Rock Savage's Cinema A Go-Go: Fall 2000

Recently I had the privlige of attending the Cinema-A-Go-Go in Passadena, Maryland. Put on by Rock Savage, this was easily one of the more relaxed festivals I've been to in years.

Rock's first order of business was to make everyone feel comfortable, checking to see if anyone needed coffee or soda. When was the last time you saw that happen at a film festival?

After introductions were made, everyone was ushered into the small viewing area. Films were projected on the only available wall.

There was no set theme to the screenings other than that they were all underground in nature. No discrimination was made based on genre. Films ranged from brilliant documentaries such as MR. BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON and MONDO PAGAN, to short film parodies of The Blair Witch Project, Austin Powers, and Star Wars. For good measure, Rock would mix in his own 1960's retro, underground action/horror films.

Filmmakers were not only asked to discuss their screenings, but encouraged to mingle with festival's patrons in the foyer. Most of the conversations were anecdotal in nature, revolving around filming incidents and accidents. No one seemed to miss the air of pretentiousness that usually walks hand in hand with traditional film festivals.

While attendance wasn't what organizers would have liked, Rock wasn't put off by the thought of throwing another next year. "I think we might have hurt ourselves by going all day. Maybe we will start later next time."

Next time isn't as far away as one would think. Rock is thinking of putting on the festival every six months. Unlike this screening where films were shown by invite, the next Cinema-A-Go-Go will be open to the public with all forms of filmmaking welcome.

If Rock Savage can continue to put the people of the festival first, I'll be the first one there every time. If comfort is absent, it might as well be Sundance.

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