MISTER ORGAN
Journalist David Farrier takes audiences on a baffling five-year story that began as a car park scam that swiftly became the investigation into the chase of a professional con man. Michael Organ is a master manipulator, a gaslighter, a world twister, and a terrifying person. He can spot a victim in an instant. He is an evil parasite.
Farrier is fearless. He faces the monster head-on by inviting Michael to participate in the investigation under the guise of a documentary. Feigning dumb, Farrier allows Organ to blow smoke, knowing full well that every word is a lie. Weaving in interviews with a barrage of former roommates and targets in between, most of whom are terrified to show their faces in fear of retaliation. We see a picture of a devious man doing as he pleases to intimidate everyone.
Organ’s favorite thing is to hear the sound of his voice. He is a sociopath. He reminds me of Trump. Farrier’s ability to sit in on the long conversations astounds me. We feel his palpable exhaustion, confusion, and frustration. Digging into Organ’s family, Farrier hits a wall. No one wants to talk. Will this con artist ever see real consequences? David Farrier sums the experience up for the audience. “Michael Organ is a black hole, and I’ve fallen in.” BUFF23 audiences are not ready for the madness.
BOSTON UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL 2023
Two dominant themes in The Lost King are disability visibility and gender bias. Phillipa feels a kinship with Richard, angered he has been deemed a monster due to his severe scoliosis. It seems Shakespeare had a hand in demonizing his appearance for these years. The historical digging that happens in the film is eye-opening. She is whipsmart and undeterred in her mission to clear King Richard’s sullied reputation. We feel the frustration as Philiipa comes up against men taking credit for her work. Cheering her on when she stands up for herself, choosing to spread a strong feminist message to young girls rather than chase the fame regaled onto male archeologists on her dig.
The film’s magical realism adds a beautiful element to Phillipa’s journey. It highlights the emotional pull to finish her search. Not to mention how charming actor Harry Lloyd is as Richard. Steve Coogan plays Phillipa’s ex-husband John, a man going through a mid-life crisis who grows to respect Phillipa’s passion for her subject. Coogan is an icon and is no less intriguing in this role. Sally Hawkins plays Phillipa. Her ability to live in a character’s skin is magnificent. Her physicality dazzles. She can do no wrong in my book. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
I feel like SCRAP would do well as a series. Kerr gives us just enough backstory to reel us in, and there is a complexity that drives Beth and Ben. I would love to see more of their childhood. SCRAP allows for a redemption story and one of healing. I feel compelled to ask Kerr for more of this family. The film speaks to a vast number of Americans struggling to stay afloat. It is unimaginably relatable.
THE WORST ONES is a meta-narrative that succeeds in conveying hope through hardship. Not only does the film shine in its storytelling, embracing heartbreak and socioeconomic trauma, but the performances also by our four young actors will hypnotize the viewer. Check out the clip below for a taste:
BUFF 2023 documentary feature STAND BY FOR FAILURE is an acid trip in creativity. An explosion of overlapping media and audio, jump cuts, and dissolves are mind-bending. Filmmaker Ryan Worsley takes us on a journey through Willy Wonka’s creepy ass tunnel whether or not we want to ride. Welcome to the world of Negativland. 
GEOFF MCFETRIDGE: DRAWING A LIFE
The mind of an artist is a splendid thing. SXSW 2023 doc GEOFF MCFETRIDGE: DRAWING A LIFE delves into the wondrous mind of a nurtured creative. Director Dan Covert puts a face and a name to the work we’ve seen for years. Meet Geoff McFetridge, graphic designer, visual artist, and family man. 
From director James Byrkit (Coherence) comes a collection of stories from the other side of consciousness.
A young Chinese-American rapper from New York struggles with her identity and career path in the thought-provoking short SLICK TALK. Balancing culture, passion, and parental pressure, Kiki responds to a manager who messages her online after watching her music video.
Animated short film SPROUT sees an agoraphobic scientist accidentally create a baby-like plant. As the creature rapidly grows, so does its curiosity to explore the outside, upending life in more ways than one. Written, directed, and animated by Zora Kovac, this sweet and child-friendly film tackles anxiety, bravery, human connection, and of course, growth. Watch it with the entire family.
Cooper is a screenwriter/musician who also works as a rehab counselor. Recently diagnosed with a form of OCD, he must navigate his new engagement, an ailing loved one, his clients, and his unpredictable compulsions. Writer-director Dillon Tucker‘s semi-autobiographical SXSW 2023 film PURE O makes the invisible disability visible. 
“Manifest your destiny” becomes literal in writer-director Tomas Gomez Bustillo‘s SXSW 2023 film CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT. In a small village in Santa Rita, Riat is an elderly chapel keeper who longs for sainthood. At odds with the righteous women from her prayer group, she cooks up a scheme to produce a “miracle’ at the expense of everyone in her life. 
Ezra Buzzington is the hard-line skeptic as Paul. Clad in his Magor’s uniform bespangled with medals, his bristly approach to patriotism is all too familiar even now. His audibly growing disdain makes the audience squirm. Jeremy Holm is Archie. He has the perfect touch of panache from his slicked-back hair, mustache, and crimson jacket. His looming figure, combined with his humor, creates a dazzling performance.
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