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.
Read the review...Website Re-Design Complete! ()
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!
Read the review...Chlotrudis Reviews Updated for 2003 Films! ()
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 – 10th Anniversary Year with a New Name! ()
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.
Read the review...Short and Punchy with Plenty of Celeb Wattage! ()
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.
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Haunts Boston! ()
Recently, the Boston Chlotrudis contingent had
the opportunity to meet Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and see
her new movie ELVIRA’S
HAUNTED HILLS. Even without the full get-up (she doesn’t
appear in costume for charity events due to the cost of her
wig-wranglers, etc.) everyone was completely engaged. She,
Cassandra Peterson, is a real hoot and has a story for every
occasion.
The movie is very silly but fun. A real treat for the horror afficianado
of the films of Roger Corman, Vincent Price and Edgar Allan Poe, The
location: a haunted castle in Carpathia with hidden passages and a full
dungeon; the music: lots of dramatic strings and reeds helping to build
the mood (all performed by The Russian Symphony Orchestra), and the plot:
family curses and the life of the undead. The story is set in 1851, but
Elvira is gloriously anachronistic, keeping the viewer laughing with
her slang and bawdy comments as she winks knowingly to the audience.
The film was shot in Transylvania on a shoestring budget, so Cassandra
had stories of shooting in the freezing cold, running around in 6-inch
heels, huge wig and scanty gowns. Richard O’Brien, the man behind Rocky
Horror, is also in the movie. Supposedly they had a little diva head-butting
but ultimately both enjoyed the experience.
After the film, Cassandra Peterson met with fans behind the screen at
the Coolidge Corner Theatre, (wonderfully decorated in haunted castle
motif thanks to program director Clinton McClung) for a $20.00 donation
to the A.I.D.S.
Support Group of Cape Cod. She was gracious and energetic as the
long line slowly advanced to have her sign posters, paper dolls and arms.
Chlotrudis Awards looks forward to Cassandra’s next project, writing
her autobiography. Any woman whose husband has a Phil Hartman shrine
with a Magic 8-Ball containing some of Phil’s ashes has got some tales
to tell…
Pictured at right, Chlotrudis President Michael Colford,
Cassandra Peterson and Chlotrudis Technology Coordinator Scot Capehart.
Thanks to the Charlesmark
Hotel, Beacon
Cinema Group, the Coolidge
Corner Theatre and the A.I.D.S.
Support Group of Cape Cod
Chlotrudis Awards at Cannes Film Festival ()
The
Cannes Film Festival is the largest, most prestigious gathering
of the film industry in the world, and Chlotrudis Awards had
two members there to report on the festivities. Board of Director
Corinne Fisher and Nominating Committee member Marilyn O’Connor
enjoyed the sights, the weather, and the cavalcade of stars
at this premier event. While Marilyn enjoyed the world premiere
of Chlotrudis Award winner Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch
Drunk Love, starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson and
Chlotrudis Awards winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Corinne joined
the throngs welcoming the cast and filmmaker of Ararat.
Pictured right are director Atom Egoyan and film’s stars Arsin’br/>Khanjian, Charles Aznavour and Marie Josee Croze on the red
carpet as they arrive for the films’ much-anticipated screening.
By all accounts, The Cannes Film Festival is an amazing experience.
We’re glad Chlotrudis Awards was able to attend.
Chlotrudis Awards Brings The Fast Runner, and Director Zacharias Kunuk to Boston! ()
Thanks
to the many attendees to the Museum
of Fine Arts and Chlotrudis Awards’ joint presentation
of Zacharias Kunuk’s award-winning film, The Fast Runner.
The evening got off to a nice start with a lovely reception
at the Museum thrown by the Canadian Consulate of Boston. Deputy
Consul General, Robert Irwin welcomed visiting director Kunuk,
and producer, cinematographer Norman Cohn before a invited
crowd including Canadian representatives, Chlotrudis Awards
and Museum of Fine Arts members. Thanks to Christine Sarkisian
and the Canadian Consulate for throwing such a beautiful reception.
After
enjoying fine cheeses and delicious paté, the guests
moved to teh theater where they were joined by a long-line
of ticket holders for the film. Cohn and Kunuk gave a terrific
introduction before the eager audience enjoyed the first
feature-length fiction film written, produced, directed,
and acted by Inuit, The Fast Runner is an exciting
action thriller set in ancient Igloolik, Canada. This three-hour
epic tells the story of a small community of nomadic Inuit
caught in a life threatening struggle between powerful
natural and supernatural forces. Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner,
and his brother Amaqjuaq, the Strong One emerge to challenge
the evil order. But after Atanarjuat wins the hand of the
lovely Atuat away from the boastful son of the camp leader,
Oki, a cycle of revenge unfolds that crosses the boundaries
of the spirit world. Despite the late Sunday hour, fans
of the film remained after the conclusion to ask the filmmakers
some questions. The resulting answers were insightful,
education, amusing and powerful. This film will be released
this summer, with a Boston date set for late June. Don’t
miss it!
Thanks to Lot 47 Films for
working with Chlotrudis Awards to bring both The Fast Runner and
Mr. Kunuk and Mr. Cohn to Boston.
Images from Sarah Polley Reception ()
In January, Chlotrudis Awards
teamed with Women
in Film & Video/New England and the Canadian
Consulate Boston to hold a special reception for Canadian
actress/director Sarah
Polley at the Brattle
Theatre. Polley screened the most recent short film she
has directed, "I Shout Love," as part of WIFV/NE’s "Rewind/Fast
Forward Film Festival" celebrating the history of women
filmmakers in New England. Before the sold-out screening of "I
Shout Love," members of Chlotrudis Awards and WIFV/NE
got to chat with Sarah at a special reception.
Sarah Polley Visits Boston! ()
In January, 2002, Chlotrudis Awards teamed up
with Women in Film and Video/New England, The Brattle Theatre,
and the Canadian Consulate to host, "An Evening with Sarah
Polley." The Canadian actress is well-known to fans of
independent film for her roles in such films as The Sweet
Hereafter, Go, Guinevere, The Claim, Last
Night, The Hanging Garden and Hal Hartley’s soon-to-be-released No
Such Thing. Women in Film and Video/New England brought
Sarah to Boston for the area premiere of "I Shout Love" her
latest directorial effort. The 32 minute short film and the
45-minute question & answer session that followed thrilled
the sold-out house. Chlotrudis Awards hosted the two-hour reception
for members of the involved organizations before the screening.
We’d like to thank Sarah, Women in Film & Video/New England, The
Brattle Theatre, The Canadian Consulate and Chlotrudis Awards’ Board
of Directors for all the efforts that combined to make this event such
a smashing success!