Lost in Festival Land

Documentaries I love Made by Filmmakers I Do Not Love

Case Study #1: LOST IN WOONSOCKET

How far will a reality television show go to help a pair of homeless alcoholics living in a tent in the woods of Woonsocket, Rhode Island? Far enough to break all of their established show rules, and continue filming even after the A & E cable network cancels the series. The show, “Random 1,” connected people in need with people in a position to offer help. This simple concept was more of a humanitarian experiment, than television show; however, armed with the notion that their show could spark a movement of people helping people, Filmmaker John Chester and Executive Producer/ Co-host Andre Miller traveled the country documenting how random kindness could change lives. And yet it is the lives of the filmmakers that are forever changed when they stop being observers and become active participants while assisting two down-and-out buddies find a life of sobriety. Reality television has never been so real. -CR

This was the doc I REALLY wanted to have in the 2008 festival.

What I didn't know, and couldn't have known, is the director (John Chester) had long since parted ways with the film, and had basically let the stars of the film (two recovering alcoholics) travel with the film - festival to festival - using the film to promote an organization called Lost and Found in America.

When the "stars" arrived in town they demanded to be taken to an AA meeting immediately (rough flight?) - I'm not judging - just reporting.

After the screening of Lost in Woonsocket (not a dry eye in the theater- it's powerful stuff ) the two gentlemen announced that they would be selling copies of the DVD in the lobby of the theater.

The festival director, a god among men, said he had no problem with this, but (to me) it seemed opportunistic and a little desperate.

My belief is that film festivals are sacred grounds meant for filmmakers to share their work with an audience and in return receive feedback. Audiences at festivals have usually paid enough for their package deals, their popcorn, and their parking that they shouldn't have to pony up for a dvd.

After the festival, I shot an e-mail to the film's director and let him know MY feelings about what was going on with his film.

His response was apologetic, but he also said he was no longer associated with the film and that it was now being used as a means to promote and raise money for Lost and Found in America.

He also stated that the two "stars" of the film were using festivals and other screenings as a means to boost their own egos. Perhaps, that part of his e-mail was meant to be private, but I thought it was a very odd thing to say.

As a member of the selection process, I take my responsibilities very serious. I want the best films to be shown. What I don't want is a film coming to town to promote an organization or boost egos that are in need of boosting.

I stand by my choice, it is a very good doc, but I regret LOST IN WOONSOCKET played the festival.