2 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
TAKE YOUR PICK
CITY NEWSPAPER 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW PAGE 4 - FESTIVAL CITY CITY Newspaper’s 2017 Festival Preview Guide
PAGE 10 - RUST NEVER SLEEPS Why do Rochesterians love Rusted Root?
PAGE 12 - CUT & PRINT How a new film festival came together
[ INTRODUCTION ] BY JAKE CLAPP
On the cover: Illustration by Ryan Williamson
The spring and summer always brings a little something for everyone. For almost 18 weeks, the Greater Rochester Area will host festival after festival. If you’re bored over the next few months, that’s on you. Rochesterians will have every reason to get out into the sun, from celebrating Highland Park in bloom (the Lilac Festival) and the Erie Canal (Low Bridge, High Water; Fairport and Spencerport Canal Days) to supporting local artists on Park Avenue or at the Clothesline Arts Festival. There are the big, downtown festivals — the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival in June and the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival in September — and one-day, community festivals like the 19th Ward Square Fair on June 3 and the Joseph Avenue Festival on July 29. Inside this Festival Preview Guide, CITY rounds-up the dates and details of all of those festivals, which we hope will be useful in planning your summer. That guide starts on page 4. Also in this year’s guide, you’ll find a story by film critic Adam Lubitow on how a new Rochester film festival came together (page 12). And on page 10, music writer Frank De Blase tries to answer a question on many Rochesterian minds: what the f*** is up with Rusted Root? As the festival season gets going, CITY will be adding updated information and added festivals to this guide online at rochestercitynewspaper.com.
Publishers: William and Mary Anna Towler Editorial department themail@rochester-citynews.com Arts & Entertainment editor: Jake Clapp Special Sections editor: Dan Poorman Contributing writers: Frank De Blase, Adam Lubitow, Scott Pukos Art department artdept@rochester-citynews.com Art director/production manager: Ryan Williamson Designers: Justyn Iannucci, Kevin Fuller Advertising department ads@rochester-citynews.com New sales development: Betsy Matthews Sales representatives: Christine Kubarycz, Tracey Mykins, David White, William Towler Operations/Circulation kstathis@rochester-citynews.com Circulation manager: Katherine Stathis Distribution: David Riccioni, Northstar Delivery Festival Preview 2017 is published by WMT Publications, Inc. Copyright by WMT Publications Inc., 2017 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.
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CITY NEWSPAPER’S 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW GUIDE [ GUIDE ] BY SCOTT PUKOS
It’s that splendid time of year when the Flower City transforms into Festival City. The 2017 festival lineup is as diverse as ever and expands beyond Rochester to Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne Counties. The fests offer celebrations of flowers, glorious food, booze, cuddly animals, music, art, pirates, and more. Below is a quick guide to the season’s upcoming celebrations — from the Lilac Festival to the Rochester Fringe Festival. While CITY tries to be as comprehensive as possible, new details and even new festivals are always being announced, so check out this guide online at rochestercitynewspaper.com for more. And if we missed anything, leave us a comment. 4 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Low Bridge, High Water
Thursday, May 11, through Saturday, May 13 It sounds like the name of a classic rock song, but the Low Bridge, High Water festival is actually an ode to the Erie Canal. This Village of Brockport “signature event” coincides with the annual opening of the Erie Canal for the season. Info: brockportny.org. Rochester Lilac Festival
Friday, May 12, through Sunday, May 21 Smiles and flower puns bloom as the Lilac Festival kicks off another season on May 12. Aside from showcasing the beauty of Highland Park, this staple features The Mowgli’s (May 15), Rusted Root (May 17; check page XX for more on that), and the Zac Brown Tribute Band (May 20). Food, drinks, art, a parade and more are also here. Info: rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival. Rochester Dachshund Parade
Saturday, May 13 This festival has gone to the dogs, but we mean that in the best way possible. Handcrafted dachshund items, along with dog health info will be for sale during what is arguably one of
the most adorable parades around. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Washington Square Park (181 South Clinton Avenue, downtown Rochester). Info: Dachshundparade.com. Roc City Rib Fest
Friday, May 26, through Monday, May 29 Rib lovers fear not, this delicious annual event is back for another year. While it was announced in late 2016 that the festival was ending, new ownership has revived the food favorite. Bring your bibs. Rochester Greek Festival
Late May/Early June Delicious Greek food plus plenty of dancing has proven to be a winning formula for the annual festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 962 East Avenue. A Greek marketplace and Kiddie Village round out the festival. Info: Rochestergreekfestival.org; 244-3377. Sulphur Springs Festival
Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3 A celebration of all things Clifton Springs, this two-day event features a parade, live music,
food (pie eating contest alert!), games, a dunking booth, and duck derby. Info: sulphurspringsfestival.com. Fairport Canal Days
Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 4 The annual ode to Fairport begins with a concert and chicken BBQ, and continues with more than 200 artisans, food vendors, and more live music. Oh, there’s also a canal. Info: fairportcanaldays.com. 19th Ward Square Fair
Saturday, June 3 The 19th ward kicks off summer early with its annual neighborhood showcase. A parade, pancake breakfast, games, local vendors, a book sale, and live music are a few highlights of the fair, which takes place in Aberdeen Square (330 Post Avenue, Rochester). Free admission. Info: 19wca.org; 328-6571. The Fast & the Furriest
Saturday, June 3 Mark your calendar with a paw print, as Rochester Animal Services’ annual fundraiser promises to be at its furry best. Included in the fest are 5K and 10K races, pet contests, a food truck rodeo, discounted pet adoptions, raffles, and more. Proceeds help reunite lost pets with their owners, create incentives for adopting shelter pets, and support pet retention. 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Rochester Animal Services, 184 Verona St. Info: VSAS.org. Show on Monroe
Saturday, June 3 Rochester’s Monroe Avenue between the Inner Loop and 490 transforms into a hub for businesses and communities to come together for some old fashioned fun. Buskers, vendors, and more highlight what promises to be a heck of a show. Info: showonmonroe.com. Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival
Tuesday, June 6, through Sunday, June 11 Art plus the beauty of the Finger Lakes region combine for this sixth edition of the Ontario County festival. As many as 45 artists from across the country will detail the gorgeous region in their artwork. An continues on page 6 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 5
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exhibition and sale of these works will be held on the last day of the festival. Full list of events and locations: fingerlakespleinair.com. Rochester Real Beer Week
Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June 18 Think of a Homer Simpson-guzzling-beer GIF. That’s all of us during Beer Week. Aside from events at dozens of area bars, there’s a craft beer tasting at the Real Beer Expo on June 10. Details for the week’s events: rochesterrealbeer.com. Adirondack Mountain Club’s Outdoor Expo
Saturday, June 10 The 20th annual expo features over 60 workshops for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, camping, and biking. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., beach area, Mendon Ponds Park. Info: gvc-adk.org/expo. Keuka Arts Festival
Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11 Food, wine, music, and of course, art will be featured along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, just a few blocks from downtown Penn Yan. This festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Free admission. keukaartsfestival.com. Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival
Saturday, June 17, through Saturday, July 29 A festival that stretches throughout the summer, this is a feast for classical musical lovers. Programs include celebrations of female composers, German masters, and an Independence Day weekend show. Info: fingerlakes-music.org. Festival on the Green
Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18 Honeoye Falls’ festival of local music, art, crafts, and family-friendly activities on the Fireman’s Field (321 Monroe Street) on Friday, and Harry Allen Park (21 North Main Street) Saturday and Sunday. Also includes a 5K run/walk. Info: festivalonthegreen.us. Maplewood Rose Festival
June Everything is rosy at the Maplewood Rose Garden. The fest features over 300 rose varieties and 5,000 roses in bloom. Aside from the flower power, there’s also yoga in 6 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
the garden, live music, a wine tasting, and more. Info: maplewood.org/rose-festival. Rochester International Jazz Festival
Friday, June 23, through Saturday, July 1 It’s time once again to bust out that air saxophone. Headliners for this year’s Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival include Joss Stone, Mavis Staples, Sheryl Crow, and King Crimson. The 16th edition features a massive schedule of 325-plus shows, including 95 free gigs, in 19 venues. Want a little more? CITY will have its Jazz Festival preview guide on stands June 14. Schedule, tickets, and venue info: rochesterjazz.com. Macedonian Festival
Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25 St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church’s annual celebration of Macedonian culture and heritage features music, dancing, children’s activities, and food. 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday; noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday; noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. 235 Telephone Road, West Henrietta. Free admission. macedonianfest.com. Sterling Renaissance Festival
Saturday, July 1, through Sunday, August 13 Hear ye, hear ye! Step into the past with a diverse look at Renaissance culture. The slate includes a family appreciation event, ale fest, pirate weekend, fairies, fantasy, and a grand finale. Located at 15385 Farden Road, Sterling. Info: sterlingfestival.com Corn Hill Arts Festival
Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9 Rochester’s oldest residential neighborhood is highlighted with arts, vendors, food, music and more. Additionally, there will be a Fairy Houses Tour that displays 65 whimsy-filled homes. No word if there are actual magical creatures residing there. Info: cornhillartsfestival.com. Rochester Pride 2017
Sunday, July 9, through Sunday, July 16 This year marks the 50th anniversary of “The Summer of Love” movement, and Rochester Pride is replicating that attitude. Pride Week includes a beach party, ROC Pride Games, and the annual Pride Parade. Festival tickets continues on page 8 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 7
and info available through the Gay Alliance website: gayalliance.org. Canandaigua Art and Music Festival
Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16 The Gateway to the Finger Lakes showcases art, music, food, beverages and fun on Main Street Canandaigua. Noon-7 p.m. Friday; 10-5 Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. Info: canandaiguaartfestival.com. Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16 You had us at “wine festival.” Finger Lakes wines from 80 wineries are featured, along with live music, artisans, culinary classes, and cooking demonstrations. It all goes down at Watkins Glen International Speedway (2790 County Route 16). Info: flwinefest.com. Canandaigua Lake Music Festival
Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 23 A tribute to music featuring Lithuanian pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute, trio Chalaca, a free family concert at Canandaigua’s Wood Library, and more. Info: lakemusicfestival.org. Native American Dance and Music Festival
Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23 The annual ode to Seneca and Haudenosaunee heritage returns at the Ganondagan Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor. Info: ganondagan.org. Joseph Avenue Festival
Saturday, July 29 Last year’s festival had more than 5,000 attendees, and organizers are hoping for a similar turnout to celebrate the Joseph Avenue neighborhood. The fest will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Info: cityofrochester.gov. Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show
Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30 The north shore of Canandaigua Lake is gorgeous on its own, and the addition of art, music, and food only amplify that beauty. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kershaw Park, Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua. Free admission. Info: lakefrontartshow.com. Spencerport Canal Days
Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30 A family-oriented festival in the village of 8 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Spencerport. Art, crafts, live music, food, wine tastings, a farmer’s market, and children’s amusement rides are all part of the fun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Free admission. Info: spencerportcanaldays.com. Waterfront Art Festival
Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30 Held in Webster’s North Ponds Park for the second year, the fest will include 120 artists, live music, beer, wine, and cider.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Info: waterfrontartfestival.com.
New York State Wine Festival
Saturday, August 12, and Sunday, August 13 Formerly known as the Finger Lakes Riesling & Craft Beer Festival, the event has expanded beyond New York State offerings. The supersized version of the fan favorite fest will once again take place at the New York Wine and Culinary Center (800 South Main Street, Canandaigua) and the Canandaigua City Pier (Lakeshore Drive). Wine and beer sampling will be the highlight. Info: nyswinefestival.com Arts at the Gardens
Friday, August 4, through Sunday, August 6 You know there’s anticipation for a festival when its website includes a countdown clock. The excitement is warranted with three days filled with the blues, a car cruise, food, kids’ activities, and a euchre tournament. Proceeds benefit Camp Good Days. Info: limafest.org.
Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20 The art-filled fest is back at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua). It features work by more than 100 artists plus a wine and beer garden, live music, food, a sculpture garden, and access to the Sonnenberg Mansion and gardens. 10 a.m.5 p.m. each day. Info: artsatthegardens.com.
Puerto Rican Festival
New York State Festival of Balloons
August Puerto Rican culture and music are the stars in this annual festival. The three-day event includes live music, food, cultural events, and more. Info:prfestival.com.
Thursday, August 31, through Sunday, September 3 This festival begins with the traditional balloon glow, where dozens of hot air balloons are lit up at dusk. The high-flying fun continues over the weekend. Located at Dansville’s Municipal Airport, 176 Franklin Street, Maple Street entrance. Info: nysfob.com.
Lima Crossroads Blues Festival
Park Avenue Summer Art Festival
Saturday, August 5, and Sunday, August 6 Park Avenue is shut down, and transformed into a glorious showcase for art, vendors, and food. Lots of great food. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. Park Ave. between Alexander St. and Culver Rd. Free. Info: rochesterevents.com/ park-ave-festival. Pageant of Steam
Wednesday, August 9, through Saturday, August 12 The 57th Pageant of Steam chugs along with its showcase of antique vehicles powered by steam. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. 3349 Gehan Road, Canandaigua. Info: pageantofsteam.org. Avon Rotary Corn Festival
Saturday, August 12 An Avon tradition since 1986, this year’s version includes art, crafts, and food. Proceeds benefit numerous area charitable programs. Genesee Street, Village of Avon. Info: avonrotary.org.
Clothesline Arts Festival
Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10 It’s the Memorial Art Gallery’s popular festival and fundraiser, with works by hundreds of artists, plus workshops, food trucks, and a sidewalk sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 ($4 for MAG members); free for children 10 and under. Info: mag.rochester.edu/clothesline. Rochester Fringe Festival
Thursday, September 14, through Saturday, September 23 Festival season once again concludes with the exciting, odd, and creative pleasures of the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival. The lineup will be announced this summer. To be expected: spectacle, art, music, and something for everyone. Look out for CITY’s preview guide to the Rochester Fringe Festival, on stands September 6. Info: rochesterfringe.com.
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RUST NEVER SLEEPS [ MUSIC COMMENTARY ] BY FRANK DE BLASE
Ah yes, spring is in the air, and here comes another Lilac Festival to kick off the Rochester festival season, pumping music and the smell of lilacs like so much old lady perfume into the air. And … here comes Rusted Root. Rusted Root will play the 2017 edition of the Lilac Festival on Wednesday, May 17, its fifth time. Rusted Root? I don’t really get it, so I did a little digging around — and every person I asked answered with some kind of eye-roll. Rusted Root has been playing Rochester almost annually since the early 1990’s, when the Pittsburgh jamsters played the now defunct Downtown Festival Tent. The band has even brought its rhythm-centric world beat to the Rochester International Jazz Festival. It draws big crowds (including at The Blue Cross Arena), but there’s one thing: they aren’t all that amazing. Still, they persist and thousands upon thousands of Rochester music fans lose their shit. Rust never sleeps; perhaps it should take a nap. Typically the Lilac Festival brings in a whole parade of new and exciting artists peppered with legends. Where does Rusted Root fit in? Festival Producer Jeff Springut has managed to balance the job of music promoter and music fan. His passion runs deep when promoting a new artist he’s just discovered or a legend who has come out of retirement. And Springut is quick to point out that it isn’t the festival’s policy to book repeat artists. Yet the demand is so strong not only from fans, but from Rusted Root itself, that he finds himself giving in. “They love their fans in Rochester,” Springut says. Rusted Root is one of the festival’s top draws, pulling in about 6,000 to 7,000 devoted fans each time. According to Springut, Rusted Root has gone as far as to suggest playing all 10 days with a different set performed each night. Thankfully, Springut lowered the boom on that. But some music fans and musicians, like Doug Mac, scratch their chins and wonder 10 2017 FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Rusted Root will play the Lilac Festival for a fifth time (more than any other band) on May 17. PROVIDED PHOTO
aloud, “Why the same old shit?” “Probably because it’s a sure thing,” says musician Greg Andrews. “You know what you’re going to get.” But who always wants to know what they’re going to get. Isn’t this a little repetitive? “We don’t like to repeat performers from year to year,” Springut says. “But at this point with Rusted Root, it’s not repetition, it’s become a tradition. Their appeal is hard for me to describe.” The Lilac Festival is calling this year’s lineup the “year of the funky jam bands.” But that’s kind of every year, especially when Rusted Root makes its annual trek from Pittsburgh. Over the years, the Lilac Festival has blessed us with Zydeco legends like Buckwheat Zydeco, blues greats like Johnny Winter, up-and-comers like Lake Street Dive, and tons of new regional and local talent … and then there’s Rusted Root. I have nothing against jam bands; they are the quintessential embodiment of music outdoors. I never particularly dug The Grateful Dead, but I understand Deadheads and hippies. Same goes for Rusted Root. Its music just doesn’t do it for me, with all
its polyrhythmic overload. It’s overdone and yields the same excitement as boiled cardboard. It doesn’t allow for air. The band is still riding out its 1994 hit “Send Me on My Way,” off its album “When I Woke,” where singer Michael Glabicki intones with so much jiggly vibrato it sounds as if somebody dumped a bucket of ice down Tarzan’s pants. In spite of anything I can say, though, Rusted Root has sold more than 3 million records worldwide. Buddhahood guitarist Nate Coffey thinks fans should dig a little deeper. “People want to hear what they know,” he says. “They want to hear hits.” Of course, that doesn’t apply to everyone. But there is so much good, new music on the road and popping up on stages right here at home. There are a million bands that musicphiles like Springut and me want you to hear. Bands that’ll wake you up, turn you on, and turn you out. Fresh music, kids. We should all get out there and hear it, demand it, and embrace it. Or in the meanby, you could check out Rusted Root … again.
Rusted Root has played Rochester almost annually since the early 90’s, and is about to play the Lilac Festival for the fifth time.
Why do Rochesterians like this band so much?
A show poster from when Rusted Root played St. John Fisher College in 1999. CITY stumbled across it in our back room during a spring cleaning day. Why we had it, no one knows. FILE PHOTO ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 11
CUT & PRINT
How the first year of the One Take Film Festival, a new Rochester festival celebrating the art of the documentary, came together Linda Moroney (left) and Bri Merkel (right) are the organizers of the 2017 One Take Film Festival. PHOTO BY MATT DETURCK [ FILM FEATURE ] BY ADAM LUBITOW
Documentary films are hot right now. While nonfiction filmmaking has been around as long as cinema itself, it’s typically taken a backseat to narrative storytelling when it comes to audience popularity. For many, the word “documentary” creates a feeling of being asked to complete homework; it promises a film that will take effort to engage with, and that can be a turnoff to people looking for simple entertainment. But the tide has gradually turned, and audiences have finally come around to the fact that nonfiction
filmmaking can be just as entertaining, exciting, inspiring, scary, and funny as any narrative feature. The reason behind this shift might be attributed to the rise of digital filmmaking, bringing with it easier access to quality cameras and editing software, putting the essential tools in the hands of more filmmakers and widening the breadth of stories these artists are able to capture. Or maybe the ridiculousness of real life has finally caught up to whatever our imaginations can possibly come up with.
No matter the reason, documentaries have benefitted, and that’s cause for celebration. As the interest in nonfiction films has grown, so too has the popularity of The Little Theatre’s monthly One Take Documentary Series, which first started back in 2012. And as the audience has increased, the series seems ready for its next evolution: the One Take Film Festival. Scheduled for May 18 through May 21, the festival promises a fourday “jubilee of education, art, music, food, empowerment, and film.”
FRIDAY-SUNDAY JUNE 16 TH, 17 TH, & 18 TH Lots of local talent and family fun! Fri night: Annual 5K Friday, followed by music featuring Jonathan Stills , food, and fireworks display at Fireman’s Field Sat & Sun: At Harry Allen Park. Craft vendors, food, and music. Yearly frog jumping contest, pie-eating contest and children’s games. Sunday: 47th Annual Father's Day Pancake Breakfast SPONSORED BY THE Honeoye
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Falls Historical Society
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One Take Film Festival Director Linda Moroney thinks the time couldn’t be better for a local festival dedicated to celebrating nonfiction films. “I believe documentary filmmaking is the most exciting aspect of cinema currently,” she says. “It educates, engages, empowers, but it’s also fun, thrilling, and pushes boundaries in terms of content and form itself.”
One Take Film Festival THURS., MAY 18, THROUGH SUN., MAY 21 ALL-ACCESS FESTIVAL PASSES $65 FOR MEMBERS OF THE LITTLE AND ROC DOC GROUP; $80 FOR NON-MEMBERS. TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THELITTLE.ORG INDIVIDUAL FILM TICKETS, $11 GENERAL ADMISSION, $7 SENIORS/STUDENTS/MEMBERS MORE INFORMATION AT OTFF.ORG
Moroney, along with The Little Artistic Director Bri Merkel were the ones who took up the task of shepherding the One Take Film Festival to the finish line of its inaugural year. Mounting a film festival is no small feat, and though One Take has had a relatively smooth birth in the grand scheme of things, coordinating the festival has been a year-long process requiring meticulous logistical planning. The festival benefits from having a built-in venue in The Little and — due to their corporate affiliation — the backing of WXXI. Moroney also draws upon her years of experience as an independent filmmaker, during which time she’s been able to develop relationships with other filmmakers as well as build up festival contacts (she’s also the producer for festival selection “The Last Dalai Lama?,” directed by Mickey Lemle). But all those resources mean nothing if you don’t get the crowds, and movie audiences are notoriously fickle beasts. Additional funding and word-of-mouth was generated by “Film to Table,” an event held in February at Good Luck Restaurant, which kicked off ticket sales while bringing in film lovers to partake in a selection of short films paired with tasty, thematically-related food courses. continues on page 14 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 13
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A scene from the Spanish documentary “Brimstone & Glory,” which will screen during the One Take Film Festival PHOTO PROVIDED
Naturally, the most critical component
PSST. Want the scoop on local schools? Check our education section for updates on the RCSD.
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of any film festival is the lineup of movies. Programming a film festival takes a tricky sort of alchemy: you’ve got to find quality films and consider which stories will resonate most with your audience. There’s also the question of which films might forgo the festival circuit and opt for a traditional theatrical run. Due to the increased popularity of on demand and streaming services, a film’s period for distribution has significantly condensed. The changing face of film distribution can be a blessing and a curse. “It’s heartbreaking when you fall in love with a film, but their festival window doesn’t line up with yours,” Moroney says. “Luckily One Take is also a year-round film series, so we have other opportunities to bring those much loved films to Rochester at a later date.” Programming can often be daunting, but the process of deciding which films made the cut was streamlined by Merkel and Moroney’s longstanding working relationship and similar movie tastes. “We both have really strong opinions, but luckily they match up most of the time,” says Merkel. The duties of a programmer also include scouting films at other festivals throughout the year. Separately, the pair traveled to the Sundance Film Festival and True/False Festival in Columbia,
Missouri; trips which allowed them to discover a number of films that ended up in their lineup. “At the beginning of the programing process you worry about finding great films, but then like magic, they start falling out of the ether,” says Moroney. It was on the festival circuit that they discovered “Unrest,” an emotional, intensely personal doc from Jennifer Brea about her battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and took home a Special Jury Prize for editing. The One Take festival lineup incorporates a cross-section of documentary filmmaking styles, from vérité to investigative pieces, personal narratives, historical chronicles, and even purely stylistic exercises like “Brimstone & Glory,” a stunning-looking film that documents a week-long firework festival in Tultepec, Mexico. This diversity of form wasn’t a deliberate decision, and arose more as a result of which films happened to be making the rounds. They were also conscious of keeping the festival to a manageable size, both for their own sanity during planning and to ensure that the schedule not become too daunting for attendees. “We’re intentionally starting small, so we can do it well and then grow from there. It’s been very important to us to have strong
programming and cultivate relationships with filmmakers,” Moroney explains. That relationship includes inviting filmmakers to attend the festival along with their films, and that aspect is part of what makes the festival experience such a unique one. “It gets a little stressful when you send out the invites, because there suddenly are tons of different conversations and moving parts and plans to make,” Merkel says, “but it’s also the most exciting part, especially when you can lock a filmmaker to come.” Though it often takes some complicated coordination, filmmaker presence brings festival-goers the ability to interact with them, asking questions and gaining a deeper appreciation for a director’s work. OTFF’s featured guest will be filmmaker Steve James, who’ll be honored with the festival’s first Double Take Vanguard Award, which celebrates an artist’s body of work by screening one of their past films alongside a contemporary project. The festival will screen his highly influential documentary feature, “Hoop Dreams” (named by the International Documentary Association as the greatest
documentary of all time), as well as his latest film, “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” which follows the small, family-run bank that became the only company to be criminally indicted during the mortgage crisis of 2008. Adding to the atmosphere will be a VR Garden — curated by Frameless Labs and the MAGIC Center at Rochester Institute of Technology — featuring immersive 360/VR/AR documentary content. Features like the VR Garden allow the festival to highlight the technology that’s currently pushing the boundaries of filmic storytelling, and suggesting where the form might be headed in the future. Furthering the local connection, One Take will also be screening a program of short films taken from submissions by area filmmakers. We’re in the age of alternative facts, and the current administration’s antagonism toward the arts and sciences means the role documentaries can play in educating the public is of even greater value. “I’m thinking people are going to be searching out more truth, and isn’t that what ‘documentary’ is?
More truth, more authenticity, and more realism,” Moroney says. This idea is reflected in activist docs like “Whose Streets?” which shines a spotlight on the riots in Ferguson and the global movement sparked by the death of Michael Brown. “These are all human stories,” Merkel adds, “and how many humans are being affected by what’s going on in the political climate.” This dedication to exploring universally-resonant stories on both a human-sized and global scale is something One Take will continue to strive toward going forward. Merkel and Moroney are eager for audiences to experience the fruits of their labor, hoping that the One Take Film Festival will provide an opportunity for Rochester’s film community to come together. It’s that shared experience that really matters. “It’s the moment that it becomes a community when everyone is making time to participate in this festival with strangers, friends, neighbors, and artists, and everyone feels like they’re sharing something special,” Merkel says.
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