Category Archive: Lists

1. Staff Picks: Favorite Films of 2019 at AFS Cinema

   December 13, 2019 9:02 am Leave a Comment

   (Still from CHAN IS MISSING) 

   It’s been an incredible year for film and as 2019 comes to a close, we wanted to look back at some of the favorite films that screened at the AFS Cinema during the past twelve months. We showed over 400 films this year—ranging from new to newly restored, cult to classic—so there is plenty to choose from. For our end of year wrap up, we asked the AFS staff about which films struck them the most this past year and why.

   

   Ellie Kotapish, Development Manager

   SHOPLIFTERS (2018)

   A movie I saw really early in the year, and I am still eating way too many noodles since watching this at AFS Cinema. Such an emotional movie with outstanding performances.

   THE FAREWELL (2019)

   This was a community experience. The whole theater was laughing, and the Q&A after with Lulu Wang was such a treat!

   EUROPA, EUROPA (1990)

   Such an honor to have Agnieszka Holland visit us at AFS and present this spectacular film. So funny despite the backdrop of an infamous time in European history.

   

   Cassie Craig, Austin Studios Coordinator

   THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (2019)

   This moving film was the perfect mixture of heart-warming and funny. A touching story with excellent writing and acting. You leave this movie feeling warm and fuzzy. Shia Labeouf and Zack Gottsagen are an awesome pair. 

   THE AMAZING JONATHAN DOCUMENTARY (2019)

   Probably my favorite movie I saw all year long. HILARIOUS and SHOCKING. You really don’t know what is coming next in this movie. Every twist and turn is funnier than the last. The first documentary I have ever seen structured like this – when it begins, you really have no idea where it will end up going.

   

   Yolanda Gamble, Youth Media Specialist

   CHAN IS MISSING (1982)

   Jewels in the Wasteland continues to be one of my favorite AFS series. It’s always full of gems and this year I watched CHAN IS MISSING. I first heard about it on a podcast and was searching for this film, it’s known to be difficult to come by and I was thrilled to discover that Richard Linklater selected it for this series. It’s filled with great characters and I was smiling ear to ear while watching it! 

   BIRDS OF PASSAGE (2018)

   The film was mesmerizing and learning about the indigenous Wayuu culture in Colombia framed around one family’s story was compelling. The costuming and setting are a total feast for the eyes. 

   PARASITE (2019)

   This. Film. Director Bong Joon-ho continues to captivate through his layered storytelling that speaks volumes to modern culture and elitism. He does it with humor, love, fear, and every other human emotion and it took me on a crazy ride! 

   HAUSU (1977)

   I still can’t believe I had never seen this movie before! I heard about the wackiness of this film, but it was definitely something I needed to see for myself! I’m glad I did. 

   

   Lisa Dreyer, Programming Coordinator

   THE QUEEN (1968)

   This beautiful restoration of the rare documentary covering the 1967 Miss All-American Camp Beauty Pageant was such a highlight of my year in film. An amazing snapshot of early drag culture in NYC, with a scene-stealing Crystal LaBeija (who later starred in PARIS IS BURNING) showing us she was already ICONIC in the 60s. Live performances by local drag legends Mandy Quinn and Colleen DeForest before the film made this a night to remember at AFS. 

   FLAMING CREATURES with Contrast Fest (1963)

   Guest programmers for our monthly Homo Arigato series, Tish Sparks and Jeremy Stilb have brought Contrast Fest, their festival featuring boundary-pushing film to AFS Cinema for two years now. Their screening of the previously banned and rarely screened FLAMING CREATURES, paired with a live score from Austin’s own Thor & Friends was transcendent. 

   QUEEN OF DIAMONDS (1991)

   Great example of a film that must be seen on the big screen to fully appreciate—a burning palm tree makes a lot more impact at 10 feet tall rather than 10 inches. Director Nina Menkes makes real ART that is beautiful and boundary-breaking, and her calling in after the screening to share her filmmaking philosophy with the AFS audience was illuminating and inspiring.

   

   

   

   One of my favorite films of the past few years. The music, the drama, the longing, and that ending! And all of that beauty in only an hour and a half. Such a masterpiece!

   VAGABOND (1985) 

   I had the chance to experience this treasure by Agnès Varda at the cinema as part of Richard Linklater’s Jewels in the Wasteland series. It was incredibly special to watch it by myself but then get to hear other peoples’ perspectives on the film in the discussion that followed.

   MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO (1991)

   The Homo Arigato series is one of my favorite at AFS, and I loved watching another beautiful screening on 35mm.  

    

2. AFS’ Lars Nilsen’s Top Picks from the 2019 Toronto International Film Fest

   October 4, 2019 7:10 pm Leave a Comment

   The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the first and best places to discover important new films—from awards season contenders to independent gems. For AFS Lead Programmer Lars Nilsen, it’s a great opportunity to explore many of these new films and scout out titles that may someday make it to the AFS Cinema. After 10 days and over 30+ films, he shares some of his top picks from this year’s festival:

   

   COLLECTIVE

   dir. Alexander Nanau

   This is a documentary about pervasive corruption in the Romanian health care industry. Sounds exciting right? In fact, it is. Starting with a major nightclub fire and its tragic aftermath in which a failed health care response resulted in many unnecessary fatalities, this film follows the trail of crooked hospital administrators and political appointees into some fairly wild corners. I won’t spoil the film, but it is part newsroom suspense drama and part gangster movie and you will be riveted by it.

    

   

   THE LOST OKOROSHI

   dir. Abba Makama

   From Nigeria comes this very strange but at times poignant fantasy about a rural man who works in a Lagos skyscraper as a security guard and despairs over the loss of community and traditions in the fast paced, modern city. Suddenly one night he undergoes a Kafka-esque metamorphosis into a colorful grass-skirted ancestral spirit called an Okoroshi. This odd situation is accepted by all at face value, and soon the Okoroshi is engaging in fish-out-of-water adventures among disbelieving city-folk. Some really big laughs here alongside the social commentary. Also, a level of deep weirdness that keeps the whole enterprise popping.

    

   

   PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE

   dir. Céline Sciamma

   This new film from Céline Sciamma (GIRLHOOD) is a gothic 18th century period piece about a female artist who is commissioned to paint a portrait of noblewoman’s daughter in order to entice a potential husband for the young woman. The daughter refuses to sit for a portrait, so the artist must stealthily observe her and paint her from memory at night. You might guess some of what happens next. In the context of this story, the film makes some really timely points about female representation. The symbolism is “louder” here than is fashionable in most contemporary films. You probably won’t miss Sciamma’s point. I am a big fan of boldness in symbolic language, so, unsurprisingly, I loved this film. I also appreciate that it honors the gothic tradition in literature by hewing faithfully to the style without spoofing it.

    

   

   THE TRUTH

   dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda

   Hirokazu Kore-eda’s followup to the breakout hit SHOPLIFTERS is something radically different. Made in France and in French, it stars Catherine Deneuve as a great screen star who is a demanding diva in her family life and on the set as she plays a small role in a new film alongside a very popular young actress. Juliette Binoche plays Deneuve’s screenwriter daughter, and Ethan Hawke plays Binoche’s B-list actor husband. The film is a chamber piece, with everyone lending support to one dazzling soloist – Deneuve, in a part that was surely written for her because no one else could conceivably play it.

    

   

   THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

   dir. Matthew Rankin

   Raise your hand if you know virtually nothing about Canadian Prime Ministers of the past. I thought so. I am also in the dark here. This film is a deeply strange, perverse biopic depicting the life and times of the Prime Minister I am told was the greatest leader in Canadian history, Mackenzie King. As recounted by filmmaker Matthew Rankin, King’s life was a non-stop parade of humiliation, sexual and otherwise. This apparently low-budget film is full to the brim with a commodity most other movies can’t buy, even with all the money in Hollywood – innovation and obsessive creativity. It’s also very, very funny.

    

    

3. Staff Picks: Favorite Discoveries at AFS Cinema in 2018

   December 19, 2018 9:21 pm Leave a Comment

   As the year winds down, end-of-year critics lists begin popping up everywhere, focusing on the best new releases of 2018. For us at AFS, we’re exploring new and classic films daily at AFS Cinema. So, for our end of year wrap up, we asked the AFS staff about which film discoveries stuck out most with them. We showed a lot of films this year (over 400 individual titles) so there’s plenty of variety among the selections.

   What were your favorite discoveries at AFS Cinema this past year? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

   

   Rebecca Campbell, CEO
   

   Contemporary Color (2016)

   This was a feast for the ears and eyes and turned me on to color guard, a sport of the arts I wasn’t familiar with prior to watching this film.
   

   One Sings, The Other Doesn’t (1977)

   Agnes Varda is a genius. This film brings alive the rallying cry of 60s feminism, “the personal is political.”
   

   The Florida Project (2017)

   Addresses the plight of being stuck in poverty in a way that’s full of humor and empathy.
   

   The Gospel According to Andre (2018)

   It’s always fascinating to see into the lives of iconic people from industries like fashion.
   

   The Secret Life of Lance Letscher (2017)

   This is a loving portrait that provides a look into the methods and the mind of a brilliant artist.

   My 2019 film resolution: more Miyazaki films, and sneaking away for the 4:15 show on occasion.

   

   Holly Herrick, Head of Film & Creative Media

   HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING (2018)

   This played in our inaugural Doc Days festival, and the Q&A with RaMell via Skype was one of the highlights of the weekend. Doc Days is returning for year 2 in early June! 
   

   MRS. HYDE (2017)

   A terrific new release from France, starring Isabelle Huppert in an unconventional role.  
   

   Films of Moustapha Alassane

   I had never seen this foundational Nigerien director’s work until we worked with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy to bring a limited retrospective to Austin. His features TOULA and RETURN OF AN ADVENTURER should be in the global cinema canon and are ripe for re-release– it was pretty thrilling to present them at AFS even in their un-restored versions.
   

   COLD WATER (1994)

   This was one of the highlights of my year. Long unavailable in the US, I had only seen this film on TV in France. Presenting this with director Olivier Assayas in person last March was not only a highlight of my year but of my career in film programming.

   Films of Jiri Trnka

   I watched a few dozen of his short animations to curate the shorts program that we brought to the cinema in November. They are all incredible, particularly THE HAND, which is one of the best films I’ve ever seen about authoritarianism. 

   

   Gabe Chicoine, Marketing Associate

   CURE (1997)

   The perfect restraint of this horror/mystery about a serial killer who hypnotizes others into committing his murders cemented my respect for Kiyoshi Kurosawa (PULSE) as a master of art horror.
   

   DIVA (1981)

   Vespa chases through the glistening neon streets of 1980s Paris. A plot that hinges on a purloined cassette tape that could either contain a bootlegged aria or a crooked cop’s confession. All set to an immersive score by Vladimir Cosma – what’s not to love?
   

   PERFECT BLUE (1998)

   There is a meticulous virtuosity to PERFECT BLUE that earns it’s title. Everything is impeccable, from the colorful, yet cold aesthetic of the animation to the carefully-wound plot that unfolds like a master labyrinth.
   

   RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: CODA (2017)

   This documentary about the latest chapter in the legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto’s career–in which he turns his gaze both inward after a cancer diagnosis, and outward at the changing climate that threatens the future of his country–unlocked new perspectives on how one can approach art and life. 
   

   THEY’RE COMING TO GET YOU (1972)

   The 35mm presentation of Sergio Martino’s potent cocktail of occult rituals, pseudo-psychology and black-gloved murders was elevated by an excellent live demonstration of the instruments used in giallo soundtracks.

   

   Charles Wright, Production & Programming Associate

   Midnight Express (1978)

   Great film, it’s brutal and beautiful at the same time. 

   Pillow Talk (1959)

   Simple concept that is very well executed and probably not something that would never be thought of considering modern technology and current social norms.

   MFKZ (2018)

   Weird, a whole lot of fun… but weird.

   Pulp Fiction (1994)

   Its a modern classic that I have seen many times and will watch again many more times… yet some how the movie was better on the big screen at the cinema.

   The Warriors (1979)

   I love this movie, I’ve watched it several times this year alone. I loved the experience of seeing it on the big screen for the first time at AFS Cinema. It was a nearly religious experience for me and I thank everyone there who made it happen.
   

   New Years Resolutions: Make it to the cinema at least once a month. Watch more than Horror, SciFi and Super Hero genre movies.

   

   Yolanda Gamble, Youth Media Specialist

   Burning (2018)

   South Korean cinema just continues to rise and captivate so hope to see more of that in 2019!

   Minding the Gap  (2018)

   I’m excited about Bing Liu, as an emerging Asian-American filmmaker voice and to see more from him.

   Searching (2018)

   The filmmaker Q&A on this one was my favorite of the year. To hear the production process from start to finish and how they were able to get John Cho to star in their film was fascinating and stuck with me. 

   The Big Heat (1953)
   

   Definitely, the Noir Canon. That was one of my favorite series and I’ve discovered a new love for those good old fashioned who done its. 

   My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
   

   I’ve discovered Miziyaki late in life and I’m catching up. I also liked AKIRA when we showed it!

   My 2019 film resolution: Recently, I watched COFFY (1973) for the first time. I’ll be diving into more Blaxplotation cinema into 2019. Included on the list: FOXY BROWN, SUPERFLY, CLEOPATRA JONES.

   

   Graham Young, Equipment Specialist

   The Addiction (1995)

   Embarrassed I hadn’t seen this before. I’m a huge Abel Ferrara fan. This is one of his best films. 

   Fascination (1979)

   I’ve watched 7 films from director Jean Rollin this year. It all started with THE NUDE VAMPIRE and FASCINATION at the AFS cinema. 

   Night and the City (1950)

   Jules Dassin doesn’t get enough credit. His films are amazing and NIGHT IN THE CITY is no exception. Richard Widmark’s performance is spectacular. 

   Out of the Past (1947)

   The noiriest film noir of all time. 

   The Rite (1969)

   This really took me by surprise. You can’t call yourself a Bergman fan unless you’ve seen THE RITE. Don’t sleep on this one! 

   My 2019 film resolution: Watch the films of Jacques Demy, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Jacques Rivette, David “The Rock” Nelson, and Bruno Mattei.

   

   Ellie Kotapish, Development Manager

   THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017)

   I saw this on New Year’s Day at the Cinema and bawled like a baby at the end.
   

   KEDI (2016)

   Loved seeing the documentary again at the Cinema, and it was great partnering with APA!
   

   THE FINAL YEAR (2017)

   Seeing this film was a sad but inspiring experience. One of my favorite docs of the year!
   

   MINDING THE GAP (2018)

   I caught this during our first Doc Days festival, and I was very impressed with the filmmaker. The footage and story were very impressive!
   

   NEVER GOIN’ BACK (2018)

   I found this film super relatable since I grew up in a small suburb of Fort Worth, where arts & culture lacked. Augustine Frizzell was great during the Q&A!

   My 2019 film resolution: See more international films! I tend to fixate on documentaries and American dramas, but luckily AFS programs tons of international series a year.

   

   Shannon Kors, Sales Manager

   THE WARRIORS (1979)

   Because even though I am a child of the 80s, I managed to miss this one and loved discovering it in all its camp.

   TAXI DRIVER (1976)

   Somehow I never saw it even though it’s a well-known classic. It lived up to all its hype!

   KUSAMA: INFINITY (2018)

   A superb documentary about an amazing artist; inspired my Halloween costume this year!

   

   Chris Engberg, Manager, Austin Studios

   THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (2017)

   This was my first Aki Kaurismäki exposure. I’ve since visited his earlier work, which is much in the same vain. All concisely assembled and bleakly enjoyable.

   BEGGERS OF LIFE (1928)

   I love early cinema and opportunities to see great silent films on the big screen. Louise Brooks blew me away in this. I hope we get to see more silents in the future!

   MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (1978)

   We were asked our top five of of the year. I’ve been going down the list chronologically and am still in January here. This movie floored me! I think this one isn’t as widely seen as it should be by people of a younger generation.

    PAPER MOON (1973)

   Another one I probably should’ve seen years ago but hadn’t. A flawless movie and so glad to experience at the AFS Cinema.

   THE LONE WOLF & CUB [series]

   Slight cheat since this is six movies. Engaging, sensational, violent, touching, wildly inappropriate, foul, fun — these had it all! 

   

   Austin Culp, Marketing Strategist

   BOMB CITY (2018)

   Growing up in Amarillo, this was a story that I was very familiar with. Watching the big screen version of added a whole new layer to my understanding of the events.

   BURNING (2018)

   I had been waiting for this one since it premiered at Cannes. Once I finally saw it, I was not disappointed. Slow moving, yet fully engrossing. Some of the best scenes of the year.

   WAIT TILL THE SUN SHINES, NELLIE (1952)

   Any of the Jewels in the Wasteland screenings hosted by Richard Linklater that I made it to were memorable. So add in Karina Longworth, host of You Must Remember This, and you’ll have an event you’ll never forget. Plus the movie is just unbelievable for all the stops that it pulls out.

   BABY FACE (1933)

   If I could, I’d mark down the entire pre-code series as a highlight for 2018. Looking back at the ’30s, there’s always a rosy glow feeling that every one was pure and saintly back then. This film says “nah, not quite” and I enjoyed every minute of it.

   SUSPIRIA (1977)

   I somehow missed the new restoration when it played it 2017, so when more screenings were added in April of 2018, I had to go. It’s an experience that I wouldn’t want to have anywhere other than a movie theater.