VIFF 2012 - Day 12

Reflections: Art for an Oil-Free Coast

directed by Cameron Dennison

Canada

A short film and art project made to raise environmental awareness about the British Columbian coastline and the dangers of the planned oil pipeline from Alberta. Certainly a worthy cause, but it's heavy on opinion, light on facts, and isn't captivating enough to draw in the neutral audience it needs to spread the word.

Garden in the Sea (Jardin en el mar)

directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer

Germany, Mexico

A somewhat fascinating documentary about an art installation placed on the ocean floor in the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico by Spanish artist Cristina Iglesias. Beautifully lensed, but I would have preferred if the focus stayed more on the artistic and creative process behind the sculpture, and less on the standard marine and nature shots we've seen in hundreds of docs. Will be interesting to see a sequel to this several years down the road to see what becomes of it.

The Holy Quarternity (Svatá Ctvenice)

directed by Jan Hrebejk

Czech Republic

A hilarious Czech sex comedy, set partly in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. The story is nothing groundbreaking, and the subject matter isn't all that daring. However it's still quite funny, and there's some very interesting and creepily awkward casting, with a real life brother and sister playing one of the two married couples.

Aquí y allá

directed by Antonio Méndez Esparza

Mexico

Winner at the 2012 Cannes Critics' Week. Wonderful performances from a cast of all non-professionals in a film that follows its own unique rhythm. The action is very slow and captures mostly the mundane, yet is still a highly emotional experience. Plus its beautifully shot, and provides its insightful political message with a light touch. This is a director to keep an eye on.