FILM FRIDAY WASP

short and oh so wonderful. today's film friday is the oscar winning short film ‘wasp’ by the most amazing director andrea arnold.  it's 20 minutes of raw, truthful and heartfelt storytelling. 'wasp' follows a day in the life of a young mother with four kids, without much money or emotional resources, who reconnects with an old boyfriend. it’s heartbreakingly lovely. the kind of film i want to write, the kind of film i want to make. the kind of film that stays with you for a long, long time. do yourself a storytelling favor and watch the film here.

FILM FRIDAY THE WAR PHOTOGRAPHER

in lieu of the horrible events that have occurred in boston, afghanistan, texas and syria this past week, my film friday post is about war. specifically about one man's journey to show us the realities of war so that we may see our insanity and stop hurting each other. the war photographer is an incredible film. it is an accurate portrayal of one the world's best photojournalists, james nachtwey. he is a dear friend of mine, and as far as i'm concerned, one of the most powerful forces in the anti-war movement. his photos expose the true nature of war, it's randomness, it's devastation and the costs in terms of pain, suffering and exploitation of innocent victims. it is a fascinating documentary, and watching james nachtwey navigate war-torn situations with such calm and focus, sets an example of how we can all face this evil with the assurance of a master. "I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated." James Nachtwey.

i am praying for the victims of these horrific bombings in boston and praying for the perpetrators who have caused such damage. and as saddened as i am that this has happened, i am grateful every time i see one of james nachtwey's photos, that someone is still out there fighting the good fight. may we all learn that war is not the answer. to any of our conflicts. war is never the answer.   all photos: james nachtwey

FILM FRIDAY SI PUO FARE

in keeping with an italian theme, i was invited to a screening at the italian film festival this weekend where i saw giulio manfredonia's film si puo fare(translated as 'we can do that'). si puo fare is a perfectly delightful movie.  the movie is based on an amalgamation of true stories about mental institutions and the mentally ill in italy during the 1980's. in the late 80's italy closed down many of their mental institutions releasing thousands of mental patients into society without training, support or preparation.  si puo fare follows a group of mental patients(think 'one flew over the cuckoos nest') as they navigate life in the 'normal' world. this film is a lovely examination of mental illness and the medicalization of groups of people. it's worth seeing if you can find it....check here for rest of sd festival or here to find an italian film festival in your town! xo, annette  ps. the soundtrack is fantastic!  if anyone can find it please let me know.

FILM FRIDAY (MONDAY) NIGHTS OF CABIRIA

i watched this film again this weekend. in honor of roger ebert, and in honor of great films. fellini's nights of cabiria is such a lovely movie, and it's the film where i fell in love with gulieta masina.