By Tristan Schumacher As the 9th of September draws nearer, the growing sense of anticipation among Sydney cineastes is palpable. The SUFF is a rare opportunity for us to sink our teeth into a program of current and unique independent films and right now, less than two weeks away from festival opening night, it’s all any self respecting film buff is talking about.
“As an underground film festival we promote critical thinking and discussion,” SUFF director Stefan Popescu enthusiastically explains, “and sometimes this does mean addressing controversial topics…” Indeed, what better way to kick off a jam-packed 3 days of fresh films than with the doco being dubbed the most controversial cinematic offering of the year? Yep, SUFF have lived up to their word and reputation and announced that the festival is to open with an Australian premiere screening of Oliver Stone’s polarising documentary, South of the Border.
It isn’t difficult to imagine why South of the Border, which made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, is already making waves around the world. Three-time Oscar® winner, Stone, is no stranger story telling, so give him a camera and almost unprecedented access to presidents of Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Cuba, and Paraguay, and you can guarantee the controversial filmmaker will provoke, inspire, and entertain.
The film cleverly combines right wing news footage and academic political analysis with Stone’s interviews with the South American presidents in something of an exposé of the role of US foreign policy and mainstream monopolized media in creating false perceptions of South American politics. Stone’s theory is that the US are out for oil and money, and are happy to stir up an atmosphere of fear to keep the public on side. A bold claim, but would we really expect anything less from the always controversial Oliver Stone?
As Stone takes his audience through South America, he imparts the message that, while the mainstream media would have us believe that South American nations are often ruled by ruthless, power-hungry and violent dictators, most are in fact lead by democratically elected heads of state. These are the leaders the people want – and they are improving quality of life. During one of the up close and personal interview with Hugo Chavez in the film, the Venezuelan president assures Stone that he is the man elected by the citizens of Venezuala to lead their country and no scare campaign is going to make him stand down.
Perhaps feeding the strong opposition of some to Stone’s documentary, is his absolute faith and respect in all the leaders he deals with. There are plenty of handshakes, compliments, pats on the back and almost a sense of hero worship. While the filmmaker points the finger at major news networks Fox and CNN for editing stories to provide a one sided view of international politics, his own depiction of South America is far from impartial. That said, this may be why the film is so important; if anything, South of the Border is a valuable antidote to the profusion of right wing American perspectives in the media. He gives us an insight into the characters of the South American world leaders – the people behind the news stories.
Of course, being the experienced director he is, Stone manages to inject a cool, dry irony into the picture so I can assure you that South of the Border is far from depressing fare. Rather than create a sense of dispair, Stone’s intension seems to be to animate the public. He wants to make us shrewd, active and investigative when consuming media and I think that’s a message SUFF audiences will really respond to.
Screening alongside South of the Border on Thursday Sept 9 will be Canadian filmmaker Kellie Ann Benz’s comedic short, Awkward, as well as the latest offering from American new media artist Natalie Bookchin entitled Laid Off. And if a stimulating, exciting and fun night at the cinema isn’t enough of a clincher for some, all ticket holders will also enjoy complimentary food and beverages! Yes! Don’t get me wrong, it’s all about the films, but – FREE FOOD!!! Opening night for SUFF is set to be a hot ticket, so if you haven’t booked yet you should probably get a wriggle on. Head here to check out the entire feature film program and here to book. See you there!
- Tristan Schumacher
