Finding Art in Sedona

Having just returned from the Sedona Film Festival in Sedona Arizona I can truly say that Independent Film is alive and well.

My wife and I had the opportunity to see to "hang out" and meet some interesting people. Over 60% of the 135 films where produced and/or directed by women. To find out more about their views on independent film making we sat in on an interview with Mary Stewart Masterson, Diane Ladd and Kimberly Williams-Paisley conducted by Robert Osborne, head of Turner Classic Movies.

Hollywood is still a "boys club" and a closed society that go with formula movies (no surprise here). The studios use to make lots of movies and make a little on each. Now it's all about fewer movies with huge budgets and huge (potential) profits. But the most revealing information about the Arts and the Film industry is that most films are now made outside of the US. Diane pointed to some research done showing over $200 Billion money spent overseas instead of here. Independent films are hard to get made due to lack of ways to fund them.

In spite of all the difficulties, trials, tribulations and small budgets amazing films are being made. Films with heart and soul, even from the male director/producers.

Three films I hope make it to a screen or video store near you will go into my DVD library if I get a chance to buy theme.

The Music in Me
A film with lots of heart. Intellectually and physically challenged people of all ages and the dance school in Sydney Australia that makes a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. As a bonus to seeing this wonderful film, an anonymous downer helped fly in the 4 of these extraordinary people and their moms as well as the movie's producer and the dance teacher. I was honored to meet them. Bring the tissue...

Speed and Angels
Dreams can come true. But you have to work for them! This film follows the life of two young adults who have always wanted to be Navy Pilots. Not just any type of pilot, F14 TomCat pilots on a carrier at sea! One woman and one man who make it happen and you get to follow and experience the journey. Great fighter jet footage in and out of the cockpit and well as interviews with family and colleagues. Find out what it really takes to be a Top Gun!

It was my great pleasure to meet the Producer, Director, Editor and Megan, the young Top Gun! Get this, (at the time the movie was shot) there are about 3450 Navy pilots. 24 are women, only 1 was a TomCat pilot. Megan is the pilot! She now flies FA18 Hornets but her first love is the F14 TomCat. Oh, and the profanity is real when you get shot off of an aircraft carrier from 0 to 180 knots in less than 3 seconds!

Crazy
A dramatic story of one of there greatest guitarists not known of by the public to ever live and work in Nashville, Hank Garland. Truly a tragic story of how his life played out. But fortunately we can still hear his music in a large amount of the best recordings made in the ear.

Hank was among the first true guitar virtuosos to emerge from the Nashville studios — a player who helped define the standards by which other Nashville session guitarists are judged. He was extraordinary not only at country music, but rock and jazz.

First time lead actor Waylon Payne does an amazing job. This film was shot in just 24 days (yes, I had a chance to talk with Director/Writer/Producer Rick Bieber and told him he must be "crazy")! Chatted with Waylon too. Nice guy. Keep you eye out for him. He has 4 films coming out this year he is in!

My wife and I had a short chat with Diane Ladd and her husband about the need for more support of the Arts in the US. So get out there to your local film fest and support it. Bring others. We think you will be truly amazed at what you find.