Dragonslayer (October 6th at the Akron Film + Pixel Festival)

[DRAGONSLAYER screens Thursday October 6 th at 7:00 pm at the Akron Museum of Art as part of the Akron Film + Pixel Festival.]

Review by Bob Ignizio

Josh “Skreech” Sandoval is a semi-pro skater from a small town in Orange County, CA who appears to have had potential for real success in the sport at one time. Josh lost his sponsors (and income) when his then girlfriend gave birth to his son Sid and he stopped competing to be a more responsible dad. The relationship with Sid's mother eventually fell apart, though, due mainly to the fact that Skreech spent most of his time skating and/or doing drinking and doing drugs. I don't doubt that he genuinely loves his son, but he loves his skate punk lifestyle more.

Cleveland Movie Blog editor Bob Ignizio to participate in panel at Akron Film + Pixel Festival (October 8th)

[The panel discussion 'Guide to Blogging and Podcasting' takes place October 8th at 3:30 pm at the Uncorked Wine Bar as part of the Akron Film + Pixel Festival.]

Yes, the editor/webmaster of this very blog will be participating in this panel discussion dealing with blogging and pocasting about the media. The panel will be mediated by Fest organizer Rob Lucas, a blogger himself (Interesting Akron). Other confirmed participants are Joanna Wilson, author of the book 'The Christmas TV Companion' and the blog of the same name, and Chris Patrick who blogs about music at Keep On Repeat. Other participants to be announced. So if you ever wanted to know about the glamorous world of blogging, stop by and join in the conversation. For more info on the Akron Film + Pixel Festival, visit their website.

Hit So Hard (October 7th at the Akron Film + Pixel Festival)

[HIT SO HARD screens Friday October 7th at 7:15 pm at the Akron Film + Pixel Festival.]

Review by Pete Roche

What distinguishes HIT SO HARD from other run-of-the-mill “Rockumentaries” is that not only is its subject a girl who made a name for herself in an exclusive boys club—but also a lesbian in a land of lascivious, guitar-playing Lotharios. 

Patty Schemel seemed poised for rock stardom in the mid-Nineties. The diminutive drummer from Marysville, Washington was smack dab in the middle of the Seattle scene when grunge took root.  The cultural shift meant more to Schemel than just flannel shirts and ripped jeans.  She’d grown up gay in an intolerant small town and already spent years defining herself with music.  An early stint in punk group The Primitives lead to a gig with Doll Squad, who eventually shared a bill with then up-and-comers Nirvana.  Schemel fraternized with local musicians—including Kurt Cobain and [Faith No More keyboardist] Roddy Bottum—and was in the right place at the right time when Courtney Love decided to take her alterna-rock outfit Hole to the next level.

Guests Pack the 2011 Akron Film Festival Schedule

[Press Release from the Akron Film + Pixel Festival.]

 

An Oscar nominee, Filmmaker Magazine’s “New Face of Indie Film,” a rock star and video game

developers are part of the new 2011 Akron Film+Pixel Festival at the Akron Art Museum October 6-9

AKRON, OHIO — The 2011 Akron Film+Pixel Festival (formerly the Akron Film Festival) is back at the Akron Art Museum (1 South High St., Akron, OH) October 6-9, 2011 and with numerous special guests who will all be available for Q&As.

Akron Film Festival Now a Sandwich - Highland Square Restaurant Mr. Zub’s Creates Vegan Burger in Honor of the 2011 Film Festival

[Press release from Mr. Zub's Subs]

Akron Film+Pixel Festival co-director Rob Lucas (left) and Mr. Zub's chef, Micah Townsend (right), present the Akron Film Burger. Photo by Steve Felix.

Mr. Zub’s chef Micah Townsend loves movies. In fact, every dish in his restaurant is named after a film or film character. Starting on August 22 his newest creation, The Akron Film Burger, will be available to the public. The sandwich is in honor of the 2011 Akron Film+Pixel Festival (formerly the Akron Film Festival), which will take place at the Akron Art Museum (1 South High St., Akron, OH) October 6-9, 2011.

“We try to use our vast knowledge of modern and independent films to create a memorable experience to go with our fresh food,” said Townsend. “This is a great sandwich and we want customers to associate it with our local film festival.”