Local Talent
Neighborhood Makers The Mill Valley Film Festival screens films from around the world but it doesn’t neglect local talent. Here are works by Marin-based artists making an appearance this year. BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA Coup 53 Director Taghi Amiran’s feature debut is a look into the 1953 American- and British-orchestrated coup d’etat in Iran that displaced the democratically elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and strengthened the totalitarian grip of the shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Editor and co-writer Walter Murch lives in Bolinas Journey to Hokusai This film explores the connection between artists from different worlds. Mill Valley–bred woodblock printer Tom Killion travels to Kyoto to learn the traditional Japanese method of printing by hand as performed by his artistic inspiration, Hokusai. Director Chikara Motomura lives in Corte Madera Thousand Pieces of Gold Lalu is taken from China to the American Old West after being sold into marriage in director Nancy Kelly’s underseen masterwork. Based on a true story, this film is being shown in a new 4K restoration. Director Nancy Kelly lives in Greenbrae The Lure of This Land In this documentary, a group of people travel to Belize to find themselves. The country, nature of the land, and peaceful multicultural society provide freedom and an outlet for these creative seekers to flourish. Director Alexandra A. Lexton lives in Kentfield
Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo
The New Environmentalists: From Liberia to Mongolia This documentary short by Mill Valley Film Group profiles six activists who have placed themselves in precarious situations while fighting for environmental justice in their communities. Directors Will Parrinello, John Antonelli and Matt Yamashita comprise the Mill Valley Film Group Xmas Cake: This American Shelf Life A coming-of-middle-age story centers on a female pop singer’s journey from hot to not. Director May Yam lives in Mill Valley Counter Mapping A traditional Zuni farmer and museum director works with Zuni artists to make maps that restore an indigenous perspective on the land, countering Western notions of geography, place and arbitrary borders. Co-director Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee lives in Point Reyes Station Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo Trejo traces his journey from troubled kid growing up in Pacoima, California, to teenage drug addict and San Quentin prison inmate to film star, philanthropist and role model. Subject Danny Trejo served time in San Quentin State Prison
Thousand Pieces of Gold
Fangs for the Memories A documentary crew follows a teen “vampire” who lusts after a girl who is dating his bully. Director Mason Reoch lives in San Rafael and is a student at Marin School of the Arts in Novato
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