September 1997
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Thirteen tells its tale with a fresh technique that almost defies description. The cast of black actors, often whole families using their own names, perform their roles with the unaffected concentration and sincerity. Beautifully shot by director Williams, the film has an exquisite painterly quality that bathes the film in joy. This simply told story, combining realistic drama and poetic lyricism, has timeless quality of a folk tale. There is something lovely here. - Kay Armatage (excerpt from the program book for the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival) To see another image from the film and read Kay's complete write-up on Thirteen go to the Thirteen Web page at the International Forum of New Cinema (Berlin). |
February 1998
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"Why do we leave each other without a word?... THIRTEEN doesn't pose this question loudly. David Williams' second feature film has nothing loud about it, instead it is like a quiet powerful river." --Jan Schulz-Ojala, De Tagesspiel, Berlin Film Festival On the strength of its showing in Toronto, Thirteen was chosen to appear at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival, which ran from February 12-22, 1998. The film was shown in the International Forum of New Cinema. There's tons of great info about the film and its director at the official Thirteen web page of the International Forum. Thirteen was VERY well received by German audiences and was awarded the Don Quixote jury prize by the International Federation of Film Societies (FICC) jury. Founded in 1947, the FICC/IFFS is the international umbrella organization of film societies. All films awarded by FICC Juries with the Don Quixote prize or a special mention are listed in the catalog of the FICC's "Film Distribution Network" which enhances the international distribution of awarded films. Jury members this year were from France, Norway, Germany, and Switzerland. A few of us involved with the film attended the screenings and got to see other films in the Forum and other parts of the Berlin Film Festival. Click here to read my comments on some of the other films. |
March 1998
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The annual festival, which is operated by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, runs for two weeks at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. This prestigious event has showcased the talents of Steven Spielberg, John Sayles, and Spike Lee. The festival is "the foremost forum for film art that breaks or re-makes the cinematic mold." It is dedicated to discovering emerging new artists. The official web site of New Directors/New Films has a small write up on the film and a biography of David Williams. There were many great films presented this year including one by our German director friend, Connie Walther. Check out her feature film, The First Time (Das Erste Mal). |
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Thirteen was shown at the Vancouver International Film Festival from Sept. 25 to Oct 11, 1998. The Virginia premier was extremely well received at the Virginia Film Festival in beautiful Charlottesville. The 3 composer/musicians performed at a reception following the film screening and were joined by none other than David Amram (The Manchurian Candidate, Pull My Daisy). It was a very enjoyable weekend for all that went and the Beatnik reunion was amazing. Thirteen has also recently been shown in Paris and London and there will be a very special festival at a future date. Watch this space for upcoming news...
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