The Atlanta Film Festival celebrated their 43rd year between April 4th-14th with a solid slate of films that, unfortunately, I couldn’t even see half of due to life back here in Nashville. But, please don’t feel too sorry for me because I still managed to see quite a few movies and documentaries as a credentialed press member. I wore my badge with honor.
Instead of writing some long, drawn-out article about my experience being a part of ATLFF opening weekend, I’ve decided to break it down and make it easy for you and me by hitting the highlights.
A Grand Location:
The ATLFF had a handful of venues, but there’s no question which one was my absolute favorite. As the oldest operating and only independent cinema in Atlanta since 1939 – The Plaza Theatre is a thing of beauty. A uniquely old-fashioned movie theater – they simply cannot duplicate its look nor its rich history. From the marquee outside to the one screen grandeur auditorium on the inside – it takes you back to a pastime when movies kept it classy. I was thrilled that most of my screenings were in this place. Next year, I’m going to do my best to sit in the balcony – just once.
Best Film I Saw:
The Farewell
It was their Opening Night film and jam-packed. Director Lulu Wang and her family were in attendance, as was the leading lady herself Awkwafina. They were great and did a Q&A and for those that didn’t stay – shame on you!
Best Documentary I Saw:
The Biggest Little Farm
Such a fascinating, immersive doc about a Los Angeles couple and their dog Todd venturing out to live their dream as farmers. It’s an amazing story of their trials and tribulations, but also the magic of nature and the beauty and importance of allowing ourselves to coexist with it instead of being the interrupters.
An Unexpected Celebrity Sighting:
As I was standing in line to see a Miles Davis doc called Miles Davis: The Birth of the Cool, I watched a man in light khaki pants and a faded collar shirt wander through our small line and stop at the red carpet. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s f’n Paul Giamatti with a stellar ‘stache. Then he goes inside only to reappear minutes later right in front of me. Meanwhile, I’m in the middle of telling a woman behind me about how he looks like himself and how I’ve never seen his Showtime show Billions. I hope he didn’t hear that part. Once I made it in to the actual theater, I was prepared to see him one last time, but it never came. He hid in the balcony…probably thinking he snuck in without being spotted. You ain’t that good, Paul!
Adios For Now:
This was my first time attending the Atlanta Film Festival, and I have no doubt that I’ll be back. The locations, the staff, the volunteers of the fest, and the variety of films – they all make every single second worth it. My only gripe is that I wasn’t able to stay longer. I promise to work on that for next year.
More Atlanta Film Fest Coverage
Atlanta Film Fest 2019 Recap: Documentaries
Atlanta Film Fest Recap 2019: Movies
David Bowie’s Death Gives Life To Liz Manashil’s Speed Of Life (Interview)
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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