The 28th annual Boston Film Festival, which opens Thursday and runs through Sept. 28, boasts a lineup that includes “The Sessions” (next Sunday) starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt and already generating Oscar buzz. Another big title is the topical political thriller “A Dark Truth” (Friday) featuring Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, and Eva Longoria. It’s about a multinational engineering corporation that with the aid of corrupt governments controls the water rights of developing countries.
As with any festival that tries to balance Hollywood and indie, it’s often the less star-studded fare that’s most enticing. “We’re happy to be able to offer our audience the opportunity to see big pre-releases, but we lean to new filmmakers who need this kind of forum to get attention,” says BFF executive director Robin Dawson. One of her favorites is the documentary “Free Throw” (Sept. 24).
Comments
Great article. What makes the Boston Film Festival so exciting is that it showcases such a wide range of films, usually providing the first chance to see them -- whether world, U.S. or regional premieres. From the Hollywood or micro budget feature to the indie documentary to the restored classic (this year, "The Shining" with a panel discussion) to the short film (such as my half hour comedy, "The Bunglers," on closing night) -- there's plenty to discover for everyone. It's a terrific venue to see wonderful films you won't see anywhere else, at least for some time, and to talk with the filmmakers.
Great communities like Boston need great film festivals, as they bring energy, new ideas, moving (in both senses) art and clever entertainment to the cities that host them. I for one am deeply grateful to have a showcase for my work here in my ol' hometown, and can't wait to see this year's killer lineup. It's vital that those of us who share a passion for movies support these festivals and their organizers and sponsors.
So come stroll on down the red carpet, grab some popcorn, and lean forward in that plush Theatre 1 chair... prepare to be dazzled!