The 2000 Boston Film Festival

Film festivals are not meant to be glorified excuses for running off to some beautiful city, or stuffing oneself with free food and drinks, or touching up one’s tan by the hotel pool and then, perhaps, seeing a couple of movies. Ideally, they are extraordinary exhibits to attend, where films are viewed for their artistic merit.

On September 8-17, an invading horde of filmmakers, producers, distributors, screenwriters, and film lovers will arrive at the Loews Theatre Copley Place (100 Huntington Avenue, Boston) for the Boston Film Festival. Susan A. Fraine, Executive Director, states that the festival’s goal "is to benefit the audience, the industry, and the filmmakers by launching the fall film season with the finest of independent films present in the market today."

Now in its 16th year, the festival, which is non-competitive, showcases fifty independent features, a selection of shorts, and documentaries. Many of these films will premiere in Boston and if they happen to be shown on American television prior to, or during the festival dates, they will automatically be considered ineligible. Foreign films will be screened in their original language with English subtitles.

Of all the works shown only a few have New England roots. The most obvious example is a short, running time 28 minutes, written and directed by Lawson Clarke. "Nantasket Roads" is a black comedy shot in Boston’s picturesque South Shore. It narrates the story of an amiable young man who tries to help his grandmother break out of her nursing home to take her to the Charles River to watch the fourth of July amazing fireworks.

"Cherry Blossoms" also uses Boston as background to its story. The film is Julie Wai-Sum Yeun’s senior thesis for the Boston University Graduate film production program. It was shot in six different locations last spring throughout Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge. The short deals with death and renewed life amidst change. Based on "The Last Leaf," by O. Henry, this adaptation narrates the life of Cassandra after her father’s passing away. She shuts the world around her but the continuous presence of cherry blossom trees, much loved by her dad, symbolizes hope for a rebirth.

The funny and tender romantic comedy "Henry Hill" is written and directed by a Newton native, David G. Kantar. The story is primarily set in Maine and its protagonist is a talented young violinist, Henry, who is terrified to perform in public. Of course his family’s help only makes matters worse, until a girl named Cynthia enters his life. It is very gratifying to the filmmaker to showcase his first feature in Boston, where family and friends will join him. The picture was well received at the AFI Film Festival and The Florida Film Festival. It can be likened to films like "Shine" and "Sling Blade."

Other films by local filmmakers are "Reckless Indifference," by William Gazecki and "A Fight to the Finish" by Ken Mandel. The first recounts the troubles of middle class families caught up in the criminal justice system, while the second is a documentary that weaves together history and personal stories about America’s struggle against polio. It covers a period of time going from the 1916 epidemic in New York to the 1950’s race for a vaccine.

Special events include the screening of the 1974 horror milestone "The Exorcist" in a restored version. The film’s director, William Friedkin, has added more than one full reel of unused footage. Linda Blair, star of the film, will be in attendance on September 15th at Loews Cheri Theater. At the same location, Jeff Bridges, star of "The Contender," will accept the 2000 Boston Film Excellence Award on September 11th at 7:30 p.m. Ellen Burstyn, starring in "Requiem for a Dream" will be given the same award the following day at the same time.