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Amid global turmoil, the Telluride Film Festival returns with a politically charged lineup

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Amid global turmoil, the Telluride Film Festival returns with a politically charged lineup

As a cinephile who has been fortunate enough to attend the Telluride Film Festival for several years now, I can confidently say that this year’s lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. The festival’s commitment to quality and diversity in storytelling never ceases to amaze me, and it’s always a joy to discover new voices and perspectives in the world of cinema.

Nestled deep within a secluded Colorado canyon, the Telluride Film Festival has been known as a cinematography-lover’s version of Brigadoon. However, in more recent times, not even the towering mountains surrounding the picturesque town have managed to shield it from Hollywood’s troubles. From a worldwide pandemic that decimated movie theaters to last year’s debilitating strikes by both actors and writers, Telluride has felt the ripple effects.

As the 51st edition of the Telluride Film Festival prepares to begin this coming Friday and continue through Labor Day weekend, its executive director, Julie Huntsinger, is excitedly looking forward to returning to a sense of normality.

Huntsinger remarks, “I wouldn’t dare utter it for fear of jinxing it, but this year seems remarkably free from major disasters.” He continues, “In our cinematic circle, there’s no imminent existential danger like COVID-19 and strikes had. For those less spiritually inclined among us, the film industry serves as a sanctuary where we find renewal and are reminded of humanity’s best qualities – the things that are wonderful about people, and the flaws that we can strive to correct.”

Without a doubt, when you scan today’s news, it’s clear there are many issues requiring attention, from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza to the heated U.S. presidential election nearing its end. It’s no wonder then, that this year’s Telluride Film Festival lineup, boasting nearly 40 feature films and shorts in its main program, carries a strong political tone, mirroring a world brimming with tension.

Some world premieres to look forward to are:

Over time, Telluride has grown more significant on the awards season itinerary, welcoming Best Picture Oscar winners such as “Moonlight,” “The Shape of Water,” and “Parasite” in recent years. This year’s event is expected to be particularly engaging due to a variety of films and documentaries addressing pressing social issues, as well as the attendance of some prominent non-Hollywood celebrities. The political discussions could very well match the intensity of predictions about the awards at this year’s festival.

This year’s festival is expected to feature prominent political figures alongside the typical A-list celebrities. Notable Democratic strategist James Carville will be present, with Matt Tyrnauer’s biographical documentary “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid!” showcasing his life story. The Clinton duo, Hillary and Chelsea, will attend to support another film, “Zurawski v Texas,” which focuses on the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights.

According to Huntsinger, getting the attention of well-known individuals could draw a larger audience to something. He strongly recommends keeping an eye on the case ‘Zurawski v Texas’.

As a film enthusiast, I’m excited to share some upcoming political-themed documentaries. Brazilian director Petra Costa delves into the rise of Jair Bolsonaro in “Apocalypse in the Tropics,” a follow-up to her Oscar-nominated “The Edge of Democracy.” Meanwhile, Errol Morris tackles the contentious family-separation border policy under the Trump administration with his new film, “Separated.” In a category that could be called “politically related,” the festival’s Backlot program will screen “The Easy Kind,” a narrative feature by documentarian Katy Chevigny. Interestingly, Jack Smith, her husband and special prosecutor, plays a role in this film about a Nashville singer-songwriter.

During her planning process for this summer’s program, with the presidential campaign showing unexpected twists and turns, Huntsinger explains that the political theme developed naturally rather than as a result of any rigid ideology. “For us,” she says, “the primary consideration is quality. Does a movie resonate deeply with you? Is it captivating? Is it skillfully crafted?”

As a movie enthusiast, I must clarify that just because the Telluride lineup is filled with thought-provoking films doesn’t mean it will only focus on the world’s troubles. In fact, the healing power of music seems to be a recurring motif. For instance, in “Piece by Piece” directed by Morgan Neville, Lego animation tells the captivating story of hitmaker Pharrell Williams’ journey. Moreover, in the biographical drama “Better Man,” Robbie Williams steps into the shoes of himself to portray his life story.

Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, fresh from “El Conde,” is set to release “Maria” featuring Angelina Jolie as opera icon Maria Callas. Intriguingly, documentary filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, known for “The Act of Killing,” will debut his first narrative piece, “The End,” a musical about an affluent family residing in an underground shelter following the world’s end. This could well be one of the festival’s most buzzed-about surprises.

Huntsinger states, “There are many musicals and movies with music playing a significant role, which I think stems from our constant need for inspiration. People don’t want to dwell in gloominess. To me, films are always a source of light, even those that are challenging and make us shed tears. There’s a sense of release or healing that arises from such emotional experiences.”

This year, Telluride, being deeply committed to cinema, will accommodate some extended productions destined for television screens as well. The highly anticipated Apple TV+ series “Disclaimer,” featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, and Sacha Baron Cohen, will be presented in its complete seven-hour span across two sessions. To combat any hunger issues, Apple is providing pizza and breakfast burritos. Additionally, the five-part FX docuseries “Social Studies,” which delves into the impact of social media on teenagers’ lives, will also be screened entirely.

As someone who deeply values the thrill of cinema, I must admit that our esteemed festival has always been open to recognizing remarkable achievements, whether they unfold on the small screen at home or the grand screen in a theater.

2021’s Telluride Film Festival will feature honors for French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, who won the Cannes Jury Prize with his musical crime comedy “Emilia Pérez”. Additionally, it will celebrate Oscar-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker and actress Saoirse Ronan, whose latest drama “The Outrun” is set to be screened during the festival.

Similar to past events, Huntsinger predicts that this year’s festival might include one or two unscheduled screenings as rumors swirl about potential surprises. There’s buzz suggesting that movies yet to secure a U.S. distributor or release date, such as the Trump biopic “The Apprentice” and Robert Eggers’ upcoming horror film “Nosferatu,” could make an unplanned appearance.

Following 18 years of collaborating with Tom Luddy, my fellow founder of the Telluride Film Festival (who passed away last year), I remain optimistic about the future of cinema, even amidst the numerous hurdles the film industry faces, Huntsinger shared.

She expresses her delight by saying, “There’s such a wide selection of movies that are both entertaining and intelligent, it really warms my heart.” Even though we’re facing challenging times with lots of disagreement and division, she believes it’s our duty as attendees of Telluride to encourage others to visit the cinema.

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2024-08-29 18:31

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