International

I've been expanding my doc horizons over the past several months, catching a number of noteworthy international (sub-titled) films at various festivals and screenings. It beats airline travel these days.

Kings of Pastry screened over the summer at the LA Film Festival. For foodies and chefs, it is a gastronomic feast - documenting the rigorous Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (M.O.F.) competition among pastry chefs to attain the Best Craftsman in France designation. It is also an edge-of-your-seat nail-biter, I kid you not. The woman next to me jumped out of her seat more than a few times. The film explores the thrill of victory and agony of defeat - all wrapped up in phyllo dough and topped with creme anglaise. Pounds gained just by viewing: 10.

I checked out a recent German film festival screening of Autumn Gold a few weeks ago. What an inspirational and moving film. It follows five athletes competing at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Finland - which would seem rudimentary, except for the fact that all of these world-class athletes are between the ages of 80-100+!! Check out the trailer at the link above to put a smile on your face all day.

At Docu Weeks LA a few months ago, I caught an engrossing and intimate documentary about coming of age in the 1980s Soviet Union. My Perestroika follows several ordinary Russians as they reflect on growing up during an age of political and societal upheaval, and the state of post-Soviet Russia. For everyone who also grew up in the Reagan era when these changes were happening, it is fascinating to get some deep insight into the last generation brought up behind the Iron Curtain.

I'm also planning to check out Passione at an upcoming Italian Festival in town. Actor John Turturro explores the exciting music scene of Naples in this new film. The doc recently had its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival - on my list of festivals to check out when I feel like travelling again.

But with all of these wonderful docs, do I really need to? :)

il Cinema

Here's what I did not do last Saturday - attend the Cinema Italian Style festival at my local theatre, which I had been eagerly anticipating all month. Instead, I spent the evening at the vet ER with my dog after another one of her recent spate of Marley and Me type adventures. Luckily, my puppy is OK and there is always il cinema via DVD.

I had been scheduled to see the new documentary, Hollywood on the Tiber (Hollywood Sul Tevere), about the glamorous mid-century era when Rome rivaled Hollywood as a film capital. When names like Fellini, Loren, and Mastroianni were on par with Bogart, Bergman, and Brando, and films such as Roman Holiday and Ben Hur were brought to life in all their Italian grandeur. The black and white publicity stills look fabulous. Alas, another day.

Ciao for now.