2007 San Francisco Women's Film Festival Film Descriptions

April 11, 2007-LGBTQ Cinema

Trained in the Ways of Men directed by Shelly Prevost (U.S.A., 2006, 5 min/trailer)

Is a documentary that explores the controversial events surrounding the violent murder of Gwen Araujo in Newark California- a murder that shocked the country when it made national headlines.

One Wedding and a Revolution directed by Debra Chasnoff (U.S.A., 2004, 20 min)

In February 2004, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom made headlines when he decided to grant marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. This film reveals the inspiration, motivation and political challenges behind the mayor’s landmark decision.

Make a Move directed by Hanifah Walidah (U.S.A., 2006, 6 min)

Is a music video that depicts gay women of color in a celebratory, complex and witty matter.

Team Queen directed by Leah Meyerhoff (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
A music video about a new girl in school that is thrown into a topsy-turvy madhouse of high school hellcats. Music by queer punk band Triple Crème and features the best of New York burlesque.

Jaywalking directed by Leigh Lacobucci and Kathy Huang (U.S.A., 2006, 10 min)
Takes a look at the rarely depicted and poorly understood life of drag kings. Through the eyes of Jay Walker, an up and coming drag king, the video explores the mysteries, complexities, and allure of women performing as men.
Eklektika Dance School directed by Maria Takacs (U.S.A., 2004, 15 min)
The dancers of Eklektika Dance School, one of the centres of Budapest’s LGBT life tell us of how the school has strengthened their identity.

Desperate for Love by Angel L. Brown (U.S.A., 2006, 22 min)

Is about a young professional black lesbian getting back into the dating scene after heartbreak.

Godspeed co-directed by Lynn Breedlove and Jen Gilomen (U.S.A., 2006, 5 min)
A speed freak bike messenger who passes as a boy fights the world and his own lust for thrills to win the love of a stripper, and find his heart on the way.
Hung directed by Guinevere Turner (U.S.A., 2005, 12 min)
With the help of a magic potion, five lesbian friends experience a penis for a single day-sunrise to sunset. The day’s goal is clear, but the means are more difficult to come as each puts her best foot forward to meet a special someone.
Hummer directed by Guinevere Turner (U.S.A., 2004, 10 min)
Casey, a young woman who is unsure of her existing relationship with Sam, the perfect woman in all respects, except that she hums! The mindless humming distracts Casey to no end and it takes a candlelight dinner with friends to realize whom she wants to be with.

APRIL 13, 2007-DOCUMENTARY AND ACTIVISM PANEL
(excerpts of documentaries will be screened with panel discussion)

Voices of Dissent directed by Karil Daniels (U.S.A., 2004, 42 min)
A powerful film about the brave citizens that are standing up to defend our American heritage: First Amendment rights and civil liberties against the government’s attempt to repress democracy and our freedom to dissent.

Texas Gold directed by Carolyn Scott (U.S.A., 2005, 21 min)
A story about Diane Wilson, a fourth generation fisher woman and mother of five. She began her fight with the giants of the petro-chemical industry in 1989 when she discovered that her small Texas county has been named one of the most toxic place in America.
The Future of Food directed by Deborah Koons-Garcia (U.S.A., 2004, 88 min)
Explores the revolution that is transforming what we eat-the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, genetically modified foods that have quietly filled U.S grocery store shelves for the past decade.
Stealing America: Vote by Vote directed by Dorothy Fadiman (U.S.A., 2006, 90 min)
Documents significant irregularities in the Presidential election of 2004 while underscoring the fact that election fraud and reform are not partisan issues. The film weaves together dramatic behind-the-scenes experiences of poll workers, computer security experts, journalists, politicians, activists and voters of all ages.

Have you Heard from Johannesburg directed by Connie Field (U.S.A., 2004, Series)

This documentary series covers the international anti-apartheid movement through Mandela's release from prison.

APRIL 14, 2007-NEXT GENERATION: YOUTH FILMS SHORTS PROGRAM co- presented by The Factory/BAVC and TILT Media/Film Arts Foundation.

Slip of the Tongue directed by Karen Lum (U.S.A., 2005, 5 min)
A short film adapted from a spoken word poem by Adriel Luis.

Stainless directed by Juliana Specter (U.S.A., 2006, 11 min)
When a queer teenager stains her clothes, she must find a way to come out to her parents without her lucky shirt.
Where Have We Been All This Time? directed by Ericka Sokolower-Shain (U.S.A., 2006, 7 min)
The lives of passengers briefly intersect on a BART train.
A Conversation Between Two Miserable People In Dr. Tourin’s Waiting Room
      directed by Melissa Wee (U.S.A., 2006, 10 min)
Follows the conversation between two miserable strangers as they wait for their psychiatrist. In the conversation, they address two types of commons problems: existential and love.
War Machine co-directed by Amelia Garrucho (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
What does it mean to be a soldier in a time of war, terrorism, and fear?
Art is Education directed by Daisy Khamphakdy (U.S.A., 2006, 1 min)
The PSA warns against the ever-diminishing funds for arts education in Bay Area public schools.
Five Different Ways directed by Grace Rathbone-Webber (U.S.A., 2006, 30 sec)
In this anti-smoking PSA, the unsuspecting power of a cigarette is revealed to be as deathly as suicide.
The Fall Of directed by America Velasquez (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
This music video features a local band, Dreamt Alive.

APRIL 14, 2007- MATINEE SHORTS PROGRAM

WORLD PREMIERE/Experimental
Let’s Make Up a Story directed by Ethel B. Agonoy (U.S.A., 2006, 3 min)
A film compiled together with experimentation in mind. The director cut, painted, taped, roto scoped, and scratched various strips of film.

Little Red Riding Hood directed by SJ Chiro (U.S.A., 2006, 11 min)
A new spin on the old fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood.
WEST COAST PREMIERE/ Drama
Regarding Sarah directed by Michelle Porter (U.S.A., 2006, 14 min)
An elderly woman desperately tries to record her memory before she forgets it. In the last desperate attempt to maintain control of her life, she begins to videotape everything: from momentous events to the tiniest details of daily living.
WEST COAST PREMIERE/ Drama
Gandhi at the Bat directed by Stephanie Argy and Alec Boehm (U.S.A., 2006,11 min)
Recently unearthed newsreel footage proves at last that Mohandas K. Gandhi pitch-hit for the New York Yankees in 1933, humbling the mighty Philadelphia Athletics.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Drama
A Short Tale of Xuan directed by Terrie Samundra (U.S.A., 2006, 12 min)
A coming of age story about a young Vietnamese girl from an immigrant family. She is a young scavenger, collecting found objects and the stores that they carry. Her imagination blends with reality as she navigates through the world of in between childhood and adulthood.
WEST COAST PREMIERE/Drama
Snow Queen directed by Danishka Esterhazy (Canada, 2005, 12 min)
When a real world turns sour, ten-year old Talia finds shelter in a fantasy world of ice and snow. But as life becomes more difficult, Talia’s daydreams become less protective and more menacing.
WEST COAST PREMIERE/Drama
Halley’s Comet directed by Cecilia Araneda (Canada, 2005, 12 min)
A woman that recalls a dying childhood friend’s dream to watch Halley’s comet pass by the earth.

APRIL 14, 2007- DOCUMENTARY AND ACTIVISM SHORTS PROGRAM

WEST COAST PREMIERE/Documentary
New Woman: Annie “Londonberry” Kopchovsky directed by Gillian Klempner (U.S.A., 2006, 8 min)
A story about a 23-year old Jewish immigrant who in 1895 became the first woman to cycle around the world.

SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Documentary
Fashion Resistance to Militarism directed by Kimberly Alvarenga (U.S.A., 2006, 10 min)
A fresh, provocative look at the Military’s influence on fashion and popular culture.
WEST COAST PREMIERE/ Documentary
Flag Day directed by Kristy Higby (U.S.A., 2006, 7 min)
This year, in Camden Maine, a man got tired of hiding the death the Iraq war is bringing us…he planted flags, one for each dead soldier, in his yard…and now the flags are moving one yard to the next, a visible reminded of the number, rising daily, of the dead.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Documentary
Meet Moby directed by (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
Musician Moby composes a powerful message for those with an appetite for humane living, and ask that we look at life on today’s farm before deciding what we eat.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Documentary
I Choose Me directed by Michelle Eggers (U.S.A., 2006, 13 min)
An experimental documentary addressing a brief historic and current trend toward criminalizing abortion rights.
Sinew directed by Patty L. Collins (U.S.A., 2006, 23 min)
At the age of six, Betty Cooper, Blackfeet, is ripped from her loving family and culture and forced into boarding school. Gone is her native language, religion and Blackfeet family values. Join us for her inspiring journey.
WORLD PREMIERE/Documentary
Blank Canvas directed by Ashley Phelps (U.S.A., 2006, 8 min)
A documentary about women and addiction. Through connecting with other artists in recovery, these women rebuild their lives and find a voice in artistic expression.

APRIL 15, 2007- CHILDREN’S ANIMATION (co-curated by SFWFF/San Francisco International Children’s Film Festival)

Wake Up Alice directed by Jessica Hokanson (U.S.A., 2006, 3 min)

A short but sweet re-telling of Alice in Wonderland, made of entirely with rubber bands.

Gidgie and Philly directed by Katie Maren (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
Philly quietly tries to sneak out of the house to go fishing. His little brother Gidgie stands behind him with questioning eyes. Gidgie really wants to go fishing, too, but Philly won't hear of it
Pockets directed by Sophie O'Hara (U.S.A., 2006, 3 min)
After losing the pockets of her dress, a woman experiences joy of motherhood and what it means to be a pocket- to hold, to protect and to finally let go.
Ballun directed by Monica Hoge (U.S.A., 2006, 10 min)
A curious boy escapes his stagnant home to explore a carnival over the ridge.
Waiting for the Rain directed by Amy Chan (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
Tells a story of a boy who discovers empathy and thus grows emotionally. It begins with the boy, stranded in a desert alone, waiting for the rain. Instead of rain, a teddy bear falls from the clouds above.
Frogs, Toads and Love directed by Maggie Kraisamutr and Barbara Parks (U.S.A., 2006, 3 min)
A boy burps spiders, frogs and flowers. That must have been some meal. A real charmer!
Edgar and Ellen directed by Sarah Bierig (U.S.A., 2006, 2 min)
Twin pranksters Edgar and Ellen engage mischief and cause mayhem, but learn something along the way.
Wayang directed by Christie Widiarto (Australia, 2005, 5 min)
While waiting for her mother after an Indonesian shadow puppet show, Anna becomes part of the shadow world. By helping a monster puppet prove himself, she learns communication is about more than just words.
To A Man With A Big Nose directed by Cecilia Aranovich (U.S.A., 2005, 4 min)
Your nose is there for a reason, so use it.
Bubble directed by Maija Burnett (U.S.A., 2005, 4 min)
A boy lives in a bubble-world that only he can dream up the means to escape.
The Gift directed by Sarah Gencarelli (U.S.A., 2005, 3 min)
A boy helps a fox and the fox returns the favor.
The Sisters directed by Alissa Hendricks (U.S.A., 2005, 3 min)
Sisters. You can (almost) always count on them.
Calories directed by Rachel Maguire (U.S.A., 2005, 1 min)
Calories = Energy = well, you do the math.
Marvelous, Keen Loony Bin directed by Lizzi Akana (U.S.A., 2005, 6 min)
Strange going-on, with bread, balloons and other matters.
Juxtaposer directed by Joanna Davidovich (U.S.A., 2005, 4 min)
The world goes by as a girl reads her newspaper, her isolation is interrupted by a frisky cat.
Linear Progression directed by Kat Kosmala (U.S.A., 2005, 4 min)
A breezy day, a straight path ahead, and all the grass you can eat. In such a comfortable existence lives the orange, warty, and sociologically untraceable protagonist of Linear Progression.
Soup directed by Meghann Artes (U.S.A., 2005, 5 min)
Soup's on! Whoa, What is that in the soup?
Bibi directed by Lola and Bek (U.S.A., 2005, 7 min)
Bibi, an adventurous little girl full of ideas. She always wants to grow up, explore and go places.
Do Other Things directed by Helena Giersz (U.S.A., 2005, 4 min)
Two bunny rabbits search for a good apple pie. Who can blame them?
Heart & Mole directed by Katharina Frank (U.S.A., 2004, 4 min)
Love overcomes, regardless whether from above or underneath.
Nellie's Adventure directed by Shelley Blanchette (U.S.A., 2004, 5 min)
Some dogs can sniff the good life a mile away.
Fabricland Surprise directed by Emily O'Keefe (U.S.A., 2006, 7 min)
A costume party in Fabricland is hosted by Mr. Fancy Pants. One mysterious guest reveals a shocking surprise.
Folklore Restaurant directed by Tomoko Oguchi (U.S.A., 2005, 15 min)
Explores the strength of the fox tales originating from Native America, Finland, and Japan.

APRIL 15, 2007- CLOSING NIGHT

US PREMIERE/Experimental Documentary
Kirby directed by Jennie Thwing (U.S.A., 2006, 2 min)
A musical interview with the filmmaker's grandfather about his fears, joys, and regrets.
The Touch directed by Vanessa Woods (U.S.A., 2006, 3 min)
A meditation on based on a poem by Anne Sexton. The film examines melodies within spoken, written and visual language and how they can intersect.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Animation
Insect directed by Madga Matwiejew (Austrailia, 2006, 4 min)
A journey of erotic imagination, a world where all things become possible.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Experimental Animation
EL Doctor directed by Suzann Pitt (U.S.A., 2006, 24 min)
An animated story of a drunken doctor and his surreal experiences in a crumbling Mexican hospital. Inhabited by surreal characters including a man shot with one hundred holes, the girl who sprouted morning glories, and the woman who thinks she is a horse.
SAN FRANCISCO PREMIERE/Experimental Animation
Prickle Britches directed by Jill Johnston-Price (U.S.A., 2006, 6 min)
Prickly roses, entangling barbs, zigzagging webs, exotic spinsters, capricious pussies, counterfeit mothers, and babbling battologists conspire to seduce a young girl through a deliriously surreal journey.
Suburbia directed by Penelope Spheeris (U.S.A., 1983, 94 min)
When household tensions and a sense of worthlessness overcome Evan, he finds escape when he clings with the orphans of a throwaway society. The runaways hold on to each other like a family until a tragedy tears them apart.

APRIL 15, 2007- HORROR/SCI-FI SHORT FILM PROGRAM

The Boarder directed by Susan Bell (U.S.A., 2006, 8 min)
Charlie suspects the boarder renting a room in his house has a sinister secret, which might just be much more than he bargained for.
The Resurrectionist directed by Susan Bell (U.S.A., 2006, 8 min)
In 1847 in the Deep South, a lowly gravedigger, Fredrick, struggles to provide for his family. At the urging of his wife Elizabeth, Fredrick steals a recently buried corpse to sell to the local medical college for anatomy study.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE/Experimental Animation
Heading Home directed by Jane Rose (U.S.A., 2006, 11 min)
An adaptation of Ramsey Campbell's classic short story. The scientific progress is never for the faint of heart, but when Edward's less-than understanding wife and her lover interfere with his work, he is forced to go to the extreme lengths.
Replacing Delphine directed by Kasia Kowalczyk (U.S.A., 2006, 6 min)
Twenty-five years after losing his daughter in a house fire, Professor Paroux begins to lose his way in this haunting fairy tale about love, loss and taxidermy.
Movie Monster Insurance directed by Paula Haifley (U.S.A., 2006, 4 min)
Have you ever wondered what would happen to your family if you were attacked by a movie monster? What if you were so incapacitated that you couldn’t work? Couldn’t drive? Isn’t it time you protect your family? Learn about the Standard Company’s Movie Monster Insurance Policy.
Zombies in Love directed by Laureen Briggs (U.S.A., 2006, 8 min)
Follow the misadventures of Rob the Zombie Boy as he tries to win the affections of the school’s head cheerleader, Bruisey Benson! Marvel as an average teenager with a slight case of rigor mortis competes with the school’s quarterback for the most gruesome gal in school!
A through M directed by Heidi Miami Marshal (U.S.A., 2006, 17 min)
A woman returns home to learn that the man she once loved now works for the government she is committed to overthrowing. Both are arrested and the only way out for them is cooperation or death.
Bad Dreams directed by Anneli Gelbard and Fansu NJie (Sweden, 2006, 25 min)
Theo has had nightmares all his life. When a hospital tries out a new drug that’s supposed to help people with nightmares, he signs up not knowing that it will turn out to be a nightmare worse than his own. Constantly waking up, but never awake, Theo finds it hard to differ the reality from his dreams.
Post Mortem directed by Jennifer Soemantri (U.S.A., 2005, 15 min)
During a mysterious epidemic, an intern
and a security guard at an emergency morgue must survive the night as they watch over the dead.