directors, actors, and
other guests.
The only thing better than going to the movies is going to the movies all
weekend long! With many commenting that they see this festival growing to be the
next Telluride or Tribeca Film Festival, this festival proved to be the fun,
dynamic affair it was rumored to be.