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Aug 21-22 True/False @ IFC

Next week, New Yorkers will get a chance to experience one of the most smartly curated documentary festivals in America. Meet the programmers, meet the filmmakers, have a blast.
- Thom Powers

TRUE/FALSE GOES NEW YORK

Aug. 21 & 22 @ the IFC Center

Sneak previews of three new and noteworthy films

Now entering its fourth year, True/False (based in Columbia, Missouri) has quickly become a must on the film festival circuit -- "the best US documentary festival," per indie film maven John Pierson -- offering a smartly-curated focus on original and innovative work that pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. This summer, the organizers bring sneak previews of three recent True/False favorites to New York audiences.

After the screenings, T/F alums Dana Adam Shapiro and Sarah Price grill the directors with some tough questions. Tickets for each night are $12.

Monday, August 21 at 7:00
CHALK (2006, Mike Akel)
File under: so real it hurts. "50% of teachers quit within the first three years of teaching." So begins this humorous, frenetic and painful tale of three novice teachers and one reluctant administrator attempting to navigate one year in the public school system. As they deal with rebellious students, faculty squabbles and a mutinous photocopying machine, CHALK offers an intimate look at what those who can't, do. After the screening, join Dana Adam Shapiro, the co-director of Murderball, as he interviews director Mike Akel.
(To find out more about this film, visit the MediaRights.org database of films: mediarights.org/film/chalk.php)

Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00
THE LAST SUPPER (2005, Mats Bigert & Lars Bergstrom)
This visually arresting doc-meets-installation-art-piece explores the tradition of a last meal for condemned prisoners.
(To find out more about this film, visit the MediaRights.org database of films: mediarights.org/film/the_last_supper.php)

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME (2005, Marc Isaacs)
Heartrending and hilarious in ways that only the love life of an 11-year-old can be, this British doc is certain to provoke lots of discussion and perhaps some controversy. After the screenings, Sarah Price (The Yes Men, American Movie) interviews Bergstrom and Isaacs.

True/False Film Festival
Mar. 1-4, 2007
Columbia, MO