"Elaboratous" by Mark Cole

Premiering in Baker Center's Trisolini Gallery, Marc Cole's "Elaboratous" explores how our personalities enhance situations in ways we might not expect. Marc explains on his website, "When I work in the studio I am developing the expression of my own aesthetic intentions in a similar way that I might express my personality while interacting with other people." This concept is displayed through several ceramic pieces within the collection that range from single cups to larger serving platters. At face value the creations represent little more than a uniquely crafted vessel. However after reading the artist's statement behind the motivation for his collection, I was much more interested in discovering the process behind each individual piece. Stop by the gallery before the 22nd to catch the exhibit or come chat with the artist during the exhibit's reception on Friday, the 21st from 6-9 pm.

Fishtank

Today marks the first day of the Athens International Film and Video Festival, a week overflowing with fantastic films from all over the world. With so many films (and an equally busy class schedule) I am setting a goal to view two a day (although with a subdued aspiration of no less than one). The first film on my list is Fishtank which gathered two awards at the British Independent Film Awards for both Best Director and Most Promising Newcomer for the lead Actor Katie Jarvis. The movie's main emphasis is on Katie Jarvis' character Mia who at 15 is struggling with the sexuality and vulnerability that is so often a part of the psychological composition of a quickly maturing teenager. At constant disagreement with her family she develops a love for hip-hop dance and it is not until the appearance of her mother's new boyfriend Connor that she begins to finally make sense of the world around her. Show times are at both 4:30 and 7:00 pm today as well as scattered throughout the remainder of the festival. Come see why Andrea Arnold is being called one of the leaders of new British cinema.

It’s coming… 37th Athens Film Fest screens record number of film

The 37th Athens International Film and Video Festival opens April 23 and runs through April 29. This year’s line-up features a banner crop of new independent films from around the world selected from an all-time record number of entries. More than 250 titles were chosen from the 1,100 submissions by a rigorous selection process that started in October.
“The overall quality of filmmaking today is really impressive,” said Ruth Bradley, director of the Athens Center for Film and Video who runs the festival. “We received many, many more quality works that we have time to screen. What’s included in this year’s festival really represents the stellar productions from both established and emerging film artists from around the globe.”
In addition to the Competition Films, the festival also features an “International Showcase” of new works. Among these films are “Ajami,” an Israeli/Palestinian production that was nominated for a Best Foreign Language Oscar; “Fish Tank,” a highly acclaimed British film; “Buick Riviera,” a story about former-Yugoslavians confronting their shared past in the cold expanse of Minnesota; and “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.”
While all screenings will take place at the Athena Cinema on Court Street in uptown Athens, there is one very special screening of “Saint Misbehavin’” at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24. A spirited portrait of the legendary Wavy Gravy, an artist, activist and prankster, this important new documentary weaves together the spirit, music and politics of the 1960s in a hilarious and inspirational manner.
The festival includes appearances by many of the filmmakers. In partnership with the Ohio University Office of Sustainability, Ian Cheney, co-director of “Big River,” will present the film on at 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 23. Director of the feature documentary “Dirty Business,” Peter Bull will present and discuss his feature documentary, which investigates the business and culture of coal. Currently, filmmakers from Poland, Italy, Turkey and many from the United States plan to visit Athens.
The film festival is sponsored by the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University, and is unique among festivals in that its staff comprising students and volunteers.
“It is an amazing experience for students to go through this process of organizing and executing the festival,” Bradley said. “One of the great sources of pride for me is seeing how the festival comes together through the efforts of these terrific young people.”
The full schedule of screenings is available at the festival Web site, www.athensfest.org. Program booklets are available at the Athena Cinema, at 20 S. Court Street, and at various public areas around Athens.
All competition shows before 5 p.m. are free admission. Admission to International Feature Showcase films that begin before 5 p.m. is $5 and all shows after 5 p.m. are $ 6.50; $5.50 senior/children. Tickets may be purchased at the Athena Cinema beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 21.
The Arts for Ohio initiative provides Ohio University students with a valid ID free admission to festival screenings. Tickets for students through the Arts for Ohio are available the day of the screening (no Arts for Ohio tickets will be given out in advance).