I have returned from another full afternoon at the International Film Festival, on Sunday, July 12, 2009.  I spoke with Alan Sanborn, one of the original founders of Railroad Square Cinema and the Maine International Film Festival.  We had a pleasant, in-depth discussion about cinema, the history of Railroad Square, and his thoughts on MIFF.  When I asked him what he was most excited about this year, the first words from his mouth were “Infestation.”  The horror/comedy bug-movie is by Maine native Kyle Rankin and was shown at the RR Square Cinema on Saturday night. 

There will be an additional viewing of this film at a unique location -- the Skowhegan Drive-In.  I would suggest arriving early on Thursday night (show begins at 8:30pm) because it sounds like the event may be popular.  For a more in-depth run-down of my conversation with Sanborn, check out my summary article in the paper version of the Bangor Daily News on Tuesday, July 21st.  

Today’s events also included a showing of the family-friendly film “Automorphosis.”  The documentary presents “art cars” from around the United States, along with the unique individuals who drive and create them.  In the parking lot director Harrod Blank brought his own creation, the camera car.  There were a few other art cars on display, including a completely solar-electric car.  The movie was fun and worth a good laugh but also opened my eyes to a culture I never knew existed.  The filmmaker was very receptive to questions and the audience had plenty.  The movie is showing again on Monday, July 13, 2009 at 3:30pm at the Railroad Square Cinema.  Why not get out of work early tomorrow and bring your kids, your dad, or that uncle who loves cars out to Waterville to see “Automorphosis.”  The festival is selling the movie on DVD as well.  

Don’t believe that documentaries are all that is being offered at MIFF (not that there’s anything wrong with that).  I saw two international feature-length films over the weekend, a Canadian film “The Necessities of Life” and a Chinese movie “The Drummer.”  Both were entirely enrapturing, transporting the audience to the arctic tundra of the 1950s or the desolate hills of Taiwan.  I would strongly recommend both pictures to fans of foreign cinema or even adventurous mainstream viewers.  “The Necessities of Life” is showing only once more, at the Railroad Square Cinema on Monday, July 13th at 9:15pm.  “The Drummer,” starring the son of Jackie Chan, will be re-shown at the same theater, on Wednesday, July 15th at 6pm.

Watch for my next update at the festival, this Tuesday.  Also, check out all the fun participants are having, as seen in the posted pictures from the festival.