Top picks among Iowa films

By Michael Morain / DES MOINES REGISTER / May 3, 2007

First, the nitty-grits from today’s Datebook:

The Iowa Motion Picture Association doles out its annual awards at an Oscars-style event at 7 p.m. Saturday at downtown’s Savery Hotel, 401 Locust St. A screening of the best student and professional entries is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, and filmmaking, writing and acting workshops are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Each of the four workshops cost $11, or $35 for the whole day. (IMPA members pay $8 each, or $25 for the group.) Tickets to the reception at 6 p.m. cost $35 ($25 for members).

When I asked organizers to pick a few favorites from Friday night’s program, here’s what IMPA vice president Terry Daily had to say:

“We have an eclectic assortment of films in all categories this year. New to this annual event is a screening on Friday night featuring ten short films, followed by “The Bride Wore Blood” at 9:00 pm.

In the “Not To Be Missed” category, I would heartily recommend:

“Sales, How to make it Happen.” A short farce, disguised as a training film on…well, sales. Sure to make you cringe at the thought of entering a stranger’s house intent on a signed dotted line.

“Grace is Gone.” A sordid vision of alcohol and love loss, through the eyes of a promising young filmmaker by the name of James Spencer Ward. (High School Entry)

“We Are Theo” plunges us into the surrealistic world of a young eccentric. This often hilarious short film borrows its atmosphere from David Lynch and 80’s music videos. (College)

The stand-out picture for my money is the Scott Beck and Bryan Woods film “The Bride Wore Blood.” From the opening scene that would make Quentin Tarantino jealous, to the heart-pounding conclusion, these guys mean business. The cinematography is so amazing it’s hard to believe these U of I students aren’t already in Hollywood.