Hidden Gems: The Ten Films at The Loft Film Fest You Might not Think You Need to See (But You Do)

We're super excited about this year's Loft Film Fest lineup, and while you might know about some of the bigger films in the festival (Melancholia, We Need to Talk About Kevin, the 10th Anniversary screening of Donnie Darko with writer/director Richard Kelly in person), we're hoping you don't overlook some of the other great films that might otherwise fly under the radar.  Here they are in alphabetical order:

1. ARIZONA SHORTS SPOTLIGHT

Alright, so this is kind of cheating, because it's really six films, but what are you going to do?  This collection of films really proves that the talent pool in Arizona is incredibly rich.  Big things lie ahead for all of these filmmakers.  In fact, Guru already played in the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.  Not only are these directors going to do great things--they already have.



Monday at 7:30PM in the main theatre.

2. ATTENBERG

In the spirit of one of The Loft's favorite movies of last year, Dogtooth, comes a new Greek mini-masterpiece.  Attenberg stars Giorgos Lanthimos, director of Dogtooth, and is written and directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, who produced that film.  But it is completely its own movie.  If you can get past the strangeness, it's actually a touching film about the difficulty of connecting with other people.  Funny, moving, and unique.



Saturday at 5:00PM in the upstairs theatre.

3. HERE

Here is one of those great romances that works almost effortlessly.  Although you never find out a great deal about the pasts of the leads, they come together in the space of the film, and you completely believe it.  The film itself also just works.  The cinematography blends perfectly with the poetic touches, and at the end, you're reminded that Ben Foster really is one of the best young actors in the game.  Really world-class stuff.

Tuesday at 7:30PM in the upstairs theatre.

 4. INTERNATIONAL SHORTS SHOWCASE
Okay, we're cheating again (warning: not the last time).  Here's the thing.  Short films are great.  Just like the best John Cheever stories can rival any of the best novels ever written, so can a great short film be completely satisfying within the boundaries of the form.  Here we've gathered seven of the funniest, oddest, and all-around most striking shorts we've seen this year.  And two of the filmmakers will be in attendance!  What's not to like?

Sunday at 7:45PM in the main theatre.

 5. LOS OLVIDADOS
Here is a great, award-winning film that has been forgotten by time.  It happens every once in a while, and it's always baffling when you finally get around to seeing it:  what took so long?  Luis Bunuel's films cut to the quick, and his devotion in this particular work to neo-realist techniques, with flashes of his trademark surrealism, makes this tale of street kids in 1950 Mexico both thrilling and gut-wrenching.  This film is not available on DVD or Blu Ray, and is being shown in a brand new, restored 35mm film print--for FREE!

Sunday at 11AM in the main theatre.

 6. LOUDER THAN A BOMB
Alright, we've all been around the block a few times at this point.  We've seen the "competition" documentary a few times, and we've already seen Best in Show.  But I kid you not, Louder Than a Bomb will move you.  Plain and simple: the kids in this film are incredible.  And the film itself weaves in and out of their lives with a deft precision that will keep you laughing and crying intermittently throughout.  Do not miss this film.

Friday at 4:45PM in the main theatre.

 7. RESURRECT DEAD: THE MYSTERY OF THE TOYNBEE TILES Good, plot-driven documentaries can be hard to come by.  Resurrect Dead is a documentary that plays out like a thriller, with a true mystery at the center of it all that's weird & compelling.  Watching the gang band together and try and figure it all out is, simply, joyful.


Wednesday at 7:30PM in the upstairs theatre.

8. SLACKER 2011

One of the giants of the independent film movement of the 1990s is Richard Linklater's Slacker.  It was a big statement for a generation, and it was a huge statement about Austin.  20 years later, the filmmaking scene in Austin is as strong as ever, and they banded together to creatively re-imagine the original film.  It's great to see all of the different voices coalescing into one weird, funny explosion of cinematic energy.  Three of the filmmakers will be in attendance, and this is something you might not get a chance to see--ever again.



Friday at 10:00PM in the main theatre.

9. THE TURIN HORSE

Bela Tarr is, simply, one of the greatest filmmakers alive.  He has a vision and a voice so unique that his films are almost instantly recognizable.  To see a Bela Tarr film on the big screen is really the only way to see it, and it's almost certain you won't get the chance to do so in Tucson again.  Do yourself a favor--take a leap.  It's an experience you won't regret or forget.



Sunday at 4:45PM in the main theatre.

10. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO KIRBY DICK

If you've seen a Kirby Dick film, you already know he's one of the most provocative, interesting filmmakers working in the documentary form today.  He's also an amazing guy and a Tucson native.  With this program, you'll get to see some of his early work--like the amazing short documentary "I Am Not a Freak."  As a special bonus, you'll also get a sneak peek at his new film, which will be debuting at a major film festival this winter.  We're not allowed to talk about the subject matter, but suffice it to say, it's as interesting and button-pushing as you might expect from the man who brought us Outrage and This Film Is Not Yet Rated.  Not to be missed.


Saturday at 2:00PM in the main theatre.