Damon Weaver Is Too Cute + Cool

The 5th-grader interviews Joe Biden:

Japanese for Obama = Beautiful World

Think Japanese Bollywood, only way geekier.

The 21st Dallas Video Festival, Nov. 6 - 9

This year the Festival will be at the Angelika Dallas, with programming on two screens over four days. That cuts the programs down to roughly half the number included in the "classic" DVF in prior years. Bart struggled with some tough decisions in paring the selections down, so I expect everything that did make the cut this year to be pretty great.

All-Fest Passes are as usual an incredible bargain, just $75 – that's for about 33 hours of programming (there's at least twice that much, of course, but I'm counting just half since you can't be in two places at once), which comes out to about $2.37 per hour – all highly independent stuff, most of which you'll never have another chance to see. (See other pricing options, including day passes and discounts for seniors, here.)

NOTE: I've seen materials from the Festival and elsewhere that mistakenly refer to the Fest as running for three nites. Don't be confused! The Festival runs for FOUR nites, Thur., Nov. 6 thru Sun., Nov. 9, inclusive.

Below are just a few highlights. I haven't actually seen most of these, just thought they looked interesting based on descriptions from the Festival and other sources and on my own, idiosyncratic interests (e.g., I happen to be interested in anything relating to Islamic nations and culture; also, be aware that some of the programs selected may overlap in time).

For more details, see the DVF website (and don't forget to contribute to the Video Association while you're there!)

THURSDAY, NOV. 6

7:00pm
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation by Eric Zala
After seeing the original Raiders of the Lost Ark, three Mississippi kids began filming their own shot-by-shot adaptation. Six years later it was in the can and making the art house circuit. Paramount is currently at work on a biographical story of the boys, and this is the ‘Adaptation’ that started it all. 100 min.
Chris Strompolos “Indy” in attendance.

8:30PM
German Music Videos by various artists
A collection of innovative and pristinely produced music videos courtesy of the Goethe Institute. 60 min.

9:30PM
I'll Come Running
Spencer Parsons
A young Danish man traveling through Texas hooks up with an Austin girl, and even though they're not planning to see each other again, tragic circumstances lead her to his doorstep in Denmark. 112 min.

11:15PM
Science Gone Wild by Gordon Smith
Amusing, illuminating documentary compilation of ridiculous moments from sci-fi and government scare films of the 50s and 60s, concerning radiation, monsters, space travel, drugs, computers, aliens, and the bomb. Includes clips from classics Killers From Space, The Amazing Colossal Man, and Attack of the Crab Monsters.
Filmmaker in attendance.

FRIDAY, NOV. 7

7:00PM
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy by Robert Drew
A four-act feature on the presidency of John F. Kennedy. It follows his triumphant presidential campaign as a young senator and the fairy-tale Camelot early years of his presidency with candid photos and clips. Then the burdens of the grave problems of the Oval office end in his shocking assassination. 85 min.

8:30PM
The Wrecking Crew by Denny Tedesco
A documentary featuring the The Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians in LA in the 60s, who played on hits for the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, The Byrds, Mamas and Papas, Tijuana Brass, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Rivers and were Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. The amount of work that they were involved in was tremendous. 100 min.

10:00PM
The Pleasure of Being Robbed by Josh Safdie
A curious and lost Eleonore looks for something everywhere, even in the bags of strangers who find themselves sadly smiling only well after she's left their lives. They owe her their thanks. Directed by Josh Safdie. 71 min.

SATURDAY, NOV. 8

1:00PM
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story by Stefan Forbes
Feature documentary about Lee Atwater, the original American Political Svengali. To Democrats he was the most evil man in America, but a hero to Republicans in the heartland. He helped reshape politics with his sense of humor and vision of politics as war. He also played a mean guitar that B.B. appreciated. 88 min.
NOTE: This screens at the same time as the London Advertising Awards.

2:00PM
Finding Kraftland by Adam Shell and Richard Kraft
Hollywood music agent turns his home into a shrine to kitsch and the American consumer culture. He has collected everything from a life-size Kips Big Boy to the model for Willy Wonka’s boat. A documentary for the kid in all of us. 75 min.

2:30PM
Video Art Compilation
A collection of short experimental films that explore alternative approaches to storytelling [curated by Bart Weiss]. Includes:

• Teslamania by Joel Schlemowitz
• In the Sun Room by Edward Rankus
• Headlines: A Hybrid Film Trilogy by Sabine Gruffat
• ICE by Justin Lincoln
• Upper by John Knecht
• alpha by Kai Lossgott
• 24 Frames per Day by Sonali Gulati

4:00PM
O.J. is Guilty But Not of Murder, The Overlooked Suspect by Phil Smith
Internationally renowned private detective, William C. Dear, presents new evidence that he has uncovered in this documentary. This incredible story brings to light some of the pitfalls of a modern day police investigation, while it reminds us that sometimes what we think of as the truth, may not actually be the truth at all. 84 min.
Filmmakers and Private Eye William C. Dear in attendance.

5:15PM
Dance Compilation
A collection of videos that highlight the highs and lows of dance. Featuring three stories about a Ft. Worth ballet company, the thwarted dreams of a prima ballerina, and a comical movement study. Includes:

• 52 Percent by Rafal Skalski
• Fallen Angel by Mark Whittier
• Hot Wheels by Ben Britt

6:00PM
Guest of Cindy Sherman by Tom Donahue and Paul H-O
Feature documentary about the reclusive artist Cindy Sherman. The makers of the New York public access show Gallery Beat get to hang out with Sherman and get an insider’s look at her place in the pantheon of the New York art market and culture of celebrity. 90 min. [See also "Cindy Sherman Disavows Guest of Cindy Sherman."]

Screening with:
Color Equations by Pamela Nelson and Robert A. Wilson
An experimental study in color. 5 min.
Filmmaker in attendance.

7:30PM
Present Company by Frank V. Ross
Living separate lives out of her parent’s basement, about the only thing Christy and Buddy share is their baby. What little that is left of their relationship falls apart in questions about obligations and consequences. 85 min.

7:30PM
The Albert Maysles Award Presentation
The ALBERT MAYSLES AWARD for an emerging documentary filmmaker. Albert Maysles will be in attendance to present his own film, Running Fence, and to award his hand-picked documentary filmmaker Bradley Kaplan. The documentary work of the award-winning maker will also be showcased.
Albert Maysles and Bradley Kaplan in attendance.

Screening with: Running Fence by David Maysles, Albert Maysles and
Charlotte Zwerin
A celebration of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's vision; first a four-year struggle, then 24 1/2 miles of white nylon fabric, rising from the Pacific and stretching like a white sail across California. Runing Fence depicts the long struggle by the artists, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, to build a 24-mile fence of white fabric over the hills of California disappearing into the Pacific. Cost: 3 million dollars. The idea at first must seem the limit of absurdity for the fence was taken down as planned at the end of two weeks and now exists solely on film. There is a struggle between the artists and the state bureaucracy, who want to prevent the fence being erected, even though the ranchers whose land it crosses want it. After four years of work, Christo sees the vision realized. "See how it describes the wind." 58 min.

Also screening with: Preview of Rufus Wainwright: Do I Disappoint You by Bradley Kaplan
A preview of a feature documentary in progress, Rufus Wainwright: Do I Disappoint You is an intimate and revealing portrait of a truly magical, passionate artist in his prime and at the top of his game. The film chronicles stunning performances and behind-the-scenes footage captured live at a one-of-a-kind show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shot by Maysles Films in the most direct, up-close, and personal style. 8 min.

10:45
Mickey Mouse, We Ain’t Compilation
Artists use awe-inspiring animation techniques to treat a variety of adult-oriented subject matter. Includes:

• Ichthyopolis by Andre Silva
• Machine Gun Nose by Thor Johnson
• Last Time in Clerkenwell by Alex Budovsky
• F.A.C.E. by M Dot Strange

10:00PM – 2:00AM
PARTY at Lee Harvey's

SUNDAY, NOV. 9

1:00PM
Miss Universe 1929 by Péter Forgács
Lisl Godarbeiter was the first Miss Austria and the first non-American to win the Miss Universe contest in 1929 – held on the Galveston beaches that year. Her cousin, Marci, was secretly in love with her and started making films of her. These films, modern interviews and archive footage tell their story. 70 min.

1:30PM
La Couleur d'Argent (The Color of Money) by Jean Marie Michel
The 2008 presidential race was the most expensive election in U.S. history. And the entire country got caught up in the race, from the average American to the most powerful figures in the U.S. The country’s special interest groups geared up for battle, from Hollywood to Wall Street to Texas oil tycoons. But the Internet may have made it possible for candidates to finally break free of the generosity of corporate interests. This film takes a close-up look at the battle: a struggle between the American people, who want to choose their own president, and U.S. corporate groups, whose special interests often clash with those of ordinary citizens.

2:15PM
Cinematic Bebop Compilation
A cornerstone of our festival is celebrating the marriage of music and images through the art of the music video.

• Gates of Steel Karaoke Music Video by Karl Lind
• "Smack Dem Christians Down" Music Video by Mark Herrier
• KINKY by Carlos Florez
• Cantata in C Major by Ronnie Cramer
• Mama, Why? by Keith Wilson

2:45PM
Here and There Compilation
These videos explore the interplay between people and their environments using disparate visual styles.

• Airport by Ryan Kline
• The Bystander in Calgary by Roger Connah, J.P. Maruszczak
• Space Times Square by Barry Vacker
• Vancouver by Bryan Konefsky
• Not Enough Night by
• 200,000 Phantoms by Jean-Gabriel Périot
• Deep Ellum by Tiffany Kieran and Kevin Nash
• Berks and Belgrade by Michael O’Reilly
• A Taste of Home by David Yun
• The Revenge of the Lawn by J.P. Maruszczak and Roger Connah

4:30PM
Cinematic Surface Compilation
The subject of this compilation is the nature and texture of film itself.

• Gift of Fire: 19 Obscure Frames that Changed the World by Ken Jacobs
• Nine.5 by Keith Wilson
• A Short and Incomplete History of Experimental Film and Video by Brandon Bauer

5:15PM
Moral Kombat by Spencer Halpin
This high-def video documentary studies the controversies of the video game industry. Both a history of the development of the games as well as the First Amendment arguments about the more violent games. A serious look that lets developers, politicians and experts have their say. 81 min. You might find it useful to supplement the Wikipedia entry with this from M.I.T. Prof. Henry Jenkins' blog.
Filmmaker in attendance.
WINNER META MEDIA AWARD – DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

8:30PM
Iranian Compilation
This compilation includes two excellent shorts from Iran.

• Rough Cut by Firouzeh Khosrovani
• Shangol'o Mangol by Seyyed Morteza Ahadi

8:45PM
The Texas Show Compilation
The annual Texas Show is a sampling of the finest shorts the Lone Star State has to offer over a broad spectrum of genres and styles. This year's showcase was juried by Ya'ke, Austin-Based filmmaker and educator, James Johnston, underground filmmaker and renowned Vegan Chef, and A.C. Abbott festival director, filmmaker and educator.

10:00PM – 1:00AM
PARTY at The Belmont; map here.

U.S. Authorities Stake Out "Constitution-Free Zone"

"The ACLU says a 'Constitution-free zone' [has been created] within 100 miles of the US border, where [U.S. authorities claim] the authority to stop, search and detain anyone for any reason. [This violates your Constitutional right to be free from seizure or search unless there exists some "probable cause" to believe you're involved in a crime.]

Nearly two-thirds of the US population lives within 100 miles of the border, according to the ACLU, and the border zone encompasses scores of major metropolitan areas and even entire states."

This summer Craig Johnson, a college professor, participated in a protest against the expansion of the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The next time he tried to return to the U.S. from Mexico, he was handcuffed, arrested, and "'thoroughly and aggressively searched. . . . Every inch and crack and crevice of my body was poked and prodded,' Johnson said. . . .

"Prior to that visit, Johnson said he had traveled regularly between the US and Mexico for a variety of reasons without facing any harassment." But the next time he went, he was subjected to the same ordeal.

"'It took me four months to return to Mexico,' he said. 'Not because I'm afraid of traveling outside my own country, but rather because I'm afraid of returning home.'"

More details at rawstory.

Stop, Drop, & Poll: What to Do if You Have Problems Voting

Anecdotal evidence is coming in fast and furious of early-voting incidences including voting machine malfunctions in Ohio, Putnam, and Jackson Counties in West Virginia and Davidson and Decatur Counties in Tennessee, as well as hidden problems with "straight ticket" voting (confirmed by Snopes) in Texas and West Virginia. A more complete list of the problems so far can be found at VotersUnite.org.

It CAN happen to you. If it does, here are a few suggestions on what to do:

1) Video Your Vote.
Use video, audio, or photgraphs, and if you encounter a problem, try to record or write down the evidence, such as the names and phone numbers of witnesses, as well as voting machine serial numbers, names of poll workers, and the time of day. And if you do record or encounter a problem, get the word out about it.

2) At the First Sign of a Problem*, Stop.
At the first sign of a problem with your machine or if you have any other problem listed below, stop what you're doing and ask to speak to the polling place supervisor (skip the poll worker). Explain your problem. If they try to wave you off, call your main election commission number and ask to speak to the election commissioner until your problem is satisfactorily addressed. Poll workers/supervisors may try to blame you -- "operator error." Remain calm and courteous, but do not leave your polling place until your problem is well-documented and addressed to your complete satisfaction and, if the problem is with the machine, the machine is quarantined. Oh, and you've gotten to vote.

3) File reports wherever possible.
Your local polling place should have incident reports available to you. If they do not, call the main election commission for your county and ask for someone to bring one to you. Make sure that both you and the supervisor sign it. An example of a report is here. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission also lists on their website where you can find out how to file a report in your state.

Also report your incident to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-Our-Vote, especially if you feel you are being bullied or your incident is not being taken seriously. The ACLU also has a hotline at 1-877-523-2792. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Greg Palast offer suggestions as well in their comic StealYourVoteBack.org.

4) Call the Election Protection Hotline.
Report your incident to the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-Our-Vote, especially if you feel you are being bullied or your incident is not being taken seriously. The ACLU also has a hotline at 1-877-523-2792. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Greg Palast offer suggestions as well in their comic StealYourVoteBack.org.

5) Pledge to Stand Up to Stolen Elections.
Go to NoMoreStolenElections.org and pledge to not concede until every vote is counted -- and counted as cast.

*Problems can include: machine problems, polling place problems (machines not set up on time), switching or closing of your polling place, voters forced to vote on a provisional ballot, long lines/waits, intimidation, unusual ID demands, poll workers asking inappropriate questions, etc.

(Thanks, Uncounted Mary!)

Please share this info.

Hand-Counted Paper Ballots

Good article at opednews via the Center for Hand-Counted Paper Ballots. The author observed how it's done in three precincts. Guess what: it works great and saves money.

Political Advertising My Sig. Other Can Relate to

. . . the Obama "Bat-Signal."

(More here.)

Happy Halloween

By Aidenag; diy here.