“The reason you head out to see a film at the theater is the same reason you head out to a live concert instead of just streaming your music at home: community.”
For MVFF Founder and Executive Director Mark Fishkin, the festival is all about people gathering to watch fabulous films in the theater, and the community’s collective enthusiasm for theatergoing seems to be on the rise.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in attendance at MVFF and at the Smith Rafael,” Fishkin says with a smile. “This is what the festival is all about. Folks came out in great numbers last year, and this year’s festival should be even bigger.”
Approaching a film festival like MVFF which features a sprawling lineup of films from a variety of genres and countries of origin can be overwhelming, to say the least. To help guide you through the sea of films on offer, Fishkin and MVFF Director of Programming Zoë Elton have each chosen five extraordinary films they believe should not be missed.
“At the festival, we’re bringing to the forefront a lot of filmmakers who are not necessarily household names but are doing truly amazing work,” says Elton. “Giving these films the spotlight is important to us, and we hope they move you like they moved us.”
Mark’s Picks
Good Men | Directed by Bobby Roth
A series of investigative interviews with men and women about what it means to be a “good man” in today’s society.
“This film is moving and complex because it talks about the influences of family. Some subjects hated their fathers or partners but learned what not to do through them.”
Mistura | Directed by Ricardo de Montreuil
In 1960s Peru, a woman is cast out from high society and reconnects with her community through the power of food.
“It’s a story about love, class and change. It’s beautifully made, and I think everyone will enjoy it.”
Anora | Directed by Sean Baker
A sex worker from Brooklyn elopes with the son of a Russian oligarch, and their marriage is threatened when his parents make their way to the States to force an annulment.
“This film won the Palme d’Or, and it’s from the great Sean Baker, who brought us Red Rocket and The Florida Project and seems to finally be receiving the acclaim he deserves.”
Pimpinero: Blood and Oil | Directed by Andrés Baiz
Gasoline smugglers, or “pimpineros,” struggle to survive as they transport their goods across the Colombia-Venezuela border.
“It’s a genre film, it’s violent, and it can be tough to watch. But at its core, it’s about real people living under extreme conditions.”
Better Man | Directed by Michael Gracey
British pop icon Robbie Williams plays himself in this biographical musical directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman).
“This one is a studio film, you’re in for some surprises whether you’re familiar with Robbie Williams or not.”
Zoë’s Picks
The Seed of the Sacred Fig | Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof
In Tehran, lawyer Iman begins to suspect his wife and daughters of stealing his gun amid a maelstrom of societal and political unrest.
“In the first moments of watching this film, you get a sense of who director Mohammad Rasoulof is and the world he’s representing. As the film unfolds, you see the root truth of what he’s exploring.”
Eastern Western | Directed by Biliana Grozdanova, Marina Grozdanova
Widower and immigrant Igor struggles to raise his two-year-old son in the American West.
“This one is directed by sisters Biliana and Marina Grozdanova. I just want to point out how audacious it is for any independent filmmaker to be making a historical narrative.”
The Black Sea | Directed by Crystal Moselle, Derrick B. Harden
A Black man journeys to a small Bulgarian town where he struggles to find work. Based on a true story.
“I believe the film has been created partly via improvisation, which adds a lot. It’s by Derrick B. Harden and Crystal Moselle, who went to Tam High!”
The Book of Jobs | Directed by Kayci Lacob
A semi-autobiographical story about a young female writer (Victoria Pedretti) from Silicon Valley who grows up in the shadow of Steve Jobs’s legacy.
“It’s a relatable hook for anyone who’s lived in the Bay Area and the world of Apple. There is a new generation of role models that has risen out of the tech industry, and the film explores what that means for our society.”
My Dead Friend Zoe | Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes
An Afghanistan vet (Sonequa Martin-Green) grapples with her family’s past, as well as her mysterious relationship with her dead friend from the Army.
“It looks at the depth of the friendships made in the military. It’s also fascinating that director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes chose to tell a personal story through female characters.”
