The films

The films themselves were BRILLIANT. I have seen about 20 documentaries, collections of short films, and feature films. And in the process have learnt a lot.

There was a great short about planting kisses (this is the one that eventually won). It worked on the idea that maybe we only have a certain number of kisses that we can give in life - after that we can only receive them. However, it said that if you got a pot of soil, made a hole, kissed it, and covered it up, sprinkled it with some water, you could plant kisses. And no one would ever know. It was so beautiful. I have decided to make a short film when I get back to England.

just resulted in me feeling like a bitch who kills (my own) babies

I am glad I'm not religious. Films about Muslims, Jehovah's witnesses, strict Christians... There are so many rules that you feel obliged to obey not necessarily because you believe they are right, but because you are told that they are right. I believe that I generally do good things, and I am fine with that. But I can't imagine following a religion, and choosing to ignore some rules, like most people do, and still call myself that religion. It just seems too stressful.

I also learnt a LOT about the world, as the films were from all over the place. Like how in Turkmenistan (which looks BEAUTIFUL. There are countless fountains, palaces, mosques made of gold... All at the expense of HUGE poverty. It's unbelievable.) the old president created this book that became almost more holy than the Koran, that effectively brainwashed the nation, with lies of the country's history, his ancestry, etc. It was terrifying. And I learnt about Iran, and how its people shout in big groups 'DEATH TO AMERICA! DEATH TO ISRAEL!' Fucking scary.. And the struggle of guarani Amazonian tribes in Brazil. And MORE about climate change that just resulted in me feeling like a bitch who kills (my own) babies. And I formed some more views on the Israel Palestine conflict, after watching a film about a lemon grove.

Saw a GREAT vampire film, which I HAVE NEVER FELT MORE TENSE in. Very on edge, and very brilliant, even though it was about 12 year olds. Great gore.

They also screened films on poverty and greed, in the whole recession theme. This meant I got to see my first Charlie Chaplin film, Gold Rush. HE IS A FUCKING GENIUS. And I saw Wall Street. It made me feel good, even though I understand NOTHING about stocks etc, but Martin Sheen was lovely and inspirational with his 'Stop buying and selling, and CREATE something with your life.' Makes me feel good to be a musician. Happiness over money.

I'm gonna have to come back someday. With people. I know that film-watching is a solitary experience (unless with Chris!), but it is definitely the kind of festival that you go to with friends.

I love movies.