Third annual (un)epic film festival unfolds

If you’re tired with the monotony of the American blockbuster, then the third annual American Film Festival in Moscow may just be the cure. While it often seems that only the mainstream, and most meaningless, of U.S. cinema ever seems to make it across the pond, this weekend’s event offers a chance to see some undiscovered gems you might not have expected to come from America.

Amfest 2008 presents ‘New Images of America’, which brings together Hollywood classics, new independent features and documentaries.

The official website says: "This year’s program brings together the idea of ‘art cinema’. The central focus of the curator’s programme proved to be the creative works of those artists who are striving to express their individuality not only of their choice of subjects, but in the stylistics of the screen. Hence the most important focus of the third annual American Film Festival are screenwriters who have realised themselves as directors as well with their ‘New Images of America.’”

Not all the films are by complete unknowns. Actor-turned-director Clint Eastwood's newest film, Changeling, makes its European debut, starring Angelina Jolie. Samuel L. Jackson also makes an appearance in Lakeview Terrace, about racism in Los Angeles.

Many of the independent films appearing at the festival are debuts by children of well-known directors. Amy Redford, daughter of Robert Redford, presents her first work, The Guitar, about a woman who has just been diagnosed with a terminal disease and has two months left to live.

Avant-garde director Ken Jacob's son, Azazel, makes his debut with Momma's Man, about a man who, while visiting his parents, abandons his wife and family back home.

The new films stay true to their independent roots, employing digi-beta, camcorder, black & white and of course regular colour film to create this year's projects.

The festival is taking place this weekend in the European Trade Centre in the city’s Kievskaya. For more information about films and tickets, you can visit the official website, www.amfest.ru/en.