POSSIBLE WORLDS OFFERS IMPOSSIBLE ROSTER OF FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Given the bracing originality and unique visions of the films programmed, there is a sweet irony to the almost clichéd progression of the Possible Worlds Film Festival. The annual celebration of offbeat US and Canadian works began as a small, passionate project for Matthieu Ravier and his non-profit cultural collective, The Festivalists; nine years later, it is one of the key film events on the Australian social calendar. In 2014, an even split of nine US titles and nine Canadian features means audiences are spoiled for choice. To help your decision-making, here are the five standout films that SCREEN-SPACE rank as Possible World’s ‘must-see’ movies…  

YOUNG ONES (Dir: Jake Paltrow; 100 mins; pictured, above) 
What’s it about? Water is to director Jake Paltrow’s Young Ones as ‘guzzoline’ is to George Miller’s Mad Max. A landowner living in the dustbowl that was once civilization must protect his family from the ruthless drifters of the desert planet. But could the ultimate threat come from within the very walls of his own home?
Why should I see it? ‘Post-apocalyptic Western’ is reason enough; the striking trailer, another. An indie-sector dream cast (Michael Shannon, Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult and Australian Kodi Smit-McPhee) working dark and dusty with such grand themes of survival, morality and desire, perched on the edge of a new, dangerous world landscape.

TRIPTYCH (TRIPTYQUE; Dirs: Robert Lepage and Pedro Pires; 94 mins)
What’s it about? Robert Lepage’ theatrical head-scratcher Lipsynch become a live venue sensation (it played to sellout crowds at the 2009 Sydney Festival). Interweaving three vivid inner-city narratives – the bookseller, the jazz singer, the neurologist – into a compelling, confounding whole proved revelatory theatre. The celebrated Lepage, with co-director Pedro Pires, now brings his work to the screen, both honouring its stage roots while embracing, with new vigour, the technologies of the new canvas.
Why should I see it? Because I have absolutely no idea what to expect! Having earned an Ecumenical Jury Special Mention at Berlin’s Panorama strand, it is clear that this deeply personal vision will be a challenging experience. Lepage has the astonishing creative credentials to make this something special…

WHEN JEWS WERE FUNNY (Dir: Alan Zweig; 89 mins)
What’s it about? Documentarian Alan Zweig takes a typically idiosyncratic stab at understanding how the cultural history of the Jewish people fuels the hilarious acts and inspirational neuroses of some of the greatest comedians of all time.
Why should I see it? Both the old (Rodney Dangerfield, Henny Youngman, Jackie Mason) and the young (Howie Mandel, Marc Maron, Andy Kindler) are called upon to analyse the heritage that has helped them form their acts. It is not often that the words ‘exhaustively researched’ and ‘hilariously funny’ can be used to describe the same movie.

OUR MAN IN TEHRAN (Dirs: Drew Taylor and Larry Weinstein; 85 mins)
What’s it about? Ken Taylor was the Canadian Embassy chief played by Victor Garber in Ben Affleck’s Oscar winner, Argo. A great film, no argument, but littered with dramatic licence. In this Canadian doco, the real Taylor sets the story straight about his role and the compassionate view his country took when they hid the six American diplomats at the height of the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979.
Why should I see it? For all the tweeking of facts that Affleck indulged in to make for compelling cinema, the true drama is in the feats of these very real people. Seeing their pure ordinariness and now knowing the heroes they became makes for a potent film experience. Won the Newport Beach Film Festival 2014 Outstanding Documentary trophy.

THE AUCTION (LE DEMANTELEMENT; Dir: Sebastian Pilote; 111 mins)
What’s it about? Bouchard & Sons is one of the oldest traditional lamb farms in rural Canada. But the proprietor Gaby (Gabriel Arcand), with no heir to pass the farm to and a daughter in dire financial need, is faced with the closure of his family business. Legacy, memory and the strength of tradition in a world of heartless progress are all examined in Sebastian Pilote’s moving drama
Why should I see it? Shot on 35mm film stock, the visual richness of the rustic, rural setting is reason enough; DOP Michel La Veaux won the Quebec industry Jutra Award for his lensing. A elegant, achingly melancholy script from director Pilote (which earned him the Cannes Film Festival SACD honour) and the Best Actor Genie Award for Gabriel Arcand certainly sweeten the deal.

The 2014 Possible Worlds US and Canadian Film Festival screen September 7-17 in Sydney with Perth and Canberra seasons to follow. For full details visit the official website.