I always have a bit of difficulty with the time change, but most everyone does. Luckily, you get a ‘pass’ for acting spacy for a day or two from colleagues for this reason. I did manage to pop in on one film that didn’t capture my attention so I had dinner with some NY-based folks and headed off to de balie (IDFA headquarters for industry) for the evening’s “debate,” which is usually a lot less debate than talking about the films or themes of the day as produced by Peter Wintonick - the long-time IDFAtalks talk show producer here.

The juries were introduced and the evening was hosted by Debbie Zimmerman of Women Make Movies. There was a new strand called ‘Rants’ where among others, Eugene and Brian from indieWIRE went out on a limb picking their Oscar faves, and then moving on to yesterday’s films under discussion: opening night’s 4 Elements and Jimmy Rosenberg - the Father, the Son & the Talent. There was another whose title I’m forgetting but will find out. All three films are what I would call “experiential docs.” They are as much or more about the creation of a mood or journey than they are telling a straight story.

As I sat in the crowded Grote Zaal (the hall in the de balie basement were the talks are now held) and experienced these films and their makers, I couldn’t help but a get a sense of being at a Grateful Dead show or other similar shared experience. We, as part of the American contingent, were participating in this huge, popular European doc extravaganza. The whole evening had a distinct atmosphere of meeting the old guard, such as many of the jury members, but also, meeting the new guard such as the jury wranglers (tomorrows execs), who gather for these avant guard films. Though there is a wide spectrum of work, that opening really sets the tone for the theme of the entire fest. I’m not sure you’ll have a chance to see films like 4 Elements, as it seems to have challenged a lot of viewers who saw the whole of it, but it was a superb festival evening…even with the jet lag.