The California International Documentary Film Festival officially Opens with the extraordinary "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe."
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe Opening Night 90 min | USA | 2009 Director: Emily Kunstler, Sarah Kunstler Central Valley Premiere, Gala
L'Oreal Women of Worth Vision Award Honoree at 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Filmmakers Emily and Sarah Kunstler explore the life of their father, the late radical civil rights lawyer. In the 1960s and 70s, Kunstler fought for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr. and represented the famed “Chicago 8” activists who protested the Vietnam War. When the inmates took over Attica prison, or when the American Indian Movement stood up to the federal government at Wounded Knee, they asked Kunstler to be their lawyer. To his daughters, it seemed that he was at the center of everything important that had ever happened. But when they were growing up, Kunstler represented some of the most reviled members of society. This powerful film not only recounts the historic causes that Kunstler fought for; it also confronts a man that even his own daughters did not always understand, a man who believed that, however unpopular, justice should serve all.
A Presentation of the Fashion Program at San Joaquin Delta College
The film selected for the Centerpiece programme is a cinematic story that captures the essence of humanity, power of expression, and universality of cinema arts. Experience the amazing "Valentino the Last Emperor."
Valentino The Last Emperor Centerpiece 96 min | Italy, USA | 2008 Director: Matt Tyrnauer (in-person) Special Screening, Gala
An extraordinary, intimate, and charming film. This cinematic story captures the legendary designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit in 2008 from the company he founded in Rome more than 45 years ago. The film is an intimate, engaging and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's richest and most famous men. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino's celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. In Person: Matt Tynauer
Chicano Rock! The Sounds of East Los Angeles Closing Night 90 min | USA | 2008 Director: Jon Wilkman Gala
A major untold Californian and American story: This is the history of Chicano rock ‘n’ roll and how it defined – and continues to define – the Latino community in East Los Angeles. A spirited and vibrant documentary about the generations of young Mexican-Americans who proudly expressed their identity through music. The program is filled with intimate first-person storytelling, rare film and photos, and exuberant music from artists such as the legendary Ritchie Valens, Lalo Guerrero, and classic bands such as Cannibal and the Headhunters, Thee Midniters of "Whittier Blvd." fame, El Chicano, Tierra and Los Lobos. In Person: John Wilkman
Join the Film Society for a splendid Members' Film screening of the captivating film "D Tour," winner of the 2009 San Joaquin International Film Festival Best Documentary Film Jury Award. To become a member, see this film for free, and enjoy the glorious world of film year-round, click here.
D Tour Members' Film 99 min | USA | 2008 Director: Jim Granato Special Screening, California Visions
Golden Gate Award for Best Bay Area Documentary Film, 2009 San Francisco International Film Festival. A rock 'n' roll film about life, death, and bodily functions. Pat Spurgeon is a professional musician whose dreams of being in a successful rock ‘n’ roll band have come true. But just as his band, Rogue Wave, starts to take off, his kidney starts to fail...
The Beaches of Agnés 107 min | USA | 2009 Director: Agnés Varda Special Screening, Vanguard
Winner of 2009 César French Academy Award for Best Documentary. A reflection on art, life and the movies, This is a magnificent new film from the great Agnes Varda, director of Cleo from 5 to 7 and The Gleaners and I, a richly cinematic self portrait that touches on everything from the feminist movement and the Black Panthers to the films of husband Jacques Demy and the birth of the French New Wave.
Good Fortune 70 min | USA, Kenya | 2009 Director: Landon Van Soest California Premiere, New Directors
West Coast Premiere. Winner of 2009 Witness Award at AFI Discovery Silver Docs International Film Festival. Exploring how massive, international efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa may be undermining the very communities they aim to benefit. Through intimate portraits of two Kenyans battling to save their homes from large-scale development organizations, the film presents a unique opportunity to experience foreign aid through the people it is intended to benefit.
Oh My God! It's Harrod Blank! 75 min | USA | 2008 Director: David Silberberg West Coast Premiere, California Visions
West Coast Premiere. Official Selection 2009 Slamdance Film Festival. An obsessively made documentary filmed over 18 years, exploring the creative life and adventures of director Silberberg’s friend, the eccentric art car artist, film-maker, and entrepreneur Harrod Blank. Blank is captured from his youth growing up in the woods to the creation of his first attention-getting art car, to his current multi-faceted career as creator and head of a nationwide art car movement.
The Red Race 70 min | China, Germany | 2008 Director: Chao Gan New Directors
Winner of 2008 Peabody Award and Special Jury Prize at AFI Discovery SilverDocs. This observational documentary offers a controversial look into the lives of a group of young Chinese children enrolled in an intensive gymnastics training program. The adults in their lives, all continuously reinforce one ultimate goal: winning a gold medal at the Olympics. This detailed insight captures the contradictions of modern China and the cost paid for the country’s dreams.
Speaking in Tongues 60 min | USA | 2009 Director: Marcia Jarmel, Ken Schneider Central Valley Premiere, California Visions
Audience Award winner at 2009 San Francisco International Film Festival.In a time where 31 states have passed English Only initiatives, one urban school districtis exploring the provocative notion that speaking a foreign language can be a national asset. We follow four diverse students and their families as they encounter the challenges and delights of becoming fluent in two languages...In Person: Marica Jarmel
members reservation for california documentary festival
Members of the San Joaquin Film Society: You can make their reservation below, and a Film Society representative will contact via phone or email on how to secure tickets and passes at special members' rates.
Note: Members may reserve up to 10 tickets, but only 2 tickets for each member for each show is applicable for special rates.
