I’m not sure I’ve ever had a day at a festival like I had yesterday. Truly amazing. I watched Margaret Brown’s excellent work, then In a Dream by Jeremiah Zagar, a beautiful new film that took home the Emerging Visions Audience Award here at SXSW.

Actually there was more to the day, but if it had only been In a Dream, I could have counted it a good day. How to describe a movie about love? Each person’s experience with love is so unique, yet we all share this fundamental need so this story is universal. In a Dream chronicles the relationship between filmmaker Jeremiah’s parents Isiah and Julia. Isiah happens to be a prolific mosaic artist who has blanketed the buildings of Philly with stunning artwork. After 43 years of marriage, Isiah decides that the passion has gone and he wants to leave and be with his mistress.

For most couples, that would be the end of the story. What follows for the Zagars is not only a testament to the power of love but also a heart-wrenching tale about a family in crisis. For my technically savvy readers, Jeremiah employed a variety of stocks, including 35mm, to create a complicated visual tapestry that matches the complicated artwork and emotions of the story. The music and imagery combine for a sad but ultimately hopeful journey. And if you happen to still be in Austin, there is a mural by Isiah Zagar on the fencing outside of Stubb’s… it’s stunning!

I’m experiencing wonderfully cinematic films at SXSW this year, many with lots of humor and well-told stories. Looks like another banner year for quality docs.

Elsewhere:
eFilmCritic interview with Jeremiah Zagar