twin cities film fest kicks off... last night

Yesterday began the inaugural Twin Cities Film Festival.  Things started off with the documentary Waiting For Superman screening at the Mall of America followed by a Q&A with the film's director, Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth).  The 5-day festival continues tonight with three screenings, including Nowhere Boy and locally-made Phasma Ex Machina playing at Block E and the first screening in their Mexican films program, Sin Retorno, playing at the Mall of America.

There was a feature on this festival in Sunday's Strib by movie critic Colin Covert, and I must say it seems he was biting his tongue just a little bit [I'd link to the article, but it's locked for those who don't subscribe to the rag].  For example, sub headers that say "Organizer insists that yes, we do need a new film fest," suggest there's a fair amount of skepticism surrounding this event.  I'd have to count myself as one questioning the need for such a program.  I'll let the Strib article explain my thoughts on this (emphasis mine):

No one could argue that there is a shortage of such events here.  There's the huge Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival... the music-oriented Sound Unseen... specialized Polish, gay, Arab, black, Jewish, Italian and French series, the globetrotting Beyond Borders lineup, even a Bicycle Film Festival.  Some observers would argue that we're already at the saturation point.

Attendance and coverage of the aforementioned events are depressingly sparse, making the need for a "come-one, come-all festival" seem exaggerated.  I would believe it to be very worthwhile for someone to better promote and connect the numerous niche festivals that are already in place, leading to better coverage and attendance for these important and focused cultural events.

Covert's skepticism continues:

Most of the major films are scheduled to arrive in theaters over the next few weeks or months.

Last night, for the price $25, you could've have driven down to Bloomington to view the premiere film.  Or you could wait till Friday when the movie opens up at the Lagoon and catch it for $9.

I don't want to be too much of a downer on this festival, because there are definitely a few worthwhile events, most of which are of the locally-produced variety.  In addition to tonight's Phasma Ex Machina, there are two other feature-length Minnesota-made films, and I'm sure to attend their "Music In Motion" program screening at the Fine Line tomorrow night.

Besides, starting a festival of this size is by no means an easy task.  I'm holding out hope that this year's fest is mostly a chance for the organizers to get their feet wet, stake out their claim in the metro area's film scene, and hopefully expand on their mission and focus in the years to come.