9 Days and counting ...

The Montclair Film Festival is now only nine days away, and it is going to be amazing.  As I volunteered to help with niche marketing, I’ve gotten to know more about the films and events taking place May 1 - 6.  I have some favorites that might slip by you in the 50+ films on the schedule.  They are:

The Atomic States of America -- I didn’t realize over 50% of our energy comes from nuclear in NJ, did you?  This urgent & probing documentary looks at Indian Point and other reactors. Directors Don Argott & Sheena M. Joyce plan to be present.

Unraveled -- Wall Street crook Marc Dreier looks back on his crimes while under house arrest. In person: Director Marc Simon.

We’re Not Broke -- but don’t tell that to us in Essex County, right?  Perhaps not.

Citizens rise up to hold corporations accountable for not paying taxes. In person: Directors Victoria Bruce & Karin Hayes.

Trishna -- a modern day Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Freida Pinto ("Slumdog Millionaire") plays an Indian beauty transported from a village to the mega-city of Mumbai.

Michael Moore -- in conversation with Thom Powers. The Oscar-winning director discusses film, politics and his experiences running the Traverse City Film Festival at the Montclair Art Museum.  This event is close to selling out.

Lemon -- Have you ever stayed up to watch Def Jam Poetry? Three-time felon & one-time Tony winner, Lemon Andersen stages a one-man show. In person: Director Beth Levison.

Last Call at the Oasis -- From the producers of "Food, Inc" comes a powerful film about the world's water crisis.  Water is a closed system.  We do not have enough of it.

Kumaré -- Posing as a guru, the filmmaker raises probing and hilarious questions about faith and identity, virtual and otherwise, complete with a fictional web site. In person: Director Vikram Gandhi (aka Kumaré).  This film is close to selling out.

Tickets are available through the festival web site.

So, if you’ve always wanted to go to Sundance but couldn't spare the time, or missed out on the recent Tribeca Film Festival because it was just too crazy to get in and out of NYC, the festival has come to you.  I’m really happy for Montclair!