Keeping it reel: The Independent Film Festival hits Davis Square
By Julian Peterson

   The 4th annual Independent Film Festival shuttered April 23 after six days of films, galas, and workshops. The Festival grows steadily each year as evidenced by the round-the-block lines at the Somerville Theater and an array of corporate sponsors.  But the festival is refreshingly free of the corporate definition of "independent," which in other festivals have threatened a truly independent agenda. The hard work of this festival’s all-volunteer staff and enthusiasm of its audience capture the spirit of the IFFB as much as the film lineup.

     In addition to the films the IFFB invites all to its panels and workshops, and to enter into conversations with actors Chris Cooper and Lilli Taylor.  Highlights included a documentary director‚Äôs panel and ‚ÄúGetting Your Film Seen and Sold‚Äù offered by Page Ostrow. The fest is not only a place to learn but a way to improve your Rolodex.
     The festival offers world and regional premiers and a competition. Festival growth has grown to include The Somerville Theater, The MFA, the Coolidge Corner, and the Brattle. The festival opened with the New England premiere of ‚ÄúHalf Nelson,‚Äù helmed by Ryan Fleck, the story of a school teacher who inspires his kids but outside the classroom leads a life of addiction to drugs and alcohol.
     Each viewing was introduced with humor and gusto by the staff who laced their introductions with the names of such sponsors as Ford, Rule Broadcasting, Jet Blue, Onyx hotels, and the Sundance Channel. Audiences were exhorted to buy ‚Äústuff‚Äù from these sponsors as well as purchase the festival catalogue by a personable presenter.
    However, this is not a festival that shrinks from controversy. Documentaries include El Immigrante, Forgiving Dr. Mengele, and The Giant Buddhas which explores the motives of the Taliban and by implication all those who seek the destruction of all non-Muslim images.
    With 74 movies — 22 narrative features, 28 documentaries, and 24 shorts — plus panels, discussions, and parties, the IFFB has expanded its running time, from four to six days (April 19 to 24), to accommodate its more than 100 screenings and special events.   
    Friday the premiere of David Mamet‚Äôs  Edmond, was introduced as a film that had something to offend everyone but which an IFFB audience might welcome.  It featured a bravura performance by William H. Macy as a man who leaves his wife only to sink into a noirish world of   blood, sex, and not a few tears, only occasionally relieved by gallows humor. At the end, the audience sat stunned for a moment by its relentless dark message (‚Äústunned‚Äù means everyone sits through the credits). But then many applauded the director, who was the in audience; directors attend most performances and welcome questions.
    On Saturday the world premiere of Red, White, Black and Blue  was offered, a real testimonial by two WWII GI‚Äôs who return to the Aleutian Islands, the only US territory occupied by Japan. Also of note is The Well including found footage shot by Orson Welles documenting his obsession with Spain.
    The closing night feature on Sunday was Walking to Werner, documenting a long walk by director Linas Philips to replicate one made by Werner Herzog from Munich to Paris, in his case to visit a dying friend. This film is a tribute to Herzog who is said to have inspired young film makers to follow their bliss.
    The IFFB offers a competition and Grand Jury and Special Jury prizes for narrative (drama) and documentary.  It offers a Tools for Indie Filmmakers seminar staffed by local film directors, producers and vendors, and separate Four Eyed Monster talk on how to self-distribute and how to use other emerging technologies.    A showcase of digital imaging tools is offered on site by the Boston University Center for Digital imaging, including 3D animation and visual effects.
    The closing night party at Middle East restaurant celebrated a successful end to the fourth festival.  What‚Äôs a good film festival?  When it seems like the festival‚Äôs cineastes have been friends for years.