Independent Film Festival of Boston

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The Best Way Is By Hand

Sep 2020

The Best Way Is By Hand
2018 | Directed by Cathleen O'Connell

On a busy Saturday morning in Waltham, Massachusetts, seventh generation cobbler John Elhilow takes time to talk about the past, present and future of shoe repair. This short documentary takes you behind the counter and into the workshop as Elhilow plies his ancient craft in the modern world, saving the soles (and heels) of his customers.

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The Guy: The Brian Donahue Story

Sep 2020

2019 | Directed by E.J. McLeavey-Fisher

Stuntman. Actor. UPS employee. Former WWF wrestler, Disney World performer, and NFL nose tackle. Brian Donahue has seemingly done it all. The Guy is a short documentary film chronicling Mr. Donahue’s surreal story as he tries to strike a balance between paying the rent and seeking out the elusive Hollywood spotlight.

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Imagine Kolle 37

Sep 2017

2017 | Directed by Michele Meek

“Imagine Kolle 37” is a short documentary/narrative hybrid film about two girls who imagine their way to Kolle 37, a real adventure playground in Berlin, Germany.

Recently called “the mother of all Berlin playgrounds” by The New York Times, Kolle 37 enables children to build and climb three-story wooden structures, make fire, and use hammers, saws and axes. Founded in 1990, Kolle 37 invites young people ages six through sixteen, without their parents, to embrace risky play in the “adventure playground” under the loose supervision of playworkers.

Although about 1,000 adventure playgrounds exist in Europe, there are only a few in the U.S. where the concept of “free play” is becoming an endangered concept. But adventure playgrounds not only encourage young people to play outdoors in all seasons, they also provide children a chance to face risk, learn skills, and build confidence.

Ultimately, “Imagine Kolle 37” poses the question—can we, as Americans, imagine Kolle 37, which in fact is a real children’s playground in Berlin?