Connecticut Film Festival 2008

It's a lovely autumn day and Dr. Leslie Laurel has taken her daughter, Brooke, out for a driving lesson on a quiet country road. Unfortunately Leslie is a psychologist unable to pry herself away from her cell phone and the needy patients on the other end, and Brooke is a teenager unable to pry herself away from her own adolescent exasperation. Typical mother/daughter friction...until Brooke hits a small animal, Leslie's patient begins talking suicide, and an elderly couple come barreling along in their station wagon.

The culture that surrounds Duckpin Bowling is a curious one. The game is frustrating, challenging -- strikes are rare and no one has ever rolled a perfect game. Although it is now relegated to strip-malls and basements through New England and Maryland, Duckpin Bowling once reigned supreme. The film explores the 100-year history of this now obscure sport, and the devotion of it's followers.

It's early spring, 1959 and a year has passed since Albert’s father died in an avalanche; forcing Albert, his mother and his baby tortoise "Ed" to move in with Albert’s ill grandfather in California. Albert is an outsider with the neighborhood kids. And when Ed dies suddenly one evening, Albert loses his only friend.

In China, all parts of electronics equipment can be recycled—but this is hardly good for the environment or the workers who handle the toxic bits and pieces of our discarded work tools.

An intense and astonishing look at the notorious, volatile slums (favelas) on the edge of the Rio de Janeiro, and the drug trafficking militias who have virtual control there. Brazil's elite BOPE force (State Police Battalion) combats drug trafficking, but keeping order has its price, and it can be difficult to distinguish right from wrong, and justice from revenge. Danbury Directed by José Padilha, (BUS 174), and written by Padilha, Academy Award® nominated writer Bráulio Mantovani (CITY OF GOD) and Rodrigo Pimentel, based on Pimentel’s 19 years as a military police officer and BOPE Captain. Followed by post-screening reception at 9:00PM at Delicious Bread Bakery, located at 35 White Street, featuring Brazilian food, drinks and live music by local artist Arildo Chagas. Hosted by Tribuna Newspaper and co-sponsored by Delicious Bread Bakery and Hamilton Mortgage. To RSVP call 203-730-0457.

Two young free marketers have hit a bad stretch on the fast track to success. They desperately need a get rich quick scheme. And a dead Elvis may be the light at the end of their tunnel. Suddenly, dead ahead, there it is! A niche market of unlimited possibilities.

Dreams of whales lead a young man to question the promises of the dominant culture. As the dreams persist, more questions arise and soon the young man is confronted by the reality of a planet on the verge of ecological collapse. Using rotoscoped animation, this lyrical and heartbreaking piece explores what it means to acknowledge the atrocities of the dominant culture and the pains and triumphs of following your heart.

While filming a popular reality TV show, Officer Stark responds to a cop shooting only to find his son involved. With few options, and no time, Stark weighs a father's devotion for his child against upholding the law. EVIDENCE presents the cameraman's 28 minutes of continuous raw footage as Stark tries to evade the lens and make an impossible decision.