Mizuho

We have a new family member! Mizuho Komatani is an exchange student from Osaka, Japan, and she will be staying with us until July 5. Mizuho and I are pictured below. I am wearing a fantastic jinbei given to me by Mizuho. The shirt comes with matching shorts, and together they are traditional summer clothing. I look forward to wearing my jinbei soon.

Flick list

I watched the following full feature documentary films at the True/False Film Fest this weekend. Pat saw a couple others, and there were still many others we did not see. I rated the films. * = yawn; ***** = show it again right now

The Tightrope **** The cinematography was absolutely fabulous.

Circo *** Don't run away to the circus until after you see this movie.

The British in Bed *** When Harry Meets Sally meets "60 Minutes."

a secret screening of Goold's Gold **** Oh, Alaska! I long for wandering in your wilderness.

The Red Chapel *** Now I understand the value of freedom.

Familia *** Life should never be that hard.

Enemies of the People ***** Life lessons in perseverance and forgiveness that will change your life.

Greetings From the Woods **A film conceived without intent and succeeded.

The Mirror *** A reflection of passion wrapped in the beautiful majesty of the Italian Alps.

Cowboys in India **** Social consciousness hijacked by Gonzo journalism.

Waking Sleeping Beauty *****Now it all makes sense.

Want to know more? Go here for descriptions of the films.

2010 was the best T/F ever. See you at the silver screen next year.

T/F Film Fest

Hey everybody, what time is it? It's True/False Film Fest time! Yes, it is that magical time of year when documentary film makers from around the globe flock to Columbia to show their wares to massive hoards of film-o-philes. Film philios is the pathos du jour. The upshot is we watch 12-15 full feature films in four days, and then we bolt to the optometrist for treatment of acute square eyes.

Below, Pat is fired up and ready to watch a secret (pre-premiere) screening of a movie. I'd tell you the movie, but then it wouldn't be a secret, would it? Goold's Gold! How in the world did you guess?

Claire took a study break to join us for the infamous March-March, which is the annual, ragtag-esque, quasi-improvisational True/False Film Fest parade. You don't need a float, tractor, fancy car, fire engine or costume to march in the March-March. You don't even have to be a queen, mayor or Shriner. Just show up with a smile, and get your march on.

Matt, Debi, Claire and Christy are giddy with anticipation as the parade is about to begin.

Where does the parade start? Where does it go? Who knows? Who cares? Join the parade. Follow the crowd. It's all fun.

Here is a snapshot of some March-March marchers marching.

This is a picture of the barnacles that decorate the walls of the Blue Note, which is one of the nine venues where the films are flicked. Claire was one of the 600 volunteers that helped make the festival a success. Among her duties was to make these barnacles to partially portray the air, wind and water theme.