People I Know Make Videos

Filmmaking competitions are sweeping the globe these days, and I've got several friends taking part who are turning out fine little works. It seems as though all of my filmmaking friends are talented, which is truly no surprise to me since they are, after all, my friends.

I first met Montreal filmmaker Giulia Frati back in 2001 when her short MISTER E. screened at the (you guessed it) Fantasia Film Festival and we've remained friends ever since. Giulia divides her time between Paris and Montreal these days, but she's spending her summer in the latter city and took part in a 48 Hour competition back in July while I happened to be in town for this year's fest. We only got to see each other for a little bit before I had to catch my flight back, but our time together is always one of the highlights of my Montreal visits and she's one of those people I always wish I could see more often. Here's a lovely piece she made with filmmaking friend Ian Cameron that says a lot in a short period of time (that's Giulia handing the sparkler to the little girl at the beginning, by the way):


Something sparkly is in your future. from Ian Cameron on Vimeo.

I also want to mention that PUPA'S GARDEN, an excellent documentary Giulia made about her grandmother in Italy, will be screening on PBS some time soon. I'll keep you posted as to the dates.

Well, if the Alamo Drafthouse is having another filmmaking competition, expect Thomas Humphrys, Nick Robinson and the rest of the Black Magic Rollercoaster team to get involved. This time it's the 2008 edition of Unnecessary Sequels and the team now brings us the sequel no one really wanted: POWDER 2: POWDER 2 THE PEOPLE. Take it away, boys:


POWDER 2: POWDER 2 THE PEOPLE from BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER on Vimeo.

Love it (and not just because I'm in it)!