The Egyptian theatre was one of three venues in down town Boise participating in this years Idaho International Film Festival. The Flicks and Boise Center on the Grove were also participants .
Over fifty films filled three theaters for four days as Boise residents attended the annual Idaho International Film Festival held Sept 30 to Oct 3. The film festival is an event that allows the general public to see the best independent and foreign films you won’t necessarily see in major theaters.
The Idaho International Film Festival that brings actors, directors and producers together to survey the recent additions to film that haven’t yet made their way into theaters. Independent and unknown directors showcase their works and foreign entries work their way onto American screens. After many of the screenings, directors and producers answered questions from the audience.
Considerably larger than last year, this year’s film festival featured a number of both American and foreign films, as well as some local entries. For the most part, however, the non-American entries appeared stronger than their American counterparts.
“Dear Frankie” is a Scottish film with thick accents that were initially difficult to understand. Underneath the rough cover of language, however, is a beautifully sweet and absolutely unforgettable film.
Frankie is a nearly deaf boy who has lost his father but believes he is writing letters to him. His young mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer) has secretly been writing letters back to him, pretending she’s his father on a boat far away at sea.
One day Frankie discovers that his father’s boat is coming to shore. Lizzie scrambles to find a man to pretend as if he’s Frankie’s father for a day. The man she finds (Gerard Butler) turns out to be much more than expected.
What was intended to be a short trick ends up triggering a string of events that brings healing to both Lizzie and Frankie in a wonderful way. The film contributes to the story with a stark picture of Scotland that deepens our sympathies for the characters while all three primary actors deliver performances that further convince us of their struggles. “Dear Frankie” is slowly paced, but its subtle sweetness rivals “Lost in Translation” and its endearing relationships are comparable to “About a Boy”. Bring a tissue; this is a story that will leave you brimming with emotions long after you’ve left the theater.