Although the SUFF is in it's 4th year, this was the first time I had ever been, and not only was the documentary amazing, but we also got to participate in being part of a 320 person audience all popping party poppers in unison before the film started if you can picture that.
SUFF are all about unique, quality independent and experimental films that challenge the status quo. The 2010 programme kicked off tonight with a bit of a surreal black and white film mash up with live score... pretty out there but cool! Short films; 'Awkward' & 'Laid Off' followed - Awkward was about an average middle class dinner party except the guests are all talking really normally about hardcore sex, when the hosts sister joins and starts talking about normal things like watching TV and the guests are disgusted -in a kind of reversal vibe making a statement about judgement and acceptance.
Laid Off I loved - a montage of VLOGs from people talking about being made redundant - beautifully edited and visually captivating.
Then South of the Border. You HAVE TO WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY. It's a kind of Michael Moore-esque controversial film following Oliver Stone as he interviews various South American leaders, and exposes the role of the US (Bush) and the IMF in manipulating political outcomes for their gain and particularly the role of the media. It has the usual footage from American news readers and their predictable sensationalism, vilifying those leaders who challenged the US line, but the way the footage is contrasted with the interview content is really funny.
Stone really manages to show the personality and passion of those he is interviewing and I found it really inspiring. I have found Michael Moore's films pretty depressing to be honest, you kind of come out feeling we are pretty helpless and doomed due to the stupidity of society and politicians, but this documentary has a really positive and hopeful ending.
If anyone needs me, I'll be the one in the Che Guevara T-shirt & beret in the corner brainstorming ideas on South American charity initatives...
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