We Are Girls.

Yes, we know that you probably already know this.  We have long hair, we have curvy girl bodies, sometimes we wear make-up, and so on and so forth.  The movies we saw at film festival screenings around Chi-town this weekend reminded us of our absolute and unquestionable female-ness.

The Scenesters at the Chicago International Movies and Music Festival, 3/5/10

• Why did we see it? Recommended by indie movie marketing & publicity guru Sheri Candler, had a couple friends who knew people in the movie, produced by Chicago-based Midwinter Studios, stars included Second City Alums

• What was it like? This is a movie with a lot of dudes, dude.  There were a few women, but most of them were (SPOILER ALERT!!!) dead.  Or Sherilyn Fenn.  (SHERILYN FENN!)   The woman with the biggest part was a highly discussed prop used to give the hipster protagonist an achy-breaky  arc.

• What was the best part? Seeing such a great film fest turn-out.  Every seat was full in the impressive 2nd floor viewing area in St. Paul Cultural Center.

The Scenesters Q&A w/ Brett Thompson & Jeff Grace

Night Before the Wedding at the Lake County Film Festival, 3/6/10

• Why did we see it? Couldn’t pass up a chance to see this film written and directed by LA-based Film Courage radio host David Branin; wanted to meet actor Kevin Deen.

• What was it like? This movie was as singularly male as a chili cheese dog wrapped in a baseball game covered in Playboy sprinkles.  It’s about a bachelor party, but it’s much more than that.  We don’t want to give anything away, but Julie said she felt like “Night Before the Wedding” plunged her deep into a secret world of male friendship and terrifying bachelor party rituals.

• What was the best part? Meeting the charming and talented Kevin Deen.

Actor Kevin Deen & Julie

MY MOVIE GIRL at the Lake County Film Festival, 3/6/10

• Why did we see it? There’s no point in hiding it: we have a crush on director/writer/actor Adam Bronstein. Adam contacted us last fall and initiated an indie movie swap (one of the best parts of meeting other filmmakers) after seeing Snow Bunny at Lakedance International Film Festival. At LIFF, “My Movie Girl” won awards for Best Comedy, Best Soundtrack, and Best Audience Feature.

• What was it like? Hugging Adam?  Heavenly.  Oh, wait…you meant the movie.  Awkward. “My Movie Girl” is a lost love wrapped in a minor-obsession dipped in hope, from the guy’s perspective.  It’s a sweet, engaging movie that takes you to a place where exes fear to tread.  We’d seen it on DVD, but it was even better on the big screen.

• What was the best part? Hugging Adam.  I mean, hanging out with Adam.  We also got to meet Alex Schwarm, another filmmaker who screened at LIFF and LCFF. Find out about Alex’s short “As Ever, Stan” here.

The LCFF Crew: Jess, Julie, Alex, Adam & Kevin

• What the the toughest part? Trying to keep our cool and not asking Adam to marry us.

Adam & Jess