MARFA FILM FESTIVAL 2008

A divinely inspired Pentacostal preacher (who saw his first movie at the age of 40) leads his congregation into the world of filmmaking (and film-financing) by embarking on the production of a 100 million dollar, all-Christian sci-fi adventure film. Seeking nothing short of the greatest movie ever made, the director dips into the pockets of his parishoners to keep the production going. Will god save his movie?

A young widower and her father in law walk hand-in-hand through hard times in South Texas. A homegrown look at immigrant culture in America with deeply felt performances and solid craftsmanship. A graceful, spirit award-winning first feature. (Spanish with subtitles.)

The war on terror means border-enforcement with federal troops in places that they do not understand, amidst people they do not know, a foolish policy that resulted in a senseless and shameful tragedy in Redford, Texas. The story is documented here with sensitivity and grace.

Marjorie Cameron Parsons Kimmel (1922-1995) remains an elusive and enigmatic figure of the American Underground. Her work as an artist, writer, actor, and occult practitioner has recently come to light as a result of the Semina Culture exhibition, which explored the circle of artists around Wallace Berman in 1960s Southern California. Cameron's surviving work (much of it was destroyed by the artist in the late 1950's) was featured in a recent solo show at the Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery in New York. She was married to rocket scientist Jack Parsons, who initiated her into the occult practice of the O.T.O., the organization founded by Aleister Crowley. She remained Parsons' student until his death under mysterious circumstances in 1952, editing a book of his occult writings in 1989. Many artists adopted her as a kind of muse; amongst them are the filmmakers featured in this screening: Kenneth Anger, Curtis Harrington, and Chick Strand. Anger has said of her, "She was doing art for the sake of magick and her soul. She never sold her paintings." The Wormwood Star has been made available by the generosity of the Academy Film Archive and the Estate of Curtis Harrington. Loose Ends and Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome are courtesy of Canyon Cinema. Slides of Cameron's artwork will be projected between films. Program curated by David Hollander

A curious young girl explores her farm, collecting bugs and bones and dead fairies. Strong narration over still photographs and stop motion create an affecting study of the darkness and magic in a childhood imagination.

A caring woman takes an aging, homeless Japanese-American artist off the streets of SoHo in Manhattan, welcoming him into her home. What follows is a tale of shattered lives and lost dreams, from Hiroshima to a Japanese internment camp, that unfolds with heartbreaking power and grace. A festival classic. (Note: watch how Mirikitani’s posture improves along with his fortunes.)

A hard living country-western star looks back on his relationship with a pet monkey from South America. If you don’t find this funny, then you probably don’t see anything funny about, well, a hard living country-western star with a pet monkey. Animated.

Chicken*&^% Bingo, Turtle Races, food, music and more in downtown Marfa.