How to ruin a Heartland film

October 13, 2009
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The Heartland Film Festival opens this week with some outstanding films.

And if you want some of them ruined for you, take a look at the trailers on the Heartland Film Festival site.

This is no fault of HFF, but an ongoing problem with film marketers who insist on giving away crucial plot points and climactic details. The worst violator is I've seen is actually my favorite film of the fest that I've screened so far: "After the Storm."

Its trailer reveals two very crucial, cathartic moments in this outstanding documentary, so please please please, DON'T watch the trailer before seeing the film. If the trailer happens to be shown in a theater near you, you are forgiven if you muff your ears, close your eyes and repeat "la-la-la" until it's over.

For more IBJ Best of the Fest picks -- and reviews of the rest--check out IBJ's exclusive Heartland Film Festival guide, which will be updated throughout the fest. Visit www.ibj.com/arts.

Your thoughts?

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  • mediakathOctober 14, 2009 2:29 PM
    I agree so much! I am often disappointed when I see a film, because the trailer gave away so much, the film didn't even live up to the trailer!
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  • But remember...
    MargaretOctober 15, 2009 9:11 AM
    Something to keep in mind though, with these films in particular, is that they are independent, low-budget films, without the dollars of major studio movies. Often times it is the filmmakers themselves creating the trailers, not a seasoned marketing company. They're just artists, trying to tell their stories and although it my not be ideal, it's certainly admirable.
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  • trailers
    LouOctober 15, 2009 10:31 AM
    Margaret,
    I understand--butI would hope they would have the sense not to drain the pleasure out of their own films.
    Lou
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