**** (out of 5 stars)

Many immigrants come to the United States seeking a better life. Countless people believe in the “American Dream” and have faith that success is practically guaranteed … with a little hard work, of course.

This eye-opening film from director Lee Percy illustrates the agonizing struggle for Zef, an Albanian immigrant. Actor Praq Rado plays Zef in the film based upon his own true story, which makes the tale all that more heartbreaking.

In the film, Zef has entered the United States illegally, but is seeking lawful means to remain in our borders. In order to make ends meet, Zef finds himself dancing at a gay nightclub while pursuing an acting career.

“Dreaming American” puts a spotlight on the immigration debate within our country. The audience is given Zef’s perspective, adding a new angle to the discussion. The film poses a very powerful question to the audience: “If you were in Zef’s shoes … what would you do?”

That question is harder to answer that one might think. And that’s what makes a great film.

One that makes the audience look inside themselves. And wonder.

(**** 1/2) out of 5 stars

Directed by Georgia Sugimura and Kristin Armfield

There’s an ever-growing discussion in our country concerning our personal freedoms. The news is inundated with debate over what should be controlled and what should be left free. A lot of this discussion is centered around the First Amendment. What should be protected in what we communicate to others or want to hear? Or read? What should be censored?

These conversations normally gravitate toward large issues including pornography and extremist groups.

But what about … barbershop quartet music?

This unusual yet simple question is explored after one man discovers some up his uploads are being blocked by his internet service provider … and proceeds to investigate.

“Barbershop Punk” is a documentary that follows Robb Topolski as he learns that Comcast, his ISP, is seemingly making judgment calls about what they’re willing to transmit … and what they’re not. Topolski’s findings launch a set of metaphorical dominoes that lead to Comcast being hauled into court and larger questions being debated among a variety of people and political groups.

This well-paced film engages its audience with lively discussions and a surprising emotional edge as well. Not only do we follow Topolski’s sudden crusade, but we also watch an unrelated and much scarier personal battle he has to face simultaneously.

Watching this movie is definitely an education, with information on internet neutrality, a brief history on censorship in the media and more. However, the most powerful aspect of this documentary is it makes you want to examine your own situation at home. Are any of your own uploads or downloads being tampered with? What can you prove?

The movie runs quick, a mere 77 minutes, but those minutes are packed with a powerful punch. For anyone who wants a look into a battle that affects every single person using the Internet, this is a must-see movie.

Barbershop Punk screens at the CIFVF on Friday, November 18 at 8PM at Canzani Center at the Columbus College of Art & Design at the corners of Cleveland and Gay St. Parking is free in CCAD lots. Admission is $5, free for students and CIFVF members.

You must (after July 1) enter via post and with our entry form. We cannot offer late fee waivers through WithoutaBox.

We will need your dvd at our office by July 15. That address is:
Film Council
1021 E Broad St
Columbus, Ohio 43205
USA

We prefer that you ship via post as that there isn’t always someone available to sign for courier sent packages. If you must ship via Fed Ex, UPS, etc. please email us with expected delivery dates.

Tuesday, June 28 · 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Drexel Theatres
2254 E Main St
Bexley, Ohio

Plunder: The Crime of Our Time is a hard-hitting investigative film by Danny Schechter. The “News Dissector” explores how the financial crisis was built on a foundation of criminal activity uncovering the connection between the collapse of the housing market and the economic catastrophe that followed.

Admission is free.

This screening is presented by the Free Press, the CIFVF, and the Central Ohio Green Education Fund.

Cup O’ Joe/MoJoe Lounge
627 S. Third St (German Village)
Columbus, OH

Bring your laptop, cell phone and your Kroger Plus keyfob tag and help us call folks so that they can tell Kroger to donate monies to the CIFVF. What’s that you say? http://www.chrisawards.org/kroger/

The CIFVF needs your help to sign up more folks. Bring your phonebook (if it isn’t in your phone/laptop) and help us by calling all your pals and getting them to sign up for the CIFVF with Kroger. It costs them nothing and the CIFVF gets paid. How cool is that? Free Cup O Joe gift certificates for the person who gets the most folks to sign up.

WIN A PRIZE JUST FOR ENTERING!
This year, thanks to Showbiz Software, everyone who enters the CIF+VF wins a prize! All of our film entrants will receive a free digital copy of The Showbiz Labor Guide. This reference guide to union contracts, pay rates and wage-and-hour rules is used on some of the most critically acclaimed productions today. And the digital edition now includes an eBook compatible with iPad and iPhone readers. Join the hundreds of independent and corporate producers who enter their productions in the Columbus International Film+Video Festival, a.k.a. the Chris Awards. This most distinguished competition, with its coveted Chris Statuette, has been awarding quality productions since 1952! We are the longest running Film Festival in the USA.

A special panel chooses the best of the Silver Chris winners for the President’s Award. In addition, the Best Of Festival winner will also receive Showbiz Software’s Filmmaker Toolbox. The toolbox is worth $1,000 and includes a copy of Showbiz Budgeting, Showbiz Scheduling, Showbiz Producer and The Showbiz Labor Guide Digital.

More prizes to be announced at a later date.

Questions? Email us at info@chrisawards.org or go to www.chrisawards.org

MAKING THE BOYS tells the story of Mart Crowley’s groundbreaking play “The Boys in the Band” – from overnight sensation on Broadway, to Hollywood’s first gay movie, to cultural landmark and worldwide phenomenon – all the while having a complicated and sometimes controversial relationship with the gay community. No one could have guessed the impact that a small Off-Broadway production would have on the social climate of the 1960s… not to mention how important and monumental it was to gay people at the time, many of whom were still in the closet. MAKING THE BOYS features illuminating and entertaining footage from the period, interwoven with extensive interviews with Crowley, William Friedkin, the Oscar-winning director of the BOYS movie, and a host of luminaries inluding Dominick Dunne, Tony Kushner, Terrence McNally, Edward Albee, Dan Savage, Robert Wagner and many others.

CRITIC’S PICK! “Captivating and entertaining…sometimes you don’t have to go very far into the past to be amazed at how drastically things have changed. ‘Making the Boys’ is fascinating recent history and a fascinating personal story as well.”
- Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times

Film Council Offices, upstairs
1021 E. Broad St (carriage house in the back)
Columbus, OH

Digital Storytelling Workshop Series

Do you have a personal story to tell? Or are you a non profit that does important work and want to spread the word? Learn how to create a short (3 minute or less) video. This 3 part series will teach you how to script, storyboard, shoot, create, and edit a short digital story.

May 28 1pm-5pm Session 1:
Preproduction-
Learn how to write and storyboard a short digital story. Decide what images to use and how to obtain/create them.

June 4 1pm-5pm Session 2:
Production-
Learn how to shoot video, scan still photos, record audio v/o for the digital story.

June 11 1pm-5pm Session 3:
Postproduction-
Learn how to use imovie to create and finish your digital stories.

This workshop meets on 3 successive Saturday afternoons. The finished works will be screened at ComFest in the Solar tent and posted on youtube. Participants must attend all three sessions. The total cost for all three sessions is $50. Scholarship spots are available to low income/unemployed folks sponsored by a Comfest grant (send requests to info@chrisawards.org ).

Please send a one or two paragraph “story” to info@chrisawards.org that you wish to tell as your workshop project when registering for this workshop series. A maximum of 10 people will be accepted for this series. Also bring any still photos, digital video, or other images that you might want to use on the first workshop day.

Parking is free in the Red Cross parking lot.

To register:
http://www.chrisawards.org/films/digital-storytelling-workshop-in-three-parts-052811-film-council-office-columbus-oh/

A special panel chooses the best of the Silver Chris winners for the President’s Award. In addition, the Best Of Festival winner will also receive Showbiz Software’s Filmmaker Toolbox. The toolbox is worth $1,000 and includes a copy of Showbiz Budgeting, Showbiz Scheduling, Showbiz Producer and The Showbiz Labor Guide Digital.

More prizes to be announced at a later date.

Questions? Email us at info@chrisawards.org or go to www.chrisawards.org