News

See what Chlotrudis members think of some of the latest releases on the Chlotrudis Reviews page. Newly posted reviews include ALL THE REAL GIRLS, ANYTHING ELSE, CABIN FEVER, LOST IN TRANSLATION, MELVIN GOES TO DINNER, MY LIFE WITHOUT ME, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, and WILBUR WANTS TO KILL HIMSELF.

Many Chlotrudis members are fans of Richard Kelly’s film, DONNIE DARKO, which was nominated for four Chlotrudis Awards in 2003 (Best Movie, Director, Actor, and Original Screenplay.) The film went on to win Actor (Gyllenhaal) and Original Screenplay, but more notable was the number of presenters at the ceremony who cited the film as their favorite of the year. Now Boston-area fans of Kelly’s cult film have an opportunity to see a stage adaptation performed by the American Repertory Theatre Institute.

For those who don’t know, DONNIE DARKO is a science fiction, psychological thriller about a suburban teen coming face-to-face with his dark destiny. Donnie is a possibly delusional high school student visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past and deadly predictions for the future. This stage adaptation of the film written by Richard Kelly is being directed for the Institute by Marcus Stern. Performances at the Zero Church Street performance space, corner of Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard Square take place on October 3, 4, & 5.

The Institute is q two-year, five-semester professional training program that includes a three-month residency at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. During the academic year, the actors and directors enrolled in the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training present a series of performances for the general public. Tickets cost $10; $8 for subscribers and $5 for students, and can be purchased in advance through the Loeb Drama Center box office at 617-547-8300.

The Chlotrudis 4th Annual Short Film Festival will take place in February 2004, at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA. We are currently accepting films of all genres, under 30 minutes in length, for consideration. The Chlotrudis Short Film Screening Committee will review all submissions and select the nominees for the Best Short Film Award to be announced at our annual Awards Ceremony. The nominees will be screened at the Festival, where Chlotrudis members will vote for their choice of Best Short Film of the Year. In addition, an Audience Award will be given to the favorite of non-members. Check out the eligibility requirements and fill out our NEW on-line submission form at the Short Film Festival page.

The Chlotrudis Society was shocked and saddened to hear about John Ritter’s sudden death Thursday on the set of his sitcom, “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” Of course we all remember Ritter so well from the ’70’s sitcom “Three’s Company,” with Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. But surely Chlotrudis members will reserve a very special place for Ritter for his wonderful, nuanced portrayal of Vaughn Cunningham, a closeted gay man, in Sling Blade. Ritter earned a Chlotrudis Award nomination for that role. He also appeared in several other independent films, including Greg Araki’s Nowhere, the little seen Montana, with a fascinating cast including Kyra Sedgwick, Stanley Tucci, Robin Tunney, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Panic, with William H. Macy and Neve Campbell.

Most recently on the indie scene, Ritter appeared as Stanley Grubman in Tadpole. His intellectual academic played Tadpole’s father, whose new wife played by Sigrouney Weaver, is the object of his stepson’s crush. Chlotrudis members will have a couple more chances to see Ritter on the indie film scene. Manhood is a new film co-starring Janeane Garafalo, which premiered this year at the Sundance Film Festival, and just completed is Terry Zwigoff’s Bad Santa, which stars Billy Bob Thornton.

Thanks for making us laugh, and showing us your dramatic talents as well in independent film… we’ll miss you, John Ritter

The Brattle Film Foundation, the non-profit corporation that runs the Brattle Theatre, and the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film, have joined together to launch an exciting new screening series with a distinctly independent and edgy attitude. This weekly Sunday morning event kicks-off on September 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Dubbed “The Sunday Eye-Opener” this series will feature independent and foreign films in an intimate environment that will encourage discussion. While classics that contribute to an understanding of independent film will occasionally be screened, most sessions will feature advance or sneak preview screenings. Each film will be screened at 11 am with a historical and/or cultural context provided by an intro from a Brattle staff person or Chlotrudis Board member. When available the theatre will be provided as a place for discussion after the film.

In addition to some of the latest independent releases coming to town, the Sunday Eye-Opener will feature cutting-edge films that are seeking distribution, as well as the work of local filmmakers who often seek a local screening. When possible, filmmakers will be invited to attend the screenings and participate in the discussions.

‘The Brattle Film Foundation and the Chlotrudis Society share an educational component to their mission statements, and this is an exciting way to create a forum for our members, ‘ says Ned Hinkle, Program Director for the Brattle Film Foundation. ‘We’re hoping that this is a series that can grow; a series where people will be able to sneak a peak at upcoming indie films well ahead of the pack. We think of this as a sort of semi-private, ongoing film festival.’

‘This will be a place to share knowledge and opinions,’ adds Chlotrudis President, Michael Colford, ‘We’re particularly excited about the prospect of screening some of the films that we see at festivals that never make it into a regular distribution network and hope that we will be able to form some real, ongoing bonds with emerging filmmakers.’

The Sunday Eye-Opener is a subscription-based series and will be broken up over the year into several 10 – 12 week ‘semesters.’ The cost of each semester will be $50 for the general public, $25 for Brattle members, $15 for Chlotrudis members and FREE for those who are members of both organizations. Subscriptions may be purchased anytime during the run of the semester, but only at the prices listed above.

This is a huge perk for Chlotrudis members, who will be potentially screening 12 preview films for a mere $15.00. That alone is worth the cost of a Chlotrudis membership. Even better is the deal for members of both organizations, who can attend the series for free. Take a look at the Chloturdis membership page, and visit the Brattle Film Foundation homepage to find out how to become a member of these organizations.

To enroll, interested individuals may simply e-mail ned@brattlefilm.org or call 617.876.6838. Once subscribed, participants will receive a weekly e-mail notification letting them know the title of the week’s upcoming screening. Only subscribers will receive this information. Occassionally, depending on the nature of the film being screened, an individual screening may be opened to day-of-sale tickets, but subscribers will always have a seat set-aside for them. More information is available at the Brattle Theatre website.

Several Boston-area members of the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film will be heading to Rochester, NY this November to take part in the High Falls Film Festival. Two Rochester members of Chlotrudis are very involved with High Falls, and Chlotrudis has been represented at each of their two previous festivals. The High Falls Film Festival honors women behind the camera, in a multitude of roles. The festival runs from November 5 – 9, with Chltorudis members heading out on the morning of the 6th. Any members who’d like to join in the fun and take part in this expedition to upstate New York, contact Michael Colford at colford@chlotrudis.org.

If you’re reading this, then you have probably noticed a difference in the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film’s website. In an effort to streamline navigation, and to make the site more visually dramatic, without being cluttered, your Society President has been working closely with his graphic design team, B5C Studios, and the Technology Coordinator. We’re very interested to hear what you think of the re-design. Take a look around, then e-mail us at website@chlotrudis.org and let us know what you think!

The reviews page is frequently
updated with the latest reviews on the newest films by Chlotrudis
Awards
Nominating Committee members. Find out what Chlotrudis Awards Nominating
Committee members think about currently and soon-to-be released
films
such as THE
SECRET LIVES OF DENTISTS, SWIMMING
POOL, DIRTY
PRETTY THINGS, KM.
0, WHALE
RIDER, THE
TRIP, LILJA
4-EVER, TEN,
28
DAYS LATER, and I
CAPTURE THE CASTLE! If you’re
looking for a recommended video rental, check out our 2002
and 2001 reviews and
see what we liked last year! Stop by our Top
10’s page as well and see what movies made individual Nominating
Committee members’ top lists of 2002.

Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film (CSIF) offers a series of exciting events throughout the year, including the beloved annual Chlotrudis Awards black tie event, the short film festival and much more. An exciting line up of film premieres, special events and member discounts herald the celebration of the tenth year as an organization, including a vote of the Board of Directors to change the name of the non-profit society to represent the mission and vision of Chlotrudis.

Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film, a non-profit organization that educates audiences about independent film was formed nearly ten years ago in a response to the lackluster films being awarded by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. In the intervening years, the organization has matured from a grass roots fan club into a non-profit corporation with a wide variety of activities and events.

‘Chlotrudis does so much more than just the annual Awards Ceremony, but you don’t get that from the former name,’ Chlotrudis founder Michael Colford explains. ‘We felt it was important to have the words ‘independent film’ in the organization’s name. That way people have an inkling to what we’re all about right away. In recent years Chlotrudis has developed into an organization with a strong social element. Members enjoy active discussion of film on our e-mail group, and many members gather each Monday night in Boston to see a new independent film. We chose the word ‘society’ to reflect that aspect.’

Broadening the name of their organization made sense to the Board members, although there was plenty of discussion on what that new name should be. There was even a suggestion to drop ‘Chlotrudis’ from the organization’s title.

‘Of course, ‘Chlotrudis’ is a word that carries some controversy as well,’ Colford continues. ‘There was serious discussion about shortening it to ‘Chloe,’ but it was quickly rejected. ‘Chlotrudis’ is part of who we are. There have been lots of jokes made of the name, and we enjoy that. It reflects part of the irreverent, spontaneous nature of the organization. You may not remember our name, but you’ll never forget it.’

Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film began its tenth year on July 1. The current focus is to increase membership. In addition to the social aspect Colford mentions, there are other benefits to joining Chlotrudis. Chlotrudis members receive discounts on certain nights at the Coolidge Corner and Brattle Theatres. Coming in a few months, Chlotrudis will be teaming with the Brattle to present a special Sunday morning series that is focused on members of both organizations. Chlotrudis members receive early copies of its quarterly newsletter, Chlotrudis Mewsings, as well as opportunities to travel with other like-minded movie buffs to various Film Festivals. Members also enjoy discounts to all Chlotrudis events, such as the Short Film Festival held in February 2004 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and the annual Awards Ceremony at the Brattle Theatre. Chlotrudis is developing relationships with national organizations as well, extending member benefits to those who don’t live in the Boston area.

The best benefit of membership in Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film is the privilege to vote in the annual Awards for your favorite indie films and stars on our website at www.chlotrudis.org. Your voice counts, after all, that’s how the organization got started in the first place.

The "Trudies" have been handed out and the year’s big winner was Far From Heaven, which copped 4 awards, including Best Movie and Best Director for Todd Haynes. In addition, Haynes and "Trudie" winner for Best Cinematography, Ed Lachman, each earned special awards for their careers. Patricia Clarkson’s turn in Far From Heaven tied with Emily Mortimer’s performance in Lovely & Amazing for Best Supporting Actress to round out the quartet of award bestowed to Haynes’ film. The other multiple winner for the evening was Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko, which took Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal.

Lachman, who is up for one of those other awards next weekend, was not the only big name in the house. Internationally acclaimed actress Geneviève Bujold gave a gracious and moving acceptance speech when she accepted her Chloe Award for her "career-so-far."
She also poked fun at herself and the difficulties she faced deciding
whether or not she would attend the ceremony. "It takes a lot of
bravery to trust," she said when talking both about acting, and her
decision to come to Chlotrudis Awards. Fortunately, her 22-year-old son
encouraged her to attend. (Bujold is pictured left with Lachmann and his
litter of "Trudies.")

A younger generation of actor was also represented by
talented Glenn Fitzgerald to accept the Gertrudis Award for an up-and-coming,
sit-up-and-take-notice actor. In his acceptance speech, Fitzgerald asked
if Chlotrudis Awards could come to his house and do this for him all the
time. Sure, Glenn, we’d love to!

Chlotrudis Awards instituted a new category this year, called the Buried
Treasure. This exciting award which goes to the core of the Chlotrudis
Awards mission, recognizing deserving but overlooked film and singing
their praises, by selecting the best films of 2002 which earned less thatn
$250,000 box office for the year. The first Buried Treasuer competition
ended in a tie between two very worthy and different films. Gary Burns’
Canadian comedy, waydowntown,
was featured as a sneak preview screening by Chlotrudis Awards in September
of 2001, but wasn’t released domestically until last April. Larry Fessenden’s
chilling tale of class and mythology called Wendigo,
tied for the new award. Take a look at all the nominees and winners here.

The
ceremony ran a good two-and-a-half hours long, but lived up to its short
and punchy theme, with the action flowing quickly and efficiently to it’s
surprise musical conclusion. In fact, the music drew rave reviews all
night, from the opening acoustic guitar, violin, cello, vocal combo put
together by Greg Jacob, and the haunting rendition of Tears for Fears’
"Mad World" (featured in the film Donnie Darko) performed
by Nominating Committee member Peg Aloi, with Jacobs accompanying on acoustic
guitar, to the musical recap of the night’s seven Best Movie nominees
by a seven member Entertainment Committee which included Scot Capehart,
Dawn Colford, Michael Colford, Beth Daly, Beth Jacobs, Merri Lavine, and
Jamie Penney. Pictured left, Scot Capehart brings down the house channelling
Tom Jones to tell the story of Punch-Drunk Love with a little help
from Beth Daly and Dawn Colford.

As
the ceremony wrapped, people were just getting started and a large portion
of the crowd, including Lachman, Fitzgerald and local filmmaker Lucia
Small (nominated in the category of Best Documentary for her film My
Father, the Genius) headed over to Daedalus Restaurant for a post-party
that carried on into the next day. Take a look at some of the happy and
possibly relieved participants at the close of the Ceremony. Pictured
from left: Allison DaSilva, Chlotrudis Awards Board of Directors, Ed Lachman,
Geneviève Bujold, Marilyn O’Conner, Chlotrudis Awards Nominating
Committee and mother of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman and screenwriter
Gordy Hoffman, Chlotrudis Awards Presdident Michael R. Colford and actor
Glenn Fitzgerald.

Chlotrudis Awards would also like to extend a very special
thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible, and especially
their sponsors, The Charles Hotel, The Irving House, Harpoon Brewery,
Greenwood Wine & Spirts, Daedalus Restaurant, The Middle East, and
the S&S Deli.