Program Guide - Cleveland International Film Festival

PROGRAM UPDATES > www.clevelandfilm.org < TICKETS > Call 877.304.FILM FILMS A –Z 101
GREG GUND MEMORIAL
STANDING UP FILM COMPETITION
NESNADNY + SCHWARTZ
DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION
10% CINEMA
I Am Breathing
Directed by Emma Davie, Morag McKinnon
SCOTLAND, DENMARK 2012
73 minutes
Thursday, April 4 Friday, April 5
7:30 PM I Code IAMB04 8:30 PM I Code IAMB05
Sunday, April 7
9:30 AM I Code IAMB07
At 34, Neil Platt is facing the end of his life. He has Motor
Neurone Disease, a condition that also took his father. MND
causes his muscles to stop working, but Neil’s vibrant spirit
and love of his wife and infant son are unaffected. Using wit,
courage, and a computer with voice-activated technology, Neil
is determined to do things before “last call.” He wants to
spread awareness of his disease so that if his son contracts it,
there is treatment and hope. More importantly, Neil wants his
son to know what kind of man he was and learn the things he
still needs to teach him. Cocky, humorous, and wise, his daily
blog is part of this legacy. With the help of his extraordinary
wife, he is also making a memory box for his son, filled with
objects that define him and the great moments of his life.
A film of determination, not deterioration, I AM BREATHING
is a document of overwhelming courage and the celebration
of life. —C.R.
Producer~Sonja Henrici Cinematography~Emma Davie Editing~Peter Winther
Print Source~Scottish Documentary Institute / rebecca@scottishdocinstitute.com /
www.iambreathingfilm.com
About the Directors~Emma Davie is a cinematographer and director. Morag
McKinnon is an award-winning writer, producer, and director who has worked in
television, short film, and documentary features. Collaborative Filmography~I AM
BREATHING (2012)
This film is presented in loving memory of
DAVID A. GUENTZLER, and to the angel who never
left his side, TERRI.
I Am Divine
Directed by Jeffrey Schwarz
USA 2013
85 minutes
Saturday, April 13 Sunday, April 14
9:15 PM I Code DIVN13 2:30 PM I Code DIVN14
Described by John Waters as “the most beautiful woman in
the world,” Divine is one of the most unique and iconic film
personalities in the Universe, whether the establishment film
community dares to admit it or not! Born Harris Glen Milstead,
Divine started life as an overweight Baltimore youth who was
harassed and alienated. Finding comfort in outrageous movies
and dressing up, his meeting with John Waters changed not
only both their lives, but also the very landscape of American
film itself. Incorporating film clips and interviews with figures
such as John Waters, Tab Hunter, Mink Stole, and Ricki Lake,
this documentary-in-high-heels struts the long and wild road
that led Divine from persecution to global adoration. But, while
maintaining his outrageous persona, Divine also wanted respect
as a legitimate actor. Long after his tragic death, Divine continues
to shock, delight, and influence generations of performers.
I AM DIVINE honors Harris Glen Milstead in the way he always
wanted—as a legitimate and immortal star! —C.R.
Producers~Jeffrey Schwarz, Lotti Pharriss Knowles, Lance Robertson, Jon Glover
Editing~Phillip J. Bartell
Print Source~The Film Collaborative / jeffrey@thefilmcollaborative.org /
www.thefilmcollaborative.org
About the Director~Jeffrey Schwarz was born in 1969 in New York City. He is
President and CEO of Automat Pictures, a company that creates original television
programming and documentary film. He has produced and directed hundreds of
shorts and several acclaimed feature length documentary films. Filmography~
“Spine Tingler: The William Castle Story” (2007)—32nd CIFF, “Wrangler:
Anatomy of an Icon” (2008), “Vito” (2011)—36th CIFF, I AM DIVINE (2013)
This film is presented with the generous support of
JAMES S. ANDERSON and DAVID W. WITTKOWSKY.