Filmfest DC April 12-22

Filmfest DC begins tomorrow with a great line-up including “Starbuck” (a Canadian film about a middle-aged loser who discovers that he has 533 children thanks to his involvement with a sperm bank in the 1980’s), “The Intouchables” (the second most successful French film of all time about a disabled millionaire and his Senegalese caretaker).  “17 Girls” is a French film inspired by the now-discredited US story about a “pregnancy pact.”  “Big Boys Gone Bananas!*” is a film about a film.  Swedish director Fredrik Gertten made a previous documentary about a lawsuit filed by Nicaraguan plantation workers against Dole Food Company.  The company’s response included a defamation lawsuit, and that is the subject of the follow-up film.  “Ace Attorney” is a Japanese film based on the popular video game.  I’ve already seen the charming “I Wish” about brothers separated by a divorce who get their friends to join them in a journey to a special wishing place.  There are films from the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia, the UK, Argentina, and Belgium.  There are comedies, dramas, and documentaries.  It is their best schedule yet — order tickets early as many showings will be sold out quickly.  And be sure to get their iPhone app for all the details.