When we were researching moving to Columbia, True/False topped almost every list of the best things about Columbia. Both being very into documentaries, we couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in it in our first year our living here. Then we remembered that we had two kids and no babysitters. We shrugged our shoulders, put our heads down, and tried to forget it was happening.
So this year we swore we would get my parents in town and dive in. Then a trip popped up for the middle of March that prevented childcare and we realized we would be once again staying home. But a chance to volunteer presented itself to me and all the sudden I find myself with a crazy week that results in a shiny volunteer pass. And no idea what to do with it.
My gracious husband has agreed to watch the kids while I attempt to see a few films. And we've got a babysitter for Thursday with hopes of trying to get into the Jubilee party. I've perused Zac Early's planned film schedule and thoroughly read the True False website. But I would love to get your input: which would be your favored films? Any T/F non film events we should try to make it to?
Do everything. Don't sleep. Pack snacks in your bag. Hydrate. Take Monday off.
ReplyDeleteGo to the @ction party and dance with me!
If you're volunteering at a venue where you can watch movies, do it. That's where I see the majority of mine. Last year I was a Juggernaut (30+ hours) at the Blue Note and got to see a lot of the big films of the fest. This year I've pared down my schedule quite a bit (I'm house manager at the Chapel on Sat and Sun during the day), so I'm going to go see a lot more, but I'll have to Q for them.
ReplyDeleteGo to parties and talk to people. I've met some really great people on T/F weekends, including filmmakers, musicians, fest-goers and volunteers. I didn't do any parties until year-before-last, and I really missed out. They're awesome.
Bring snacks and a book. When you're volunteering, you're going to have downtime during and between movies.
I am going to try to see Knuckle, Troll Hunter, Wisconsin Death Trip, Page One, and Benda Bili for sure. The rest I'm going to leave up in the air. Just don't be afraid to Q and venue hop.
Jenny and Emily are both brilliant. All I'll add is to be flexible. Sure, you may have your mind made up that in your free time, you're going to see X, Y and Z films. But then, you run into someone who's going to see / do something else... what to do? Go with the flow. I've stumbled into great films and interesting conversations just because I didn't do what I planned.
ReplyDeleteBeing a T/F vet myself (I am Events Staff) I say: do the parties that you can do! We do the best parties in town, and I really believe that. I am the Event Manager for the Jubilee and technically volunteers aren't allowed to this party unless they are working it, but if you show up and ask for me... well, I could probably show you around. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso - USE THE Q! It is how I got into all my films last year. Even if you have a depressingly large number (you are 157 in the Q) you still are likely to get in, so don't fear. But do bring snacks and something to read or someone to chat with, or the Q line can get lonely. Or, make a new friend.