Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival - Marco Polo and Short Selections

Join us for the 14th annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival this spring! The festival will exhibit over 30 films from around the globe that will compete for a variety of awards that range in genre, production, performance, and audience categories. Each film selected for exhibition and competition will be screened in one theater over the course of seven days. Judges will experience each film for the first time along with the audience and moderate Q&A’s with attending filmmakers.

Marco Polo + Short Selections:

Marco Polo:

Feature Narrative
Director: Pablo Riesigo Almonacid
Country of Origin: Spain
Language: Spanish (English Subtitles)

Marco is struggling with substance abuse as he uses drugs to escape from his problems. His brother, Ángel, tries to help him by showing him a simpler way of life that doesn’t involve drugs. But after Angel is killed in a hit and run accident, Marco is left alone dealing with his grief and addiction while blaming himself for the death.

Preceded by:

Life is Elsewhere:

Short Narrative
Director: Jiamin Zhao
Country of Origin: United States
Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese (English Subtitles)

Yan is currently immersed in composing her thesis dissertation, where she has selected Lynne, the Chinese-American student she instructs in Chinese, as her subject of study for investigating issues related to identity. As their classes progress, Yan gradually uncovers Lynne’s profound fascination with the language and culture, a fascination that contrasts with Yan’s own disillusionment regarding her hometown. In a moment of pressure-induced distress, Yan experiences a breakdown, and Lynne stumbles upon Yan’s research, pushing their Chinese tutorial perilously close to termination.

Geezers:

Short Documentary
Director: Jason Cooper
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

The “Geezer Happy Hour” is Ann Arbor’s hottest event – especially for the over 70 crowd. Every Friday, from 6p to 9p, a graying generation pull on their dance shoes and rock out to a live band like its 1968. At the center of it all is Randy Tessier. Not only does he organize the event, he’s a frequent performer. Randy’s been in bands since he was a teenager, but never quite made the big time. Now in his 70s, Randy’s getting some of the attention he’s long sought, and determined to keep rocking as long as he can. In the wake of the tragic loss of his son, Randy needs the music, and the Geezers, more than ever.

Blue Hour:

Short Narrative
Director: J.D. Shields
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Two personal journeys intersect when a struggling young photographer is hired for a cheap last minute portrait gig. The unfolding photo session, while transient, leaves an indelible mark on both women.

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