The 2023 SLO Film Fest opens on April 25 with its characteristic mix of aspirational cinema and sheer fun. The tagline is Let’s Go Back to the Movies, and it’s hard to guess which event figures to be the most exuberant. Here are some contenders:
- Opening night: Highlighted with a screening of BlackBerry, the funny true story of Canadian geeks who find themselves suddenly dominating the nascent smartphone market…but not for long. SLO Film Fest Executive Director Skye McLennan calls out BlackBerry as especially fun to see with an audience because of its mix of humor and nostalgia. Popular so far with critics and film festival audiences, this movie should be a surefire audience-pleaser.
- E.T. at the drive-in: Your opportunity to introduce a carload of kids to E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial at the Sunset Drive-In. It’s a 4K restoration, and this year you can bike in, just like Elliott and his pal in the basket.
- Surf Nite: In what McLennan calls “the Rocky Horror Picture Show for surfers”, an episode of HBO’s 100 Foot Wave will presented by Big Wave legend Garret McNamara (who set a world record for surfing 78-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal). With drinks in the lobby and music from the Boomer Surf Band, the Fremont Theater audience should be stoked.
Cinephiles will be drawn to an impressive cohort of international films, each written and directed by a new female director – and each already an award-winner. Any film festival would be proud to present these four films. As McLennan says, this program “brings the world to SLO.”
- Scrapper: A precocious 12-year-old girl thinks that she is independently living her best life, until the unexpected appearance of the dad she hasn’t known. Won the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema/Dramatic at Sundance. First feature for British director Charlotte Regan.
- Our Father, the Devil: An African immigrant in France is rocked when an African priest shows up in her workplace – and he could actually be the savage warlord who traumatized her in her homeland. Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and has won the best picture award at 13 film festivals so far. First feature for Cameroon-born, American director Ellie Foumbi.
- Mediterranean Fever: A depressive writer becomes friends with his shady neighbor and the two embark on a dark journey. Won the Un Certain Regard screenplay prize at Cannes. Second feature for Palestinian director Maha Haj.
- Rodeo: A remarkably fierce young woman invites herself into a crew of dirt riders, Won the Un Certain Regard coup de coeur prize at Cannes. First feature for French director Lola Quivoron.
There’s plenty more, with over 40 features, workshops and over ten programs of shorts. I’m screening my way through the program, and will post my MUST SEE recommendations before the fest opens.
The SLO Film Fest will be in-person from April 25-30 in San Luis Obispo. The encore week, from April 30 through May 7, will feature both live screenings in Paso Robles and much of the program being available virtually. Peruse the program and get your tickets at SLO Film Fest.
Julie Ledru in RODEO. Courtesy of SLO Film Fest.