Batesville

Batesville and the surrounding Ozark Foothills region boast a rich racing culture rooted in the history of the Batesville Speedway and chronicled in the newly-constructed Mark Martin Museum. To celebrate this heritage, the festival has assembled an outstanding and varied group of indie films from different regions of the country, each with its own unique racing events and traditions. DIRT, DEMOLITION 7; GO FAST, TURN LEFT: VOICES FROM ORANGE COUNTY SPEEDWAY, and 4-CYLINDER 400 capture the passions of both racers and fans. SHINER provides a refreshing, ironic perspective on mankind’s attachment to the auto. As a group, they demonstrate an impressive array of filmmaking styles and approaches while providing a rare glimpse into the racing life.

The festival kicks off with the first of four screenings about motor sports and the people who play them. Director Jeff Bowden will be on hand for the Arkansas premiere of his award-winning documentary DIRT.

In the tradition of drunken high schoolers and shop mechanics, a disgruntled young man exacts his revenge.

Produced and directed by Jeff Bowden, Dallas TX. Co-directed by Greg Biggerstaff, Leah Marino, Arbor Watt. (2005, 81 min.)

"We find ourselves in the midst of the most competitive season ever at the World Class Street Stocks, Devil’s Bowl, Mesquite Texas, and very quickly, we realize, there’s nowhere else we would rather be. If big screen racing pictures have always maintained a distance from the viewer, a glimpse into an expensive world of pit crews and glamour that never really engages, Bowden’s documentary reminds us that with a little technical know-how and a couple of hundred bucks we could soup up that old bomb in your Uncle Pete’s back yard and spend the weekends careening around a dirt track crashing into and bad-mouthing anyone who gets in the way."

Best Documentary Feature, 2006 Austin Film Festival; Best Cinematography, 2006 Rhode Island Film Festival

As a prelude to their Friday evening performance, the members of Kansas City's Doug Talley Quartet will host an informal lecture/demonstration that seeks to increase listeners' understanding and appreciation of jazz music. This interactive demonstration will reveal that, while improvisatory jazz may sound random, the form has rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic patterns and that discerning the patterns contributes to the listener's enjoyment.

London is being terrorized by a Jack the Ripper-style murderer, the Avenger, who targets young blond-haired women. A mysterious new lodger arrives at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, whose daughter Daisy (blond, of course) is courted by a policeman on the case. When the lodger begins behaving strangely, he attracts suspicion, particularly when he shows an interest in Daisy.

"THE LODGER is in every way a remarkable achievement...Witty, visually inventive, genuinely disturbing despite its conventions, understated and economical (especially in its use of dialogue intertitles), it withstands multiple viewings and is virtually a textbook for Hitchcock's later work. There is, most of all, his favorite theme: an innocent man wrongly accused of a crime."

The lecture and performance by the Doug Talley Quartet are supported by Mid-America Arts Alliance with generous underwriting by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arkansas Arts Council, and foundations, corporations and individuals throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Post-Concert Reception

Join the Doug Talley Quartet and FilmFest supporters at this intimate late-night reception. Refreshments provided by Serenity Farm Bread of Leslie, Cooking Secrets of Batesville, and George's Liquor of Newport.

Friday, March 23, 9:30 PM

Cooking Secrets, 991 Batesville Blvd.

FOOTHILLS FILM SOCIETY MEMBERS ONLY (Memberships may be purchased at the event or click here to purchase a Membership in advance)

A short satire that explores society's definitions of violence and an apparent de-sensitization to violence brought on by media saturation.

Live-action fantasy about a giant red playground ball who finds true love and real danger in the big city. Filmmaker Chuck Moore wrote, directed, shot, edited and scored this playful homage to the classic French children's film THE RED BALLOON.

Produced, directed and edited by Laura Kissel, Columbia SC. Sound design by Joe Milutis. (2005, 40 min.)

The landscapes that we build and the landscapes that we remember are evocative locations, and never static. They are sites of struggle and change. This experimental, non-fiction film explores the site of Cabin Field, a mile-long stretch of agricultural land in Crisp County, Georgia. Through the memories of land owners, farmers, residents and agricultural laborers past and present, CABIN FIELD examines evidence both visible and submerged, material and ephemeral.

"Kissel has an eye for arresting visuals--the movie opens with a rain of peanuts and a gyrating satellite shot of the area that look like abstract images before you realize what they are--and her elliptical approach unearths bits of the land's history from Creek Indian territory through the days when it was farmed by African-American sharecroppers and into the modern-day South." --Lee Gardner, Baltimore City paper

Jury Citation Award, 2006 Black Maria Film and Video Festival; Best Documentary, 2006 Delta International Film and Video Festival

For 150 years the old brick farmhouse spent the days watching the changing of the seasons, and the passing of the years. After 150 years, the summers pass now as if in just one day. The baby birds grow and leave the nest, the fruit ripens, and the leaves change and eventually fall from the tree. All the while, new houses are being built on the old farmland. They are large, fancy, and expensive. But will these new homes be standing in 150 years?

Written and directed by Lisa Rhoden Boyd, Alhambra CA. Starring Evan Sanders, Emma Brand, Donna Clevenger, Austin Sanders, Glen A. Braden. (2006, 30 min.)

BILLY is the poetic story of a young boy's search for God within the chaotic confines of his dysfunctional family.

REMI Winner for Outstanding Creativity, 2006 WorldFest Independent Film Festival

FAIRY GODMOTHER OF THE OZARKS tells the story of an amazing statewide volunteer group that came together to support the Ozark Folk Center and has grown into an incredible model of what can be accomplished with dedication, enthusiasm, and shared purpose. In the words of filmmaker Lenore Shoults, herself a member of the Committee of 100, "The glue that holds the group together is the heritage that is preserved at the Folk Center and the way of life grounded in family and friendship. Lifelong friendships have been established within the Committee among women who would never have otherwise crossed paths."

Directed and edited by Kevin Clark, Conway AR. Produced by Joseph Anders and Donna Lampkin Stephens. (2006, 90 min.)

For nearly 172 years, even before Arkansas was a state, the Arkansas Gazette served as the newspaper of record for Arkansans. Under the watch of J. N. Heiskell, who served as editor of the paper from 1902 until 1972, the Gazette became one of the most progressive and literate newspapers in America. During the charged racial climate of the 1950's, in spite of advertising boycotts, subscription cancellations and threats of violence, the Gazette stood for law and order and decency against the segregationist administration of Orval Faubus. For that stance the Gazette won two Pultizer Prizes. Mary Steenburgen provides the voice of the lady in The Old Gray Lady - Arkansas's First Newspaper, an artful and accurate telling of the history of a proud and progressive newspaper of a southern state.

Written, directed, and edited by Alan Berg, Austin TX. Produced by Anne Walker-McBay, Shelley Barberot, Alan Berg, Troy Campbell, Matthew Franklin; cinematography by Matthew Franklin; publicist Jason Wehling. Music by The Pat Barberot Orchestra. (2006, 78 min.)

It’s Sunday night, and the Jefferson Orleans is buzzing as veteran orchestrator Pat Barberot’s big band kicks into a sizzling rendition of “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Decked to the nines, septuagenarians and octogenarians hit the dance floor, all of them relishing this wartime era wonderland. Filmmaker Alan Berg endearingly captures a sacred New Orleans space for friendship, romance and good times. Not even the aftermath of Katrina can hamper the spirits of the club’s clientele, who remain determined to use the best of the past to enjoy the present.

Filmmakers Reception

An opportunity to clear your eyes and converse with filmmakers Kevin Clark and Laura Varela and cinematographer Matthew Franklin. Refreshments provided by MorningSide Coffee House and Daylight Donuts.

Saturday, March 24, 6:30 PM

Independence Hall, UACCB

F R E E

Directed by Laura Varela, San Antonio TX. Produced by Fernando S. Cano II; edited by Anne Lewis and Guillermina Zabala. (2007, 56 min.)

Examines the personal toll and legacy of the Viet Nam War on three South Texas artists–-visual artist Juan Farias, author Michael Rodriguez, and poet/performance artist Eduardo Garza. The stories of these veterans and their families take us through a journey of their lives: growing up in the Mexican American community; their military service in Viet Nam; their lives after the war. Through their stories we examine the role art plays in the sorting of memories, PTSD, activism and the current conflict in Iraq. Juxtaposes images of South Texas during the Viet Nam War and the Chicano Civil Rights Movement with present day images of the vibrant Chicano Art scene in San Antonio.

DIRECTOR LAURA VARELA WILL INTRODUCE THE FILM AND LEAD A POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION

The screening and discussion with filmmaker Laura Varela are supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

By Lisa Alvarado, Fayetteville AR. Music by Ross Hurley, Half Scorpio, Ultra Suede, L.A. & Mustin. (2006, 45 min.)

Northwest Arkansas has seen a tremendous growth of motorcycle riders in recent years. Pig Trail Harley-Davidson’s Grand Opening is a huge hit with bikers who come from miles around to join in the grand festivities. “Bikes, Blues, & BBQ” Bike Rally draws thousands of people to the area’s largest event of the year. Bikers come from all walks of life and are joined by a common thread ... Motorcycles. BIKER STORIES 2 reveals the inside track on this unique and growing culture of man and machine.

"Just as the title might seem to indicate DEMOLITION 7 is an insider look at a demolition derby in black and white with stills, staccato video, and multi screen imagery. Rampaging drivers, a fight and junker car wrecks contribute to a chaotic scene in this ragged and captivating portrait of an American subculture." --Website of the Black Maria Film and Video Festival

Produced and directed by John Finn, Bovina NY. Co-directed by Garret Savage and Harlo Bray. (2004, 23 min.)

In our modern-day litigious society, who would have thought to hack a hole through the family barn and race cars through it? Well, the LaFever family of tiny Bovina Center, NY did. Now the Annual Barnyard Car Race has become a town tradition, drawing an audience of hundreds on one Saturday every August. The rules of the race are simple: no car can cost more than $300, each car must have a 4-cylinder engine, and hitting another racer's driver's-side door is prohibited. Featuring an original soundtrack by alt-rockers Disciples of Agriculture and Big Barn Burning.

In the tradition of drunken high schoolers and shop mechanics, a disgruntled young man exacts his revenge.

Produced and directed by John Finn, Bovina, NY. Co-Directed by Garret Savage and Harlo Bray. (2004, 23 min.)

"Just as the title might seem to indicate “demolition 7” is an insider look at a demolition derby in black and white with stills , staccato video, and multi screen imagery. Rampaging drivers, a fight and junker car wrecks contribute to a chaotic scene in this ragged and captivating portrait of an American subculture." --Website of the Black Maria Film and Video Festival

Journey to the grassroots of stock car racing as drivers, their family members, and track officials share insights into the challenges and rewards of competing in the minor leagues of the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Like many independent race tracks across the country, Orange County serves as a meeting place for a southern racing community both connected to and far removed from the multi-million dollar, image-driven world of NASCAR's big leagues.

Three movies from the acclaimed Appalshop media arts and education center explore personal, local, and national responses to the devastation brought on by the coal industry.

Filmmaker Robert Salyer was one of the first people on the scene with a video camera after 300 million gallons of coal slurry entered the Big Sandy River, killing aquatic life in over 30 miles of river. Salyer followed the government agencies and community members through their clean up efforts, revealing surprising connections between regulators and industry.

THE BREAKS OF THE MOUNTAIN is a documentary about a rugged gorge that forms the Virginia - Kentucky state line. From this gorge springs a classic American story about how America developed, and what our nation's challenges are for the future. Director Tom Hansell tells the story of local people's efforts to replace a depressed coal mining economy with sustainable tourism initiatives. Most of the footage is shot inside the 4500 acre Breaks Interstate Park. THE BREAKS OF THE MOUNTAIN is a compelling presentation of local visions for a self-sustaining economy in rural America.

SLOW VOLTAGE takes the "mash up" approach to music popularized by dance music DJ's and applies it to documentary film. Tom Hansell has collected old educational films and remixed them with present day documentary footage to illustrate the connection between society's increasing appetite for electricity and the Appalachian Coalfields.

The 48 Hour Film Project was founded in 2001, quickly became a sensation in several of the country’s filmmaking centers, and rapidly expanded to achieve a national presence. Since coming to Little Rock three years ago, the project has captured the attention and talents of many of Arkansas’ emerging filmmakers. The project’s tight deadline of 48 hours puts the focus squarely on the filmmakers—emphasizing creativity and teamwork. This program includes 9 films from the 2006 Little Rock competition, all award-winners. The 2006 48 Hour coordinator Mitchell Patterson will attend to discuss the national 48 Hour picture, the 2007 Little Rock competition, and how to assemble a team and make your own seven-minute masterpiece. Several of the 2006 competition filmmakers will be present to share their tales of triumph and woe.

Best Musical Score, Best Cinematography, Best Acting, Best Film, Audience Award Winner

2006 LITTLE ROCK 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT COORDINATOR MITCHELL PATTERSON IN ATTENDANCE

Matt, a mechanic at his father's garage, dreams about leaving his small town existence and pursuing grander ambitions. But strong feelings about a new girlfriend and a deep bond with his parents and brother prevent Matt's escape, despite pressure from his best friend Schultz to take off with him immediately. A powerful and vivid coming-of-age story.

Best Picture and Best Director, 2006 California Independent Film Festival; Best Narrative Feature, 2006 Rome International Film Festival; Best Narrative Feature and Best Screenplay, 2006 Idaho Panhandle International Film Festival; Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, 2006 Fargo Film Festival

Batesville Screenings & Events

March 22-25