FilmColumbia

Crandall Theater in Chatham

One of the sites for FilmColumbia screenings.

By Jessica Pasko

It might not be Cannes or Sundance, but the lineup at this week's Chatham's FilmColumbia is still pretty impressive.

The annual festival is bringing four days of films to this adorable Columbia County village, including the new Charlie Kaufman film Synechode, New York.

And there's a lot more to look forward to.

This year's schedule has a mix of features and documentaries, and even a few short films, including Sittin' on a Million, the doc about infamous Troy madam Mame Faye. There's also a screen-writing competition, mystery sneak previews, a children's film collection, trivia events and film panels. It's actually kind of overwhelming.

Here are some of the highlights we're looking forward to checking out:

Sunshine Cleaning
This Sundance-nominated black comedy tells the story of two sisters, played by Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, who make ends meet by tidying up crime scenes in Albuquerque.
Showing at 6 p.m. Thursday at Crandell Theatre

Waltz With Bashir
This film focuses on Israel's 1982 war with Lebanon and the slaughter of Palestianians in the refuge camps. It combines interviews with veterans and therapists, with live footage and animation.
Showing at 5 p.m., Friday at Crandell Theatre

Synecdoche, New York
Showing Friday, 7 p.m. at Crandell Theatre

Animation for Grownups
It's pretty self-explanatory, but this annual program will present the best of award-winning and cutting edge animations. You know, for grown-ups.
Showing Saturday, 1 p.m. at Morris Memorial

The American Ruling Class
Harper's editor Lewis Lapham's documentary focuses on whether or not there's a ruling class in the U.S. through interviews with pundits like Walter Cronkite, Barbara Ehrenreich and the late Robert Altman.
Showing Sunday, 3 p.m. at Morris Memorial

There's lots more, too. You can check out the entire schedule on the festival's web site. Tickets are available for pre-sale online and by phone, or you can buy tickets the day of. Most films cost $7-$10 and a four-day full festival pass is $110. Students get a discount.

Chatham's a cute town with several good restaurants -- why not make it a whole day?

Comments

God bless the Crandall. For those of us living in rural Rensselaer or Columbia Counties, this theater is a godsend. And with a great new sound system to boot, this place (while still a one-theater room) mops the floor with the ass of Regal/Hoyts/whatever-the-name-of-the-Empire is now...

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine