Woods Hole Film Festival 2008

Set in present day rural Western India, Dohaa (Dark Waters) is the story of physical lust and its horrific consequences for two tender lives. Bhiki, a single mother of three, is the mistress of the macho Vishnu and survives by selling fritters under his abusive protection. Kamli, Bhiki’s eldest daughter, is not academically inclined but insists on attending school as it is the only escape from her impoverished surroundings. On the verge of puberty, Kamli is shunned by her classmates and picked on by the teacher. While the village grocer and class bully lust for her, Kamli develops tender feelings for the handsome, intelligent and kind Ajay, who arrives from Mumbai and joins her class. Confused by Bhiki’s constant pressure to ensnare Ajay into a physical relationship, Kamli tries to seduce him awkwardly. Watching Ajay and Kamli in the act, Bhiki offers herself forcibly to Ajay. Will the swirling Dark Waters of poverty and animalistic lust surrounding Kamli destroy her innocence, her capacity to love tenderly and devour her or will she survive to grow stronger? Based on the Marathi novella “Kaleshar Pani” by noted author H.M.Marathe, the film presents a portrait of an impoverished rural life in India.

A film that captures the concepts and ideas that inspire the paintings of Serena Bocchino. Shot on Martha's Vineyard, the film utilizes the water, nets, sand and skies to set the stage for Bocchino's "Catch Series Paintings 2006-2008". The score by jazz musician Pat Metheney creates an atmosphere that transcends the imagery.

Leonardo da Vinci dreams of making art but gets interrupted by Captain Phil I. Stine demanding war machines.

In this “surprisingly moving piece about teen life” (HBO Coverage), talented high school artist David McNeil is desperate to prove himself to his runaway father by winning a state championship basketball jacket. Grueling tryouts, family conflict, and strained friendships are merely the underpainting for David’s greatest challenge as he suddenly finds himself in the role of friend and protector of Dribbles – a mentally challenged old janitor and the basketball team’s unofficial mascot. With self-confident new girl at school, Mary, as his guiding spirit and artistic muse, David may just find there are more important measures of a man’s worth than trophies. This “beautifully written, heart warming, and quite charming” (Republic Pictures Coverage) story is one to experience again and again.

Silence is broken on a quiet, country road when a psychologist, her adolescent daughter, a groundhog and an elderly couple collide.

Edward Hopper (1882-1967) is one of the best known and most admired of American artists. He found poetry in quiet, private moments set in unexceptional places, such as anonymous hotel rooms, diners, gas stations, and traditional houses. Within these urban or small-town spaces, Hopper created iconic images of American life that present us with the possibility of narrative, but ultimately remain enigmatic. Rather than depict a specific story, they suggest a universal, shared experience. This film traces Hopper’s varied influences, from French impressionism to the gangster films of the 1930s. The documentary uses archival photos and film, specially shot footage of locations painted by Hopper in New York and the New England coast, and interviews with artists Eric Fischl and Red Grooms, scholars and curators.

A small-town couple becomes famous overnight after discovering the world's largest potato. When a beauty queen tries to turn the town against them, the couple gets help from magical great-tasting giant potatoes. A home-town bluegrass band acts as the Greek chorus sometimes narrating the story in song.

A toothfairy goes into town to search for more teeth for its collection. Ultimately, it becomes a new addition to a little girl’s toothfairy collection.