Red Rock Film Festival 2009

'Adopt a Sailor is the story about all the things we have in common. Philosophy and political affiliation drop away when three people who are very different become human beings to one another. A sailor is inadvertently adopted by an extremely narcissistic couple during Fleet Week in New York City. Throughout the course of the evening they become human to one another through proximity. And all the commotion, the money, the talent and ambition and risks that comprise the moviemaking ritual are, ideally, dedicated to the same task. Bringing audience, actors and characters together, and making us human to one another.'

In December of 2007, The Klootchy Creek Sitka Spruce Tree on the Oregon Coast toppled during a fierce windstorm. The Klootchy Creek Spruce was designated as the largest sitka spruce tree in Oregon and shared the title as largest Sitka Spruce Tree in the world. Upon its fall, a new champion sitka spruce title in Oregon was up for grabs amongst a handful of contenders. Over a period of several months, Brian French and Will Koomjian traveled to four massive Sitka Spruce trees, each with their own unique personality and growing conditions. This short documentary features stunning big tree cinematography from both ground and canopy. The action and danger assumed by Brian and Will to measure each of these trees is captured but the greater emphasis is placed upon the emotional connection that Brian and Will have for these giants and the breathtaking beauty and awe that they offer. Ultimately, a new champion is crowned, but the greater celebration comes from being introduced to each of these trees through the eyes of Brian and Will.

A young brother and sister are abandoned in the vast and lonely landscape of the 19th century American West. Each day, they struggle to keep up the family farm, anxiously waiting for their parents to return. With nowhere to escape, the two siblings are about to discover that they are not entirely alone. As much as they try to deny the truth, something behind the attic door has awakened and they must now face their greatest fear. THE ATTIC DOOR is the story of love, loss, loneliness, and the truth behind childhood fears.

Based on a best-selling and much-loved short story by Jacqueline Ogburn, this film tells the story of the talented but reclusive baker Miss Cora Lee Merriweather, who runs the best bake shop in town until her passing leaves it empty. When others try to take over the shop and turn it into something other that what she expects, Miss Cora Lee comes back to haunt it and to drive them out. Her unrelenting presence is enough to discourage everyone –- until Annie Washington shows up. For Annie, this is the end of the line; she is determined that this will be her home and that she will bake in the kitchen of Miss Cora Lee. What ensues is a baker’s battle where their common search for the ‘perfect recipe’ leads, ultimately, to recognition that they have more in common than they may have realized.

They are seekers, madmen, and angels hell-bent on riding across America on a bicycle in less than ten days. Eager to push their bodies to the limit, they set out on a daunting 3000-mile odyssey. But what begins as the adventure of a lifetime is transformed in an instant when tragedy strikes the race. These voyagers discover what is truly at stake as they pedal on, praying for the deliverance only the finish line can bring. By journey's end, some are saved, others are lost, but all learn that the fuel that takes a soul toward its own true destiny is desire.

Afanai of 22 is unable to speak for she has aphasia. She feels rejected by society. In response Afanai chooses to retreat into her home. She only goes out of her shelter really early in the morning when everyone is asleep and the world is still on pause. For the rest of the time she stays at home. It is very well decorated, every room has it’s own atmosphere and meaning. She makes a living selling necklaces through the Internet. Her mailman Jan, who takes her packages to the post office, becomes ill. The new mailman, Sem (26), of course knows nothing of their silent agreement. Afanai tries to ask him to help her. But because of communication problems this only creates a conflict between them. Afanai has to find a way out to deal with the deliverance problem of the packages to the post office. She does not succeed in this. She hits rock bottom and realizes something has to change. She confronts Sem but behaves differently. His reaction is very positive and he takes her packages, so Afanai learns that maybe she should change and that society may then react better to her. They have become intrigued by each other. Afanai opens up to him and to society. In the end Afanai goes to a dancing club. Here she feels comfortable since she is good in communicating without words. While she is dancing she opens her eyes and sees Sem standing in front of her…

Seventeen-year-old Kenny lives in a rundown track home with his father, but every morning he rides his bike into the wealthier part of town for his lifeguarding job. Invisible to the moneyed moms and girls who populate the country club Kenny spends his work hours stoned, fantasizing about the women around him. One in particular, Mrs. Jordan, has always caught his eye. After an act of heroism brings them together he finds himself alone with her and decides to try to act on his daydreams.

CHARLIE VALENTINE is an “old school” gangster, a man of great wisdom and even greater class, who desires to carry out his deeds without a gun. Unfortunately, he’s also quite poor (he’s spent all his money on women, gambling and the rest of those things commonly known as The High Life), and since he isn’t getting any younger he realizes he needs a load of money if he’s going to be able to retire. He aims to get this money by heisting his own boss – the cutthroat mobster ROCCO. Unfortunately, the heist goes badly as heists tend to do – Charlie not only fails to get any cash, but also all of his co-conspirators are either captured or killed by Rocco. Charlie steals Rocco’s Ferrari and takes off before Rocco can grease him. Charlie selfishly leaves a wounded comrade behind to be tortured by Rocco – but that’s Charlie’s credo: when things get too “hot”, you’ve got to run if you’re going to survive, even if that means abandoning friends and family to the Fates.

Chaturanga is the story of a love that is caught between conflicting worlds of ideas.