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DN Picks: Mar11

OK you got us! March on DN has undoubtedly been dominated by SXSW and so too have the picks of the month. But on the other hand, there are also four documentary picks this month and how many film sites could say that?

DN SXSW2011: Way of the Morris – Tim Plester – I remember seeing English Language with English Subtitles by Tim Plester at Filmstock a few years ago and I remember being blown away by his clever short. Since my first encounter with the talented actor/writer/directors work, I’ve spotted him in numerous adverts, as well as a great cameo in Kick-Ass. It’s great to see directors we’ve featured on the site flourish and with Tim Plester’s eclectic output he definitely looks like one to watch.

An Island – Watching An Island seems to have ruined Efterklang’s music for me forever! Moon managed to capture the spirit and playfulness of the band’s live performance on film so beautifully, the albums just feel flat and lifeless in comparison. Surely, that’s the sign of a great music documentary!

DN SXSW2011 – Sound It Out – Jeanie Finlay – I miss making documentaries, and the type of documentaries that focus on “small and personal stories” are ones I tend to enjoy more than most. Being a student producer I’m constantly looking for ways to raise money for my films and Jeanie and MarBelle’s discussion into crowd funding is so interesting to listen to, not only for people like me but all artists out there.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams – There’s something wrong if a filmmaker/lover doesn’t admire Werner Herzog. I’m yet to watch Cave of Forgotten Dreams but this review has made me even more excited.

DN SXSW2011: Attenberg – Athina Rachel Tsangari – When DN launched in ’06 it was with one simple (and selfish) intention; find films I love and get their directors to tell me how they made them. Along the way that intention has evolved into a desire to broaden and enrich the discussion around independent filmmaking. Spending 90 minutes talking film with Attenberg director Athina Rachel Tsangari felt like taking the next step in my film education. She questioned my assumptions and laid out new directions of thought for me to follow. I REALLY wish she was available to be my regular coffee shop film school tutor.