The 16th Nantucket Film Festival took place on Nantucket Island June 22-26.

I am a Nantucket Film Festival ninja.  A 16-yr veteran.  I strategize as to how to fit in the utmost and fill in every hour of every day, from morning til midnight each year.  I pore over the festival program and pencil in my film selections for the week.  That list may then be tweaked based on Artistic Director Mystelle Brabee’s picks, and yet, it will evolve daily, based on what I hear at “Morning Coffee” and ‘the Buzz of the Fest’–Nevermind the demands of my store!

Vera Farmiga & Renn Hawkey

This year, I knew that my film time would be short, so I concentrated on the events and programs that simply could not be replicated after the Festival, such as live events, short films, and screenings with a Q & A.  As much as I hate to miss anything, there is at least the possibility of catching the missed films on TV or in NYC or from Netflix or screeners, however Late-Night Storytelling only happens once.

“Morning Coffee With…” is a series I love–a one hour opportunity to begin each day eavesdropping on an honest discussion between writers (and filmmakers/producers) about how their films came to be and where they’re going.  Each day is a different moderator (Will Conroy, John Shea, Jonathan Burkhart) and a different panel.  There is no doubt that that the highlight (and biggest celebrity) was Kevin Clash and his puppet, Elmo–or should I say Elmo and his puppeteer, Kevin Clash–there wasn’t a person in the room that did not completely melt at the first words out of his furry red mouth.  This was an instance in which I quickly updated my schedule, via the new Nantucket Film Festival app on my i-phone, to include BEING ELMO–one of the star documentaries of the fest.

Jerry Seinfeld & Co

Another see-it-here-or-not-at-all program is “In Their Shoes”–a live conversation between two people you really want to hear from.  This year featured Vera Farmiga, interviewed by Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine on Thursday,  and screenwriter Paul Haggis, interviewed by Hard Ball’s Chris Matthews on Friday.   Farmiga was lovingly presented with the NFF Compass Rose Acting Award by Joshua Leonard (Blair witch Project ), her co-star in the new film Higher Ground (in which she starred and directed).  The montage of her many roles demonstrated why TIMEOUT NY called her “This generation’s Streep”.  Listening to Paul Haggis discuss the emotions and dynamics of his conflicted characters in CRASH is exactly why I move heaven and earth to attend the NFF.  Haggis was also honored on Saturday night with the NFF Screenwriters Award and a tribute by Brian Williams, who, by the way, is funnier than all the funny people in the world combined…and so very handsome.

Speaking of funny, the most coveted ticket this year, by far, was the All Star Comedy Roundtable–JERRY SEINFELD, BEN STILLER, SETH MEYERS, COLIN QUINN & AZIZ ANSARI–wonder why?!  And they did not disappoint.  Somehow, I landed in the second row–so close, it was like being in Jerry Seinfeld’s living room.  Seth Meyers opened by saying what an honor it was to play the Nantucket High School auditorium on a Sunday afternoon.  “For a musician, it’s Carnegie Hall.  for a comedian, it’s the Nantucket High School auditorium in the daytime.”

I managed to squeeze in these and a few others…

Opening Film:   BUCK

The beautifully filmed and shared story of the real-life Horse Whisperer, Buck Brannaman, who has the rare ability to teach all horses–and people– he encounters.  This was definitely the buzz of the fest.  Astonishingly, it is made by first-time filmmaker Cindy Meehl.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/17/entertainment/la-et-buck-20110617

Closing Film:  HIGHER GROUND

The story of an overwhelmed young mother who turns to a fundamentalist community for answers, but after years of unfulfilling dogma, must find the courage to reclaim her life.  They intent was to to show a multi-dimensional religious character, which I feel they achieved, however the portrait of religion in general, was still one note.  I loved its attempt at the  complicated portrayal of religious choices and for the fact that it features 3 Broadway stars–Donna Murphy, Norbert Leo Butz and Dagmara Dominczyk!  Vera Farmiga stars and directs;  Produced by Nantucket Film Festival co-founder, Jonathan Burkhart.

Documentary:  UNRAVELED

Yet another mind-blowing tale of hubris…Marc Dreier’s $700 million Ponzi scheme was front page news–until the Madoff story broke 5 days later.  Marc Simon, a filmmaker and attorney in Mar Dreier’s firm seemed destined to film the story of his mentor.

Documentary:  BEING ELMO:  A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY

The heartwarming  story of a dream come true against the odds.  I smiled and cried through the whole thing.

OVERHEARD…the verbal highlights of the NFF

“I said “altruistic” because I know in Nantucket you people know what that means.  If I was in Revere, I would say, ‘Yous good people’.”–Comedian Colin Quinn at All-Star Comedy roundtable

“As many shake shingles as there are on Nantucket, that’s how much I thank you.”–Vera Farmiga, on receiving the Nantucket Film Festival Compass Rose award.

“We all have a compelling story that needs to be heard…and so we do what we do.”–Amy Sultan, documentary filmmaker, TO BE HEARD (NFF Audience Award Winner)

“The last big gamble that took place here was when the architect said to the Nantucket High School wood shop class, ‘Surprise Me’.”–Brian Williams, re the oddly named Sconset Casino

“Tommy Lee Jones has a face that will hold a gallon of water–and with Paul Haggis’ writing, two gallons.”–Chris Mathews??  Not sure if he or Brian Williams or Ben Queen or John Shea said this!

“Having a writer in the family is like having an assassin in the family.”–Ben Queen, screenwriter of CARS2 at “Morning Coffee”

“If you ever write a memoir, you could sell the shit out of it.”–A Professor to Carolyn Briggs, whose autobiography later became the Vera Farmiga film Higher Ground

“People say you need to have balance in your life and a broad perspective. I’m against all these things.  I advocate for narrow and unbalanced. And that is the only possible route to becoming a comedian.”—Jerry Seinfeld, as told to the Track Gals, Boston Herald

“And if there’s a prize for festival-sponsored libations, Nantucket took it with Scholium Project white wine and homemade strawberry-basil lime rickeys.”–IndieWire, referring to wine donated by wine sponsor, currentVintage

http://www.indiewire.com/article/2011/06/27/small_and_highly_desirable_nantucket_film_festival_plays_to_its_strengths

“Elmo gets the rock star treatment in Nantucket”–Headline in the Boston Herald

http://bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1347804&position=1

photo compliments of Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

"Between Two Ferns" sketch with Brian Wiliiams (!) and Zach Galifianakis

NFF Comedy Roundtable w/ Ben Stiller, Sarah Silverman, Andy Stamberg, Zach G & Brian Williams

The Nantucket Film Festival celebrated it’s 15^th birthday this year.  Wow.  15.  I say wow, NOT just because I was a Co-Producer of a Festival film, but because A.  I was at Opening Night in 1996 (and have been ever since) and B.  Because it was the Best Ever!

From the Opening night film, The Extra Man, to the unbelievably fascinating docs on Bill Cunningham and Ron Galella to the Brian Williams monologue at the Screenwriter’s Tribute to Chris Matthews’ interview with Barry Levinson, it was amazing.  I am still running into like-minded Film enthusiasts on the street, exclaiming how extraordinary one film or another was this past week…Nevermind the thrill of seeing my name on the big screen in a producing credit for Mister Rogers & Me!  (When independent film makers need cash, those credits can go pretty cheap.)

My name, Elisabeth English (10th from top), on the silver screen at Mister Rogers

Chris and Ben Wagner, Creators of "Mister Rogers & Me", with Elisabeth English, "Producer"

Truthfully, I regularly think the festival is ‘the best ever’.  Losing Chase was the 1996 inaugural film and also Kevin Bacon’s directorial debut.  I was so enthused by the experience that I returned to Provisions, my sandwich shop on Straight Wharf, and re-named our BLT as “Kevin Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato” on the blackboard, provoking confusion and the occasional smile for years to come.

There have been many inspiring opening films (14, to be exact), including “The Full Monty”, “American Splendor” and “Trans-Siberian”, but it is the rest of the festival slate that delights me most.  There are always quiet gems that may never see the green light of distribution and the only opportunity to see them (for me) rests with the fest.  And so, I venture forth with the zeal of an ingénue, in an effort to take in the best the fest has to offer…

Each day goes something like:  “Morning Coffee w/ a Writer” at the Crown, Film, work, Film, snack, Film, change of outfit, Evening Event (Party/Storytelling/Tribute), After-Party…while popping my Wellness Formula vitamins and ignoring my employees’ pleas for communication day after day.

NFF "Morning Coffee with a Writer" series

Here are some of the quotable highlights…

“Literally, you just turn on your camera and beautiful stuff gets inside  it”—Lynn True on filming Summer Pasture in remote Eastern-Tibet

‘Deep & simple is better than shallow & complex any day’—Fred Rogers (as told to Benjamin Wagner, co-creator of Mister Rogers & Me)

“We worked out the licensing last night.”—Benjamin Wagner re the process of trust and determination in making Mister Rogers & Me.

Q:  “How will the Lady Gaga generation receive the message of Mr. Rogers?”—audience member at “Morning Coffee”
A.  “Twinkies have their short-term value, but in the end everyone needs a  slice of whole wheat.”—Benjamin Wagner, Mister Rogers & Me

“I was trying to capture the beauty/horror/absurdity of family.”—Festival honoree Michael Arndt on the writing of Little Miss Sunshine

“Families are inherently funny in that you have a group of people with nothing in common except the fact they are related.”– Michael Arndt on the writing of Little Miss Sunshine

“I wanted to start a riot of happiness.”– Michael Arndt on the ending of Little Miss Sunshine

Barry Levinson, Honoree

Must-See Films of the 2010 NFF:

Bill Cunningham New York—A documentary on the charming, elegant 80-year-old New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. With the singular goal of capturing the beauty that crosses his path, Cunningham has created a poignant and ongoing chronicle of the intersection of fashion and society in New York for over 50 years—in effect, a portrait of New York City itself—while living in a tiny studio apartment above Carnegie Hall and riding a bike.

Smash His Camera—A fascinating look at the surprisingly endearing Ron Galella—the original despised Paparazzo for whom Jackie Onassis obtained a restraining order.  His archives are an exhausting journey through pop culture over the last 40+ years, from Pia Zadora & John Gotti to Jacki O & Liz Taylor.

Cairo Time—A beautiful, seductive story set in exotic Cairo, starring the always-magnificent Patricia Clarkson and sexy, sexy Alexander Siddig

Winter’s Bone—A riveting tale of a 17-yr old the lawless Ozarks, caring for her little brother and sister, while trying to find her crack-dealing Father who put up their home for his bail bond and disappeared. 

The Concert & Freedom Writers—Definitely two of the most-talked about films at the fest

Mister Rogers & Me—A lovely portrait of Nantucket summer resident and pioneering children’s television host Fred Rogers.  Created by the Wagner brothers through a long, meaningful journey of their own.

Nowhere Boy—A darling film about the teenage John Lennon and the heartbreak and angst that shaped his life and music (by Sam Taylor-Wood).

The Extra Man—A story of friendship between an older New York gentleman (Kevin Kline) and a young man (Paul Dano) with a a few sexual identity issues.  Written by (and based on) the brilliant Jonathan Ames.

The Wagner Bros with NFF Founder, Jonathan Burkhart

NFF 2010 Opening Film "The Extra Man" w/ Jonathan Ames, writer

Brian Williams at NFF Late-Night Storytelling with Peter Farrelly & Anne Meara looking on

The 14th annual Nantucket Film Festival ended this past Sunday and I felt the usual ambivalence of sadness, joy and relief.  I have attended 14 of 14, and as I get older, it gets more and more challenging to see films all day, party all night and not run my business into the ground.  This year was the usual marathon:  currentVintage co-sponsored the Opening Night party at the Chanticleer following “Cold Souls” and people seemed to appreciate above-average party wine.

Late-Night Storytelling was wildly funny & bizarre as usual.  I loved Cheryl Hine’s story of hospitalization with no health insurance or pocket change on the eve of her transition to stardom via “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.  I may never get over our local GYN’s tale of a hit and run, and I delight in knowing that Ben Stiller took acid and lost his virginity on Nantucket (perhaps at the same time?).

The Tribute Event, honoring Harold Ramis, was larger than life, in that it featured the 40’ tall Ghostbusters Stay-puft marshmallow man outside the Sconset Casino.  Brian Williams was side-splittingly funny as usual, which served as our annual reminder of how his talent is wasted on the nightly news.

The Stay-Puft Man

Ben Stiller gives tribute to Harold Ramis at NFF

There’s really nothing better than being around passionate people and I think that’s why I love the NFF so much.  Each morning, I drag myself to work at the crack of dawn so I can make it to the  “Morning Coffee with a writer” panel at the Rose & Crown.  It is such an amazing opportunity to drop in on the lives of people who are living their (usually far from glamorous) dream.  There are filmmakers with hedgefund-blank-check-produced projects sitting next to some who financed their short on five credit cards and a loan from their parents.  Both solemn and irreverent things are said…Cherien Dabis told that the racism in “Amreeka” was based on her own life experiences growing up in Ohio.  John Shea, noting that only 6 out of 5400 film submissions to Sundance got distribution, suggested filmmakers be hearded into “the cove”.  Anne Meara said it was a great panel because no one brought up “vision” or “arc”.  The writers and filmmakers meet each other, stories are shared, connections are made and the audience learns as well.

For years, this vicarious dream-living appealed to me because I was less than enchanted by my own work.  Owning two casual, seasonal eateries with a zillion employees was grueling and ungratifying and I was completely fascinated by anyone in more creative pursuits, which generally included everyone at the Nantucket Film Festival.  These days, I have a fabulous new business and I’m so creative I could drop, but I still love meeting inspired and inspiring people at the NFF each year, and this weekend they were present in large numbers…

Louie, Fisher & Ric of "The Cove" and Katherine Bigelow of "The Hurt Locker" at NFF Morning Coffee panel

Any brush with Ric O’Barry, Fisher Stevens, Louis Psiphoyos, party boy Charles Hambleton and the gang from “The Cove” was memorable.  These guys are combination activists, evangelists and adrenaline junkies.  They spent years and millions to expose the ugly Japanese dolphin industry, risking life and limb.  Their mission evolved on the journey from saving ocean reefs to saving cetaceans (dolphins and whales) to a public health cry for mercury-awareness.  Ric’s passion and commitment to stop the dolphin slaughter in Taiji are palpable and contagious and will no doubt prevail with the help of the Cove team and the visceral reaction and inevitable action of every single person who sees the film.

“The Messenger” was another film that really moved me.  An army story centered around casualty-notification starring Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson in powerful performances, it was quite depressing, but a little bit hopeful. I watched it back to back with “The Cove” and could hardly get out of my seat when it was over.  The Stiller Family sat right behind me for the double feature and their enthusiasm and observations made for interesting Q&A discussions following both films.  That’s what I mean about passion—the fact that Anne Meara, Jerry Stiller, Amy and Ben were still sitting in the Sconset Casino all afternoon on day 4 of the festival, after all that had gone before, was very cool indeed.

Doug Foregger and me w/ the Marshmallow Man

http://www.indiewire.com/article/storytelling_of_all_kinds_showcased_at_nantucket_fest/

Marshmallow photos: Mai Norton