2012 San Antonio Film Festival: Official Lineup

The 18th annual San Antonio Film Festival will run for a solid week, June 18-24, at several locations around the city and will feature, as it always does, an expansive and impressive lineup of documentaries, thrillers, dramas and a ton of short films.
The fest kicks off on the 18th with the Canadian culture clash comedy French Immersion, directed by Kevin Tierney, followed by a block of homegrown short films from all over the great state of Texas. The next night’s programming, the 19th, pays tribute to San Antonio’s neighbors to the south with two feature films from Mexico, the drama Burros by Odin Salazar Flores and the documentary Die Standing Up by Jacaranda Correa, as well as a block of short films.
Some of the feature-length documentaries include Stephanie Hubbard’s Christian theme park quest Bible Storyland (watch the trailer); James Lane’s expose of the Oklahoma City bombing A Noble Lie; Andy Lauer’s Grid Iron Heroes about a paralyzed former football player; and Marcia Rock & Patricia Lee Stotter’s Service: When Women Come Marching Home that examines the difficulties faced by female soldiers.
Other fictional films include thrillers like John Mossman’s Into the Wake and Charles Evered’s A Thousand Cuts; comedies like Jeff Sable’s Life at the Resort and Adam Hampton’s The Unusual Calling of Charlie Christmas; dramas like Gisberg Bermudez’s Portion and William Leonardo Molina’s Down By the River; and more. There are also multiple short film blocks.
The full film lineup is below. For more info, please visit the official San Antonio Film Festival website.
June 18
8:00 p.m.: French Immersion, dir. Kevin Tierney. Four Canadians and one New Yorker travel to Northern Quebec for an intensely strict French-language learning summer camp.
10:00 p.m.: “Texas Monthly Shorts”
June 19
5:00 p.m.: Burros/Donkeys, dir. Odin Salazar Flores. After his father is killed, a young boy is sent to live with his aunt, but he runs away and comes under the care of a sympathetic woman and her two daughters.
7:00 p.m.: Morir De Pie/Die Standing Up, dir. Jacaranda Correa. This documentary profiles Irina Layevska, who has MS, and her life partner, Nelida Reyes, who supports her.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
Angustia/Angst, dir. Leon Rechy
Borreguito/Little Lamb, dir. Antonio Isordia
Cenizas/Ashes, dir. Ernesto Martinez Bucio
Despedida, dir. Fabian Ibarra
El Pescador/The Fisherman, dir. Samantha Pineda Sierra
Eskimal/Eskimo, dir. Homero Ramirez Tena
Juan y la Borrega, dir. Xavier Velasco
Monarca/Monarch, dir. Victor Rene Ramirez Madrigal
Mutation, dir. Leon Fernandex
Sin Frenos/Without Brakes, dir. Pancho Ortega
June 20
12:30 p.m.: Forbidden Kiss, dir. Fen Tian. An American visiting a remote Chinese village falls in love with the simple way of life there, but has trouble adjusting to all of the ancient customs.
12:30 p.m.: The Art of Flight, dir. Curt Morgan. Snowboarders attempt to push themselves past the limits that their sport offers.
12:30 p.m.: A Schizophrenic Love Story, dir. Glenn Levy. An agoraphobe asks Mary Mother of Jesus, Einstein and a vampire for romantic advice.
3:00 p.m.: Uniformed Consent, dir. Shea Carney. This documentary examines the effect the over-prescription of antidepressants is having on our country and culture.
3:00 p.m.: Bat City USA, dir. Laura Brooks. This documentary examines the history of the legions of bats that congregate underneath Austin, Texas’ Congress Avenue Bridge and how it attracts tourists from all over to watch them.
3:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
Mothers of Pearl, dir. Jesse Estrada
Fuzz Feud, dir. Todd Hampson
Another F**king, dir. Katharina Marie Schubert
Site 13, dir. Isaac Rodriguez
Joey, dir. David Forster
Un Buen Hijo, dir. Juan Gil Garcia
Welcome to San Antonio, dir. Taylor James Johnson
Spirit of Life, dir. Joseph Garza
Run, dir. Shelagh McLeod
7:00 p.m.: Trash Dance, dir. Andrew Garrison. This documentary follows a choreographer who attempts to convince city sanitation workers to participate in a unique dance performance.
7:00 p.m.: Into the Wake, dir. John Mossman. After receiving a mysterious phone call, a young man returns home and finds himself embroiled in a vicious clan war that he tried to escape years ago.
7:00 p.m.: Supporting Characters, dir. Daniel Schechter. While working on their respective troubled film projects, two movie editors try to juggle their intense personal and professional lives.
9:15 p.m.: Searching for Sonny, dir. Andrew Disney. A pizza delivery guy attends his high school reunion only to become involved in the search for a missing classmate.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
This Is Your Life, dir. Samantha Bosmans
My License, dir. Elizabeth Herrick
Death Is an Unknown, dir. Asiah Puente
Echoes of Exxon, dir. Lauren Lindberg
Burn Spark, dir. Maqui Gaona
Plugged In, dir. Anna Dodd
Cempasuchiles, dir. Cesar Martinez
Crumbs, dir. Nick Vasquez
The Perfect Self-Deception, dir. David Vendrell
Bill Lesko Cromwell: The Water Bottle, dir. Amber Cordova
Kill Me Slowly, dir. Samantha Bosmans
.COMmunication, dir. David Vendrell
Why Should I Care?, dir. Michael Notrica
Alone Together, dir. Ben Kadie
Cardiac Arrest, dir. Maqui Gaona
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
Los Espiritus de San Antonio, dir. Richard Jemal
Double Or Nothing, dir. Nathaniel Krause
Lowland Mountain Gorilla Vs. Giant, dir. Mike Fallek
Election Day, dir. Zach Wechter
The Golds, dir. Lars Jandel
The Graveyard Shift, dir. Jessica Burgess
The Lepidoctor, dir. Jonathan Barenboim
Trapez, dir. Kal-El Bogdanove
Wallenda, dir. VW Scheich
June 21
12:30 p.m.: Searching for Sonny, dir. Andrew Disney. A pizza delivery guy attends his high school reunion only to become involved in the search for a missing classmate.
12:30 p.m.: Five Hours South, dir. Mark Bacci. An Italian policeman fantasizes about throwing his entire life away to pursue his dream career of breakdancing.
12:30 p.m.: Echotone, dir. Nathan Christ. This documentary examines how struggling musicians get by while struggling to “make it” in Austin, Texas.
3:00 p.m.: Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit, dir. Mark Jeavons. A man struggles to survive his mid-life crisis.
3:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
Balloon Goon, dir. Andrew Goodwin
Otter, dir. Daniel DelPurgatorio
Shacharit: A Morning Prayer, dir. Steven Loring
Trial of Ben Barry, dir. Shea E. Butler
Writing on the Wall, dir. Ruben Rodriguez
Show Me, dir. David Schneider
Life According to Penny, dir. Ali Barr
Mossadegh, dir. Roozbeh Dadvand
3:00 p.m.: The Art of Flight, dir. Curt Morgan. Snowboarders attempt to push themselves past the limits that their sport offers.
7:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
The Birth of Saint Eliseo — Protector de Las Esposas, dir. Stacy Dean Campbell
Worlds Apart, dir. Michael Zachary Huber
Abuelas, dir. Farin Eghbal
Steak Away, dir. Daniel Trevino
Barrier, dir. Egal Elkevity
Madly Unto Eternity, dir. Pikey Holdredge
Latte Moms, dir. Elisabeth Seth Rippe
The Plan, dir. Vivek Sharma
Easy Street, dir. Russell Greene
7:00 p.m.: Life at the Resort, dir. Jeff Sable. Profiling the lives of and the intrigue surrounding the quirky employees of the 5 Star Hollywood Resort
7:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
A for Anxiety, dir. David O’Rourke
Without, dir. Chad McClarnon
Acta 1 Szene 1, dir. Hans Montelius
Children of the Air, dir. Damian Horan
Craft of Unknown Origin, dir. Mike Fisher
A Boy With Arms, dir. So-jin Park
Say Yes to Me, dir. Andrew DeSelm
Appntmnt, dir. Gays Alatrakchi
9:15 p.m.: Grid Iron Heroes, dir. Andy Lauer. This documentary profiles a teenage football player who was paralyzed during a game and who went on to inspire others in his same situation.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
A Walk in the Park, dir. Jonathan Lucan
Mayonnaise in a Jar, dir. Sarabeth Pridgen Fox
The Assignment, dir. Scott Brignac
The Carolyn Jackson Story, dir. Nina Vizcarrondo
Mission of Mermaids, dir. Susan Cohn Rockefeller
The Men’s Room, dir. Jane Pickett
Besos, dir. Veronica Rodriguez
Wrigley and King, dir. Cornelius Murphy
Unknown Celler, dir. Chris Kruse
9:15 p.m.: The Making of a Dream, dir. Mark Haefeli. This documentary profiles singer Andrea Bocelli’s father and the impact he had on his son’s career.
June 22
12:30 p.m.: Reconvergence, dir. Edward Tyndall. Tying together the separate paths a naturalist, a neuroscientist, a poet and a historian have all taken in their lives.
12:30 p.m.: Portion, dir. Gisberg Bermudez. An illegal immigrant is torn between having to choose to become a permanent resident or go home and care for his sick mother.
12:30 p.m.: Lefty Loosey Righty Tighty, dir. James Yaegashi. Three college friends attempt to reconnect after they’ve drifted apart over the past 10 years.
3:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
A for Anxiety, dir. David O’Rourke
Without, dir. Chad McClarnon
Acta 1 Szene 1, dir. Hans Montelius
Children of the Air, dir. Damian Horan
Craft of Unknown Origin, dir. Mike Fisher
A Boy With Arms, dir. So-jin Park
Say Yes to Me, dir. Andrew DeSelm
Appntmnt, dir. Gays Alatrakchi
3:00 p.m.: A Thousand Cuts, dir. Charles Evered. A Hollywood “torture porn” filmmaker is tormented by a real life sadist.
3:00 p.m.: Laid: Life As It’s Dealt, dir. Andrew Rodriguez & J.D. Stimson Jr. A male hustler tries to get his life back on track so that he can properly care for his young daughter.
7:00 p.m.: Code of the West, dir. Rebecca Richman Cohen. This documentary examines the state of Montana’s attempt to repeal its legalized medical marijuana laws.
7:00 p.m.: Bible Storyland, dir. Stephanie Hubbard. This documentary profiles an art dealer obsessed with uncovering the secrets of a religious themed amusement park that was planned and never built in California. (Watch the documentary movie trailer)
7:00 p.m.: The Last Ride, dir. Harry Thomason. This documentary covers the last days of Hank Williams.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
My Son, dir. Chithra Jeyaram
Heimkommen, dir. Micah Magee
The Algophobic, dir. Taylor Perkins
Opake, dir. Christopher Yogi
Clown, dir. AG Rojas
CY.CLE, dir. David Crawford
Misplaced, dir. Greg Lastrapes
Grounded, dir. Kevin Margo, Barrett Meeker
Flutter, dir. Sam Lerma
3113, dir. Eric Demeusy
Stimm, dir. Cody Jones
Getaway, dir. Alyss Evans
9:15 p.m.: Echotone, dir. Nathan Christ. This documentary examines how struggling musicians get by while struggling to “make it” in Austin, Texas.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
Leak, dir. Beni Fredman
Ernie Takes the Long Way Thru the Southside, dir. Robert B. Gonzales
Road to Esperanza, dir. Ed Trucco
Remonde, dir. Kerry Branon & Richard Moos
Bohret Girl, dir. Ambar Navarro
Crescendo, dir. Alonso Alvarez
Beliefe, dir. Rod Guajardo
Henry, dir. James Weber & Tim Becker
Ghost of Yesterday, dir. Tony Gault
Back to Fort Russell, dir. R.D. Womack II
June 23
12:30 p.m.: “Short Films”
Leak, dir. Beni Fredman
Ernie Takes the Long Way Thru the Southside, dir. Robert B. Gonzales
Road to Esperanza, dir. Ed Trucco
Remonde, dir. Kerry Branon & Richard Moos
Bohret Girl, dir. Ambar Navarro
Crescendo, dir. Alonso Alvarez
Beliefe, dir. Rod Guajardo
Henry, dir. James Weber & Tim Becker
Ghost of Yesterday, dir. Tony Gault
12:30 p.m.: Along Recovery, dir. Justin Springer. This documentary examines the Traumatic Brain Injuries that some soldiers endure in Afghanistan and Iraq.
12:30 p.m.: “Short Films”
My Son, dir. Chithra Jeyaram
Heimkommen, dir. Micah Magee
The Algophobic, dir. Taylor Perkins
Opake, dir. Christopher Yogi
Clown, dir. AG Rojas
CY.CLE, dir. David Crawford
Misplaced, dir. Greg Lastrapes
Grounded, dir. Kevin Margo, Barrett Meeker
Flutter, dir. Sam Lerma
3113, dir. Eric Demeusy
Stimm, dir. Cody Jones
Getaway, dir. Alyss Evans
3:00 p.m.: A Noble Lie: Oklahoma City 1995, dir. James Lane. This documentary exposes the truth of what actually happened at the infamous Oklahoma City bombing.
3:00 p.m.: Supporting Characters, dir. Daniel Schechter. While working on their respective troubled film projects, two movie editors try to juggle their intense personal and professional lives.
3:00 p.m.: Inocente, prod. Albie Hecht. A teenage, homeless, illegal immigrant girl still manages to pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
7:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
A Walk in the Park, dir. Jonathan Lucan
Mayonnaise in a Jar, dir. Sarabeth Pridgen Fox
The Assignment, dir. Scott Brignac
The Carolyn Jackson Story, dir. Nina Vizcarrondo
Mission of Mermaids, dir. Susan Cohn Rockefeller
The Men’s Room, dir. Jane Pickett
Besos, dir. Veronica Rodriguez
Wrigley and King, dir. Cornelius Murphy
Unknown Celler, dir. Chris Kruse
7:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
Hellion, dir. Akt Candler
The Starlight, dir. Jesse Gustafson
Sterling Hallard Bright Drake, dir. Robert Sickels
No One But Us, dir. Roman Shumunov
Elko, dir. Alexander Yan
1000 Grams, dir. Tom Bewilogua
Playing House, dir. Mairin Hart
Lilia, dir. Sam Lerna
7:00 p.m.: Into the Wake, dir. John Mossman. After receiving a mysterious phone call, a young man returns home and finds himself embroiled in a vicious clan war that he tried to escape years ago.
9:15 p.m.: The Unusual Calling of Charlie Christmas, dir. Adam Hampton. A high school janitor decides to become a costumed vigilante.
9:15 p.m.: A Schizophrenic Love Story, dir. Glenn Levy. An agoraphobe asks Mary Mother of Jesus, Einstein and a vampire for romantic advice.
9:15 p.m.: Portion, dir. Gisberg Bermudez. An illegal immigrant is torn between having to choose to become a permanent resident or go home and care for his sick mother.
June 24
12:30 p.m.: American Man, dir. Jon Frankel. This documentary profiles a former professional football player stricken with ALS who now preaches about the physical danger of the sport he once loved.
12:30 p.m.: “Short Films”
Hellion, dir. Akt Candler
The Starlight, dir. Jesse Gustafson
Sterling Hallard Bright Drake, dir. Robert Sickels
No One But Us, dir. Roman Shumunov
Elko, dir. Alexander Yan
1000 Grams, dir. Tom Bewilogua
Playing House, dir. Mairin Hart
Lilia, dir. Sam Lerna
12:30 p.m.: Bible Storyland, dir. Stephanie Hubbard. This documentary profiles an art dealer obsessed with uncovering the secrets of a religious themed amusement park that was planned and never built in California. (Watch the documentary movie trailer)
3:00 p.m.: “Short Films”
Los Espiritus de San Antonio, dir. Richard Jemal
Double Or Nothing, dir. Nathaniel Krause
Lowland Mountain Gorilla Vs. Giant, dir. Mike Fallek
Election Day, dir. Zach Wechter
The Golds, dir. Lars Jandel
The Graveyard Shift, dir. Jessica Burgess
The Lepidoctor, dir. Jonathan Barenboim
Trapez, dir. Kal-El Bogdanove
Wallenda, dir. VW Scheich
3:00 p.m.: Black Dove, dir. Michael Caporale. A former musician seeks to get back his beloved guitar after he’s released from prison.
3:00 p.m.: Generation Me, dir. Ericka Marsalis-LaManna. An R&B singer gets trapped in a series of misunderstandings and mishaps thanks to improper social networking.
7:00 p.m.: Down by the River, dir. William Leonardo Molina. A family copes with their youngest child being diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
7:00 p.m.: Service: When Women Come Marching Home, dir. Marcia Rock & Patricia Lee Stotter. This documentary examines how female soldiers cope with issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma.
7:30 p.m.: Along Recovery, dir. Justin Springer. This documentary examines the Traumatic Brain Injuries that some soldiers endure in Afghanistan and Iraq.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
Mothers of Pearl, dir. Jesse Estrada
Fuzz Feud, dir. Todd Hampson
Another F**king, dir. Katharina Marie Schubert
Site 13, dir. Isaac Rodriguez
Joey, dir. David Forster
Un Buen Hijo, dir. Juan Gil Garcia
Welcome to San Antonio, dir. Taylor James Johnson
Spirit of Life, dir. Joseph Garza
Run, dir. Shelagh McLeod
9:15 p.m.: Trailer Park Jesus, dir. Sean Gerowin. A college students attempts to escape a trailer park by trading his freedom with a sheet of acid.
9:15 p.m.: “Short Films”
Balloon Goon, dir. Andrew Goodwin
Otter, dir. Daniel DelPurgatorio
Shacharit: A Morning Prayer, dir. Steven Loring
Trial of Ben Barry, dir. Shea E. Butler
Writing on the Wall, dir. Ruben Rodriguez
Show Me, dir. David Schneider
Life According to Penny, dir. Ali Barr
Mossadegh, dir. Roozbeh Dadvand
Underground Film Feedback (1 comment)
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Loved “Mayonnaise in a Jar” with SA’S own Jonathan Joss. Any way to buy a copy, —