Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
Friday, Sept. 13, midnight, Vista Theatre
Dir. Lee Demarbre, 2001, Video, USA, 85 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

The first testament says "an eye for an eye." The second testament says "love thy neighbor." The third testament...kicks ass! And guess who's doing the ass kicking? None other than the ultimate action hero of all: Jesus Christ. The second coming is upon us and JC has returned, but before he can get down to the judging of the living and the dead, he must contend with an army of vampires that can walk in the daylight. With Mexican wrestlers, mythological horrors and science gone mad, the film still manages to address contemporary sexual politics all while being a musical. This isn't Sunday school.

Johns
Thursday, Sept. 19, 5 pm, Vista Theater
Dir. Scott Silver, 1996, 35 mm, USA, 96 min.

A dark comic tragedy starring Lukas Haas and David Arquette as two young street hustlers working the hot grim landscape of Hollywood's Santa Monica Boulevard, the day before Christmas and the day before John's (Arquette) 21st birthday. He wants to spend his day at the Park Plaza Hotel and has ripped off a drug dealer to pay for it. Meanwhile, Donner (Haas), with a crush on John, wants him to leave the city with him for a theme park Montana, where they'll work as lifeguards. This is a sorted tale of friendship and hard luck on the streets of LA.

Julietta
Saturday, Sept. 14, CANCELLED
Tuesday Sept. 17, 9 pm, Los Feliz Theater 1
Dir. Christoph Stark, 2002, 35 mm, Germany, 93 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

After dropping acid at the Berlin Love Parade 18- year-old Julietta and her boyfriend become separated. Julietta is so wasted, she nearly drowns in a fountain, but is saved by Max, a DJ, who rapes her while she is passed out. Six weeks later, Julietta discovers that she is pregnant and heads back to Berlin in search of Jiri, and finds his new pal Max. This is no simple love triangle with Max and Jiri having other attachments. A harsh look at youth culture and a subject that is quite disturbing.

+ SHORT

Mrs. William Dixon
Dir. Elizabeth Edwards, 2002, 35 mm, USA 8 min.

A mother takes stock of her life. Is she being paranoid, or is her husband cheating on her and her son not loving her?

Love Will Travel
Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30 pm, Los Feliz Theater 3
Dir. Teddi Dean Bennett, 2002, 35 mm, USA,
World Premiere

After the death of their parents Lena, with the help of her American sailor boyfriend, Levon, stows away with her little sister Katrina on a freighter bound for America. We find them again thirteen years later. Lena is stripping to pay off their bills, while Levon is making no money as a piano player at a dive bar. Levon packs up his unconventional family and heads for a change of scenery. The new path they have chosen, introduces them to a quirky madam and her daughter, a pair of kind hearted yet misguided brothers, a shop owner who knows the realvalue of things, and a mineshaft holding dark secrets.

+ SHORT

Ruben
Dir. Grant A. Barbeito, 2001, 35 mm, USA, 6 min.

What happens when a cat comes between and man and his desire to kill himself?

Maggie And Annie
Monday, Sept. 16, 5 pm, Zen
Dir. Kimberly K. Wilson, 2002, Video, USA, 85 min.

Annie, married with a child and new to town is introduced to Maggie and her softball team. Maggie and Annie hit it off right away and love begins to blossom. Annie's husband suspects something is going on; when he finds out what is there are a number of choices to be made. A well acted and written tale of love, desire and understanding.

+ SHORT

Risk
Dir. Diane Paige, 2001, Video, USA, 7 min.

A woman with a facial deformity struggles with others's perceptions of her.

Man Made
Sunday, Sept. 15, midnight, Vista Theatre
Dir. John Palizano, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 95 min.,
World Premiere

After being fired from their jobs as window dressers at Spot's Boutique in North Hollywood, Sarah and Isabelle decide to start their own all-natural cosmetics company called "Man Made." As it turns out, the "organic" make-up causes hallucinations and unwitting success prompts their ex-boss try to muscle in on their business.

Martin And Orloff
Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 9 pm, Vista Theatre
Dir. Lawrence Blume, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 87 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

The Upright Citizens Brigade, a New York based comedy group known for their unique blend of improvisation and absurdist humor, have spawned this psychotronic culture-jamming film. Martin Flam returning to his workplace after his suicide attempt and is seeking therapy to treat his habitual depression. He finds Dr. Orloff, a shrink with dubious credentials and an even a malleable notion of sanity. Hijinks, madcap wackiness and laughs galore ensue, as do several cameos from the likes of indie comedy queen Janeane Garofalo and former Conan O'Brien sidekick Andy Richter.

+ SHORT

Backslide
Dir. Rick Ross, 2002, 35 mm or Beta, USA, 9 min.

For two god-fearing teenagers, the eight minutes after losing their virginity can be an eternity.

Mockingbird Don't Sing
Thursday, Sept. 19, 9 pm, Los Feliz 3
Dir. Harry Bromley Davenport, 2001, 35 mm, USA,
West Cost Premiere

A heartbreaking film based on the true story of Katie, who at the age one is imprisoned by her abusive parents. Locked and bound to a potty chair and straight jacketed, Katie's only break from her isolation is the visits from her crazed father. When the abuse is discovered, it becomes painfully clear that Katie has never developed the use of language. A linguistics student becomes Katie's mentor and supporter. But Katie's progress slows to a halt when pressures from her mother, the inefficiency of social services and the shifting interests of the medical establishment prevent their work from continuing.

+ SHORT

Fear Of Falling
Dir. Melissa M. Brown, 2001, Video, USA

Annabelle's front-row seat to her epileptic brother's illness has left her with an inability to have her own normal relationships with men.

Night Train
Monday, Sept. 16, 7 pm, Vista Theatre
Dir. Les Bernstien, 2000, 35 mm, USA, 80 min.

An ex-con crosses the border into Tijuana in search of his brother's murderer. There he discovers his brother's involvement in the snuff film racket. It is a dark and dangerous tale of love lost, lost loot and lopped heads on the surreal streets and back alleys of this large border city.

+ SHORT

White Like The Moon
Dir. Marina Gonzalez Palmier, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 23 min.

A bittersweet story about a young Latina coming to grips with her identity in middle class America in the late 1950s.

Now Or Never Time Is Money
Saturday, Sept. 14, 7:15 pm, Los Feliz Theater 3
Sunday Sept. 15, 11:15 am, Vista Theater
Dir. Lars Buchel, 2000, 35 mm, Germany, 95 min.
West Coast Premiere

Money isn't everything. You need time to spend it. Carla, Lilli and Meta are lovely little old ladies who couldn't hurt a fly. They have been selling their nickel and dime spoils to senior citizens to be able to go on a luxury cruise in the sun. As fate would have it in the middle of their transaction armed gunmen rob their bank. Having lost all their money and with no time to start saving again, the ladies decide to rob the bank themselves. They get some tips from a professional in prison "The Spider" and dive into action.

+ SHORT

Easy Pickings
Dir. Andre Sevigny, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 23 min.,
West Coast Premiere

A clever old woman and a group of her wisecracking neighbors show a brained outlaw that they are not such seemingly easy pickings.

Party Girl
Saturday, Sept. 14, 11:15 am, Los Feliz Theater 1
Dir. Daisy von Scherler Mayer, 1995, 35 mm, USA, 98 min.

Heh-Heh-Hello! This classic comedy starring indie queen Parker Posey is the film that inspired DJ's to organize their records using the Dewey Decimal System. Mary (Posey) is an unemployed, free-spirited girl with a dumpy apartment and a high fashion wardrobe stolen from parties. After Mary is bailed out of jail by her godmother, she must work at the library to pay off the loan. Hijinks ensue and love with a falafel vendor is sparked, and Mary finds out just what it means to be the ultimate party girl.

Princess Blade
Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30 pm, Vista Theater
Dir. Shinsuke Sato, 2001, 35 mm, Japan, 93 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

In the near future, Japan is ruled once more by a monarchy. Rebels opposed to this rule seek to overthrow the government. The House of Takemikazuchi, a band of assassins, is hired by the government to suppress the rebels. As a conspiracy from within the house signals the shadowy organizations impending demise, Princess Yki, the last of the Takemikazuchi bloodline, befriends one of the rebels and seeks revenge against her own leader. Think Xena meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with a bit of Blade Runner thrown in.

Reefer Madness (aka Tell Your Children)
Monday, Sept. 16, 7 pm, Micheltorena School
Dir. Louis J. Gasnier, 1936, 16 mm, USA, 67 min

One of the best known anti-marijuana propa-ganda films that has achieved cult status. We follow the story of youth driven mad by the herb as told by high school principal at a PTA meeting.

Resin
Sunday, Sept. 15, 5 pm, Vista Theatre
Dir. Steven Sobel, 2001, Video, USA, 97 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

After receiving his first felony and getting beaten in jail, a low-level drug dealer vows to make one final score and a fresh start. Instead, he ends up in an inevitable showdown with a malicious legal system threatening to steal his most valued possessions: his freedom and his life. Shot in Dogma 98 style, this is a riveting movie about America's legal system.

+ SHORT

Year of the Rat
Dir. Joseph Beyer, 2002, Video, USA, 7 min.

After being lost for a long time the Man returns to Chinatown to make peace with the Woman he left behind. Searching the streets of Los Angeles, he is struck down by images and flooded by memories that take him on a journey of shame, hope and redemption.

Riders
Saturday, Sept. 14, 11:15 am, Vista Theatre
Dir. Doug Sadler, 2001, Video, USA, 95 min.,
West Coast Premiere

Tracing a journey from Maryland to New Orleans, Riders is about, a teenage girl forced to discover her strength in the face of intense challenges. The story intertwines Alex's journey with the lives of three individuals on the brink: Sara Stone, her younger sister whose vulnerability becomes a call to action; Jessica Stone, her mother grasping at a last chance for happiness; and Ned, a wounded predator. Riders is an exploration of courage, human frailty, the power of empathy and the true cost of heroism.

+ SHORT

Chicken Night
Dir. Lisa Ginsburg, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 10 min.

Penny tries to ease her mother's unhappiness by sabotaging the painful ritual of chicken night.

Score
Monday, Sept. 16, 5 pm, Vista Theatre
Dir. Sara & Cecilia Hyoun, 2002, USA, 75 min.,
World Premiere

Set in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park and Eagle Rock, Score is a quirky twenty-something take on dating. Reva Joy is focused on making a perfect 300 score in the upcoming bowling tournament. But like her friends, Riva also hopes to score the perfect man. Dating in Los Angeles has never been so wickedly funny, so full of whip cream reproductions of the manliest members, or quite so wittily frank.

+ SHORT

Come Hard Or Don't Come At All
Dir. Greg Brooks, 2002, Video, USA, 16 min.

This film is a rowdy answer to those who neither love Los Angeles nor leave it.

Shutter
Thursday, Sept. 19, 9:30 pm, Los Feliz 3
Dir. Roger Roth, 2001, 35 mm, USA, 97 min.
Los Angeles Premiere

In this urban drama, a white photographer befriends a young African-American boy and teaches him the art of photography, much to the dislike of the boy's older brother. When he is challenged to spend a few nights with the brother and his homeys in the hood, he seemingly becomes their friend and confidant while documenting their lifestyle through film. Except that, when things turn exceptionally violent and he has the pictures to prove it, the loyalties of everybody involved are tested.

Silent Cry
Sunday, Sept. 15, 11:15 am, Los Feliz 1
Dir. Julian Richards, 2001, 35 mm, United Kingdom,
Los Angeles Premiere

Giving birth to her first child should be a time of happiness for Rachel, but her dream is shattered when she's told her baby has died. Rachel is convinced things aren't what they seem and suspects her baby has been abducted. Returning to the hospital to find the truth, she encounters the menacing Dennis Betts and is forced to hide in a car belonging to Daniel Stone, a hospital porter. As Rachel and Daniel race through London's nightscape, desperate to stay one step ahead of Betts, every discovery unleashes further hell. A well crafted thriller about the darkest caverns of deceit.

Tattoo: A Love Story
Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 pm, Los Feliz 3
Dir. Richard W. Bean, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 93 min.,
West Coast Premiere

A day of show and tell in Sara's third grade classroom turns her conservative wholesome life upside down. Because of Virgil, a giant biker and tattoo artist, all the kids in her class want to draw on each other and get tattoos, and Sara's chances of replicating her teacher-of-the-year award look increasingly dim. But after an argument with her longtime, button-down boyfriend, Sara takes a second look at Virgil and his easy-rider way of life.

+ SHORT

Laud Weiner
Dir. Philip Euling, 2001, 35 mm, USA, 4 min.

Pronounced "Loud Whiner" this spoof on the Los Angeles Times produced cinema advertisements follows Lauden Weiner (David Hyde Pierce) through his grueling day as a Hollywood manager/producer.

13 Moons
Friday, Sept. 13, 7:15 pm, Vista Theatre
Dir. Alex Rockwell, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 94 min.
Los Angeles Premiere

Alexandre Rockwell's fourth collaboration with Steve Buscemi is a vibrant story of seven strangers whose paths cross during a single moonlit night in L.A. Unknown to one another, each will find out by the end of the eventful evening that they've learned something important about one of life's mysteries. The ensemble cast includes Jennifer Beals, Elizabeth Bracco and Peter Dinklage.

+ SHORT

Fait D'hivre
Dir. Dirk Beliën, 2002, 35 mm, Belgium, 7 min.

When a man uses his new cell to phone his wife at home, he causes a life-altering, catastrophic incident.

Toll of The Sea
Sunday, Sept. 15, 3 pm, Los Feliz 1
Dir. Chester Franklin. 1922, USA, 35 mm, 42 min.

Lotus Flower rescues a shipwrecked American man, but their love ends tragically in this silent version of the Madame Butterfly story. The film is the first Technicolor film ever made and is generally considered the best performance by Anna May Wong, Hollywood's biggest Chinese American female screen star. This film was also written by Hollywood's top female screenwriter, Frances Marion. (Screens with The Fact of Asian Women)

Trouble Every Day
Friday, Sept. 13, 10:15 pm, Los Feliz 3
Dir. Claire Denis, 2001, 35 mm, France, Germany, Japan, 100 min.

Claire Denis' latest film (the most scandalous and shocking of last year's Cannes Film Festival) starring Vincent Gallo, hauntingly and seductively explores sexual obsession. The film's sensual images speak of the hunger for love carried to its most extreme and unspeakable degree. With an otherworldly score from The Tindersticks, this Gothic tale of sexual desire and human alienation will spark controversy, or at the very least steamy debate on the way home.

+ SHORT

Member
Dir. David Brooks, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 17 min.

Sharply satirizing MTV-generation superficiality, Josh Hartnett stars in this densely layered, kaleidoscopic road tour through nocturnal L.A., with a disillusioned teenager looking for the perfect insurance-scam car crash.

Vampire Clan
Friday, Sept. 13, 5:15 pm, Los Feliz Theater 1
Dir. John Webb, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 87 min.

For fans of teen/horror flicks the likes of Scream and Urban Legend, this film is not to be missed. Vampire Clan is based upon the true story of a group of kids on a road trip to New Orleans that turned horribly wrong. Believing they are vampires, they slaughter one of the teen's girlfriend's family and shock America in the process. These are not your ordinary murderers. See what it really means when gothic fantasy is taken to heart and brought into reality.

Vampires Anonymous
Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30 pm, Los Feliz Theater 3
Dir. Michael Keller, 2002, USA, 90 min.,
World Premiere

It gets lonely eating the ones you love. So Vic Weller joins Vampires Anonymous and begins life as a 12-Stepper. The group quickly relocates Vic to rural North Carolina where he's assigned to eat sheep, not people. With sheep loving farmers, Mafia vampires and some good-looking women this is a well-made laugh a minute film.

+ SHORT

Timmy's Wish
Dir. Patrick Cannon, 2002, 16 mm, USA, 10 min.

Timmy's parents punish him for not finishing his dinner. Timmy prays to Jesus to be delivered from the cruelty of his parents. See what happens when little Timmy's parents are answered.

When Grandpa Loved Rita Hayworth
Sunday, Sept. 15, 1 pm, Vista Theater
Dir. Iva Svarcova, 2001, 35 mm, Germany/Czech Republic, 90 min.,
Los Angeles Premiere

It's 1969 and the violent end of "Prague Spring." Three astronauts are on their way to the moon and thirteen-year-old Hannah and her crazy parents have just moved to Germany. It's like landing on another planet and her father Kuba feels satisfaction in confirming his prejudices against the Germans, while Lida, her mother loses herself in consumerism and her little sister loses her ability to speak. A great melancholy comedy about being a stranger in a strange place in the year of the first moon landing.

+ SHORT

P.E.
Dir. M. Stark, 2002, 35 mm, USA, 10 min.

A dark comedy about what three 7th grade girls will do to get out of gym class.