Friday, October 16, 2009

Day 7: HANNAH FREE

So what did everyone think of our Narrative Centerpiece Film? During the screening process, Hannah Free was a favorite for many. We are very happy to have it as a highlight of this year's festival.

32 comments:

Richard said...

In my opinion this film is neck-in-neck with An Englishman in New York as best feature film in the festival. It goes to show that if you stick to only choosing films based on whether they are lesbian or gay themed you will miss out on some great films. Also glad there was a mess-up and U-Haul Rap was played in this program. The men really missed out. It was witty, well produced and the editing was amazing.

Michael G said...

The feedback from the audience for HANNAH was amazing. I can't wait to see the ballots. The programming committee knew that this would be a crowd favorite especially with Sharon Gless' feisty and emotional performance. It was also a delight to have the Buffalo folks with connection to the film be in the audience. And of course, I'm glad we had the opportunity to show U-HAUL RAP.

Stefan said...

I'm glad I saw this film. It shows a lot the priveleges that heterosexuals have, because they can get legally married and when they do that no one guestions them being family. Otherwise, you're not considered family and you can't see your partner no matter how long you've been together, which is really sad.

Also it shows ageism, like the nurse and mail lady thought Hannah was too old to do things herself. I'm glad Hannah always stood up for herself. I loved the see between her and the relgious fundamentalist. That was great.

I did find it a bit hard to understand, though. Maybe it's one of those films that takes guys like me several viewings to "get it". But, like I said I'm glad it was in the festival.

Oh, and on the ballot I also wanted to mark "good" for the U-haul short but it wasn't listed. Was that short film a last minute addition?

Michael G said...

Stefan, U-HAUL RAP was indeed a last minute addition to this program.

Brad Smith said...

I'm with Richard. "Hannah Free" is my favorite feature film of the festival to date. It explores several "hot button" issues important to many of us, but never forgets the story. I love that the plot involves the older couple and the younger woman. I like that the wonderful Sharon Gless stood up to produce this. Let's hope it gets out to a mainstream audience so it can potentially win some allies.

U-Haul Rap the last-minute substitute opener, was a treat! I didn't think they could sustain my interest for its full 15 minutes, but the creativity and production wins!

Excellent job again programmers!

Chris Mc. said...

What a beautiful movie! This one is my favorite so far this week. Sharon Gless deserves an Oscar for her performance. Thanks for bringing us this film. I needed a good cry. :)

Tracy said...

This is my favorite film so far. It's one that straight people should see to help them understand why many gay people want the right to be married.

I enjoyed the film makers approach in having the young Rachael come to visit Hannah. Between those visits and the flashbacks we were allowed to get to know both Hannah and Rachael as individuals and as a couple.

Stefan is right. The film acknowledges that ageism, heterosexism and religious fundamentalism are as alive and well in nursing homes as anywhere else.

I'd like to see this film go mainstream.

Michael G said...

There's nothing like a good cry right before the busy second weekend. The audience loved HANNAH FREE and the great acting job of Sharon Gless. All praises once again. I was distributing napkins by the exit. =)

This is definitely a favorite for the Audience Award. I'm posting some of the interesting comments from the ballots.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Great story. Heartfelt & heartbreaking.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Good story - very "play-like." Acting mixed. S.G. very good.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
No one needed to hear the ghost talk!!! Otherwise it was good. Yay.

- A Boy

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
It's not a bad film by any means. I was just hoping for a bit more development in the characters and more relationship ... I don't know, it's just hard to follow.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment from R.D.:
Slow to start but very moving by the end. Heard a lot of crying.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
What a touching and incredible love story. Thank you for including this film in the festival.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Best ever. Greatest love story of all time.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Fabulous movie - thanks for bringing this to Rochester.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
I wish there was something better than "excellent."

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment from L.A.:
Absolutely wonderful!! It was educational, entertaining and so well done! Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Please put on DVD with closed captioning! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Sharon Gless was SO good. Great characters, wonderful story. Artistic, great cinematography.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Wonderful and poignant. How blessed to have such a relationship. So real.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Excellent movie and portrayal of real life. Hope more like this are available - esp. with Sharon Gless.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Everyone should see this movie. It needs to go mainstream. It should be mandatory.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Great - could have had a stronger volume.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Finally, a movie that outlines the heart of the matter.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Very nice - sensitive, dealt with life and death but in a handlable way.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Probably the best non-documentary.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment from J.S.:
Best damn movie. Period.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Absolutely beautiful! This story hits very close to home.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Great show. Cried through most of it.

Anonymous said...

Ballot comment:
Love knows no boundaries. Sharon Gless is a completely talented woman. Very touching film.

Michael G said...

Everyone was raving about the short film U-HAUL RAP which I played before HANNAH.