SXSW.2007 Day Six: Crazy Sexy Cancer, Big Rig, Call of the Hummingbird, The King of Kong

The most important aspect of Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Cancer is that it doesn't dwell on the disease. It's about living and not about dying. Anyone--with Cancer, or not--can gain a great deal from this film. It's about taking every moment and cherishing it like there's no tomorrow. It's about eating well and exercising and finding peace with yourself and your environment. It's about being able to rock the world no matter what stands in your way. It's as much a film about hope as it is utter resolve in the face of opposition.

As Carr travels throughout the country in search of an alternative "cure" for her disease, she finds herself, she finds her soul mate, and she finds true meaning in life. This uplifting documentary will certainly change your viewpoint on the big "C"; and might even change your outlook on life. Don't expect the usual pathetic terminal disease dribble; and check your pity at the door.

For more information on this film, go to: http://www.crazysexycancer.com/

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Big Rig is the story of the people who make up the subtle backbone of America: the truck drivers. We see the problems that arise on the road, the inherent dangers of the industry, and the lowering of wages due to higher gasoline costs. We also see the drivers behind the wheel in their most intimate moments and we see a positive spirit in them that we wouldn't normally expect. Probably the most important statement in the film is made by a trucker in a diner who says that if all the trucks stopped, America would shut down in three days. So, next time you're driving down the highway and feel like cutting off a trucker just because he or she's not going ninety miles an hour, remember that you depend on them making it to their destination everyday.

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Call of the Hummingbird is Alice Klein's look at an eco-friendly group of people in Brazil who aspire to perfect sustainable living during a thirteen day informative celebration something not unlike "Burning Man" (without the large burning... man). It's all geared towards learning to live within the physical environment without destroying it (what a concept).

However, like anything else, it has its pitfalls. The film shows us that even like-minded, goal-oriented people can easily be sidetracked. We see that some help far more than others and some really do more harm than good. While the effort of sustainable living is a valiant one, this film shows that it's never going to happen unless people really start caring and want to exert an effort to make our home a better place to live.

For more information on this film, go to: http://callofthehummingbird.com/

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The King of Kong was easily one of my favorite films of the festival. It documents the struggle one man undertakes in competing for the world record of a popular arcade game: Donkey Kong. Steve Weibe takes on this challenge head-on against his mulleted adversary: Billy Mitchell. But where is Billy Mitchell? He's constantly onscreen acting the buffoon, but he never really publicly accepts the challenge. He's portrayed as the villainous cretin who's already won and thusly cowardly backs off from any opportunity to lose his acclaim as the Donkey Kong world champion. He recently came out to MTV as if he were a victim in all of this. What's really amusing, however, is that he still refuses to see the film itself. He's relying solely on what critics and independent filmmakers are saying about the documentary. Of course, this is par for the course for Mr. Mitchell.

The really important aspect of this film is the dichotomy of the two main characters involved. As several critics have already stated, it's really like Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. The selfless underdog who's got to prove himself over and over verses the ego-driven champion who's lost sight due to his clouded vision of reality. And this film could have easily been about boxing or any other competitive sport, as much as it is about competitive arcade gaming; which makes it all the more accessible.

Unfortunately, I missed the premiere of the film, but was told that Steve Weibe was present in the audience, and after the film received applause and a five-minute standing ovation from the crowd.

For more information on this film, go to: http://www.thekingofkong.com/