SLFS Review – Shorts Program 3: Documentaries

Review by Dane Marti

Shorts Program # 3: Documentaries plays as part of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase Tuesday July 10th at 5:00pm at The Tivoli Theater, 6350 Delmar Blvd. Here’s a review of some of the films on the program:

‘Belle Vegas Rocks!’  Directed by Zia Nizami – This documentary of the East St. Louis/Belleville music scene contains three interesting bands. Each band is unique and interesting. The documentary is well filmed and edited: slick without become inhuman and ultra-glossy, the film shows the myriad sounds and genres of music that make East St. Louis and Belleville a happening place to hear diverse musi

“FINALLY” Directed by Mike Roth  -This Documentary consists of people talking about their lives. For instance, Lucy—An attractive, young woman, is discussing a recent trip she took. While coming back from an Illinois where she visited her family, she had a flat tire.  Another guy in the film is discussing chemical reactions while brushing his teeth. These are interesting little vignettes of people discussing little stories. It is cute. These stories are very honest and sincere. I definitely found the girl discussing how she wanted to figure out mysteries and conspiracy theory. Then there is the woman with St. Louis dating problems—including the fact that she is disappointed in the typical St. Louis male penis. The entire documentary is by turns silly, funny and charming–a nice slice of St. Louis life. Nothing mind-blowing or brilliant, but a good film nonetheless.

Holocaust Revisited –  A man discusses his unique Art and how much he loves it. His name is Hank Greenberg. Of course, he realizes that many people do no! “When they don’t like me…well, then, I don’t like them. He is a refreshingly honest person, filled with unique and thought-provoking opinions.  Sure, he is a bit flaky. Since this particular writer is also a bit flaky, I relate. Greenburg works with discarded objects from landfills. He is always moving and thinking…Sure, he admits that he thinks differently. The film is well made with a few visual sections that show the abstract, poetic nature of his house, his yard and the three-dimensional sculptures that populate every nook and cranny. However, Art isn’t the only passion of this individual. He’s also an avid biker and admires Lance Armstrong. At one point, he mentions that he is revisiting the holocaust through his work; He wants to refresh people to the sad memory of that nightmarish event.  This is a fascinating portrait of an outsider—he is an outsider artist. His Ballwin neighbors could have considered his property a maintenance property issue, inside and out. Frankly, I was very impressed and inspired by his attitude and work!

Sentient – Sentient is a great documentary, but it is not for the faint of heart: ‘New Primitives, Punk Rockers, Tattoo wearing bikers and other people living on the edge all are part of the wonderful world of suspending their bodies! Hooks and cables are attached to pierced skin, along these zanies and valiant denizens to literally hang from ceilings while their compatriots look on in wonder and delight. Obviously, this kind of subculture will not appeal to everyone. However, it is definitely a well-constructed, well-edited short film on a topic that will be difficult for some people to watch.

Shabbat Zacho Directed by Phillip Johnson – Having worked on the inception and start of this documentary, I should be very careful in what I write. I must be objective as much as possible. However, personal family issues made me leave the production before it had reached its mid-point, so I believe that I can write a few things: Kevin, an outstanding and mature young man is first seen rehearsing and then actually doing his bar mitzvah. Phillip Johnson skillfully handles this production. This is not just my point of view, but obvious from his handling of the editing to his overall skill and finesse with handling his crew. The documentary is an honest and incisive view of an important stage in a young Jewish man’s life.