AFF Preview: Documentary Features

Although it does start to lag a bit in its final moments, there are plenty of redeeming factors. For one, the badass shots of the guys taking on massive waves are complimented by one badass narrator - Gary Busey. (What? The role of Uncle Red in Silver Bullet alone should be enough evidence to back up that claim.) Ultimately, this feature succeeds by proving that drownings, collisions, and shark attacks aren't the only things that put these dedicated, young surfers at risk. The "too much, too soon" cautionary tale of the ocean? "Golden Child" David Eggers.

[AFF Bside Page]

Mississippi Chicken | Dir. John Fiege
Saturday, October 13th - 12:00pm, Dobie Theater
Wednesday, October 17th - 9:15pm, Regal Arbor Theater

This is easily one of the most powerful documentaries we've seen this year. Technically in the "Austin Screens" category, Mississippi Chicken is a sobering, gritty look at the impossible situations and circumstances that Latin American immigrants find themselves in once they start work in America. The film's main focus is the ways in which a group of immigrants--both legal and illegal--working in Mississippi poultry plants are mistreated and essentially abused by employers and neighbors alike.

After a brutal opening scene that might inspire you to look into this a bit more, the audience is provided with a series of intimate, revealing moments in the extremely tragic life of Guillermina, a Mexican poultry plant worker. There's no shortage of truly shocking moments in a life that most people would find completely unbearable. Still, the grim material cannot eclipse Guillermina's proven ability to rise above the situation - she continuously manages to smile, joke, dance, and hope. The three workers' rights advocates featured in the film (including Anita Grabowski, Director John Fiege's wife), also restore faith in humanity when it is nearly nonexistent.

Mississippi Chicken manages to touch on a variety of other urgent issues that include corrupt law enforcement, the importance of understanding one's basic rights, and just how much help can be provided to illegal immigrants without endangering their lives. This one will stay with you long after you've left the theater.

[AFF Bside Page]
[Official Website]

Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade | Dir. Lincoln Ruchti
Saturday, October 13th - 8:15pm, Stephen F. Austin Theater
Tuesday, October 16th - 7:30pm, Alamo Drafthouse Lake Creek

"At some point in time, I felt as if I could get inside the machine mentally." Does that sound like a really intense episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark to anyone else? That's a compliment for this time tripping documentary that revolves around the 1982 Video Game World Championships in Ottumwa, Iowa. Director Lincoln Ruchti catches up with the players now that they've grown up (or not) - it is in these interviews that you will find some of the most classic sound bites to ever make their way into a feature.

As if the subjects weren't quirky enough, the film's best elements come in the form of decade-defining music choice and killer montages. Eighties enthusiasts will get chills from sharp editing to unexpected beats featuring the likes of Talking Heads, A Flock of Seagulls, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Squier.

The explanations, memories, and competitive insults thrown around by the older players are quite enjoyable. For instance, master "Pac-Man" player Billy Mitchell becomes "Silly Bitchell" to his enemies. Ouch! In the end, you'll have a better understanding of what drives these button-pushing guys to arcades around the world. Spurned by an ex-girlfriend? Find solace by transforming into a humanoid to fight robots in a maze ("Berzerk!"). Enjoy the occasional phallic association? Play some "Missile Command." Achieve immortality by utilizing pencils and electric knives to get the highest score in "Track & Field" to date! (No, really.) See, now you're getting it...

[AFF Bside Page]
[Official Website]