Friday was technically the second day of the Cleveland International Film Festival, but for me, it's the first day of what will no doubt be an exciting long week of movie watching.
Call me a nerd, but I’m that girl who, come December, actually keeps a mental countdown of the days until CIFF begins. It’s not just that it’s one of the coolest things to happen in Northeast Ohio every year, although it certainly is that. For me, the festival is the perfect way to say goodbye to the final throes of winter – from the warmth and comfort of a movie theater – and emerge from this cinematic cocoon to find the beginning of spring.
Other reasons I love CIFF:
- The film festival is like a giant reunion – I always run into people I haven’t seen in months, or even years. There’s none of that awkward, “Oh hi! What’s new with you?” stuff. All conversation revolves around movies. “What have you seen? What are you seeing next? What should I add to my list?” You never know who you might run into in the standby line, which adds to the excitement of the whole experience.
- The lower level of Tower City takes on the energy of a crowded street fair, with jewelry vendors, artists, and other craftspeople selling their wares.
- Food. Normally, I don’t enjoy mall food courts, but every once in a while, it feels like an indulgence to load up on fast food and fancy coffee drinks. This evening, though, I purchased a hummus wrap from a vendor walking the aisles of a theater minutes before the lights went down. I could get used to this.
- The people-watching is unparalleled: You won’t find a more diverse, artsy and fashionable crowd anywhere in town.
- The films. With more than 280 films to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming trying to decide which movies to watch. The CIFF staff and volunteers are on top of everything. They are attentive, knowledgeable and there to assist filmgoers with all sorts of questions.
Last night, I logged four hours (two movies) in plush movie theater seats. I started with Here Comes Lola! (one more showing today at 1:25 pm, tickets available at box office), a German film by director Franziska Buch, about an adorable nine-year-old girl who only wants two things in life: to be the world’s youngest pop star and to have a best friend. It’s a loveable film that should entertain viewers of all ages. I also watched and enjoyed the French movie Copacabana (one more showing Sunday, March 27 at 5 pm; limited ticket availability) by Marc Fitoussi. It’s a funny, touching story about the ups and downs of a mother-daughter relationship – and the challenges of finding oneself and growing up, at any age.
Stay tuned for more updates to come.
