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by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

Nov 3, 2009

We went to the Austin Film Festival from October 22 to 25 and had an amazing time. There were plenty of great films, but what really set this festival apart was the conference. Every day, we attended panels and discussions given by people from different parts of the film world: hollywood agents, screenwriters, managers, documentary filmmakers, and indie filmmakers.

Mike in front of the Driskill hotel where all the action happens.

We met Steven Arvanites from NYC Screenwriter - if you are a screenwriter in the NYC area, check out www.nycscreenwriter.org for free workshops, hollywood script downloads, or just good networking.

And of course, we saw many great films. Here are some of the ones that stood out to us:

Little Ripper - A short documentary about pigeon racing. Yes, pigeon racing. Very well shot and edited, this film sucks you in to a world you probably didn't know existed. Website.

Left Field - A feature documentary about a start-up kickball league in Chicago. It begins as a captivating observation about not wanting to grow up, but this film does not end up where you think it will. Like many great documentaries, this film seems to capture life on video. Website.

Mr. Okra - A short documentary about a New Orleans man who sells produce from his car, this film is funny, well filmed, and engaging. Website.

Survivors - A well-done horror short. A clever twist on survival in a post-apocalyptic zombie wasteland with a great ending. Website.

Lambs - Beautifully shot in black and white, this short horror flick evokes a time gone by...and it packs a mean punch. Brutal and effective. Website.

A Little Mouth to Feed - Moody cinematography, great sound, solid acting. This films delivers on a simple, creepy concept. Website.

Unawakening - From Jack Daniel Stanley (writer/director of A Little Mouth to Feed), Unawakening is a tense, well-made horror short that really gets in your head. Website.

Sugar Rush - A funny horror short with plenty over-the-top horror comedy (and a few nods to Evil Dead 2). Very silly and fun. Website.

French Roast - An incredible animated short, with stunning character design and clever, nonverbal storytelling. Website.

Live Music -An animated short. After a music shop has closed for the night, the instruments come to life in this charming film. Featuring guitar by Steve Vai. Website.

Last but certainly not least, we met Toby Venable, creator of moderngrumble. Described as " The Bride of Frankenstein meets Kerouac's On the Road", Moderngrumble will be available in spring 2010 as a graphic novel, and as a film as well.

We had a great time at AFF - good films, good people, and good BBQ. Austin is a great film city.

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