I've got that Monday morning "aw gee why is it over?" letdown feeling. The Full Frame documentary festival packed up and left town last night - but it was swell while it lasted. The festival is seriously one of the reasons I chose to come to school in NC. Obviously due to parenting conflicts, I didn't get to see as many as I would like, but like most things parenting conflicts related, the time I can chisel out is all the more precious and carefully considered. And there is always next year, which I am already eagerly looking forward to. Worthwhile movies included:

American Teen by Nanette Bernstein.
I have to temper my recommendation of this one. Though I really enjoyed it at the time, the overall slickness and quasi reality-show approach left a lingering - distrust, maybe? - doubt in the genuineness, maybe? - for me. Some of that was quelled by the directors Q and A, one of the few I've ever stuck around for. I was curious as to why and how she chose these 4 teens (the Jock, the Popular Girl, the Band Nerd and the Arty Girl) in this small town of Warsaw, IN.) And I guess that's where my reservations come in - she chose a midwest town for "the timelessness" they have but does timelessness mean all white, relatively wealthy, relatively stable families, nice high school attending, no obvious drug or alcohol or sexual issues, all with college in mind teens - and you call it "American Teen?" The title seems a little inclusive for a movie that is hardly so. But despite the false notes and slickness, you'll want to take Hannah home in your pocket and reassure her it's all going to be so much better than high school.

In a Dream by Jeremiah Zagar.
From the moment the first images came up of the mosiac clad buildings, my jaw just dropped. Beautiful beautiful beautiful - that's all I can say. Beautifully shot, beautifully edited, excellent soundtrack by the books, genuine emotion and interesting people. I came home and seriously started researching a trip to Philadelphia to see the mosaics in person. The filmmaker (and son) was there and I thought, oh yeah, he's about my age - but in fact, I just found out he's 26. I am depressed now. But still, see this movie. If you like beautiful things.

It was fun to see Durham buzzing around with so many out of town people (though I wondered what they thought, I really did) and it was incredibly organized and pro. Most importantly I got to see movies the way I like it - alone, in a row by myself, on the aisle, with my Americano in a travel mug and a bar of dark chocolate. So very very civilized.

Just to add to my idea of a perfect weekend, one of my favorite YA authors, Sarah Dessen, who happens to be a local, gave a talk at my school. AH walked the baby around in circles while I got to listen to bits from her new book. And then he took me for beer and BBQ.

I came home wanting to type or paint. And I did both. Restorative. Now, who wants to go to Philadelphia with me?