Portland HDFEST at the Living Room Theaters a Winner

HDFEST began as an event in 2000, and 2010 marks the first time for Portland. Past events have been held in New York, Los Angeles, London, Helsinki, Chicago, Paris, Sydney, and Seoul. The Living Room Theaters was chosen because of the all digital environment as well as the exceptional viewing experience.

The Living Room Theaters in Portland provide a unique cinematic adventure. With wide, comfortable seating which is set in small rows five feet above each other, the view is unobstructed. If you wish, you can order food or a drink and have it brought to you inside your theater. In a world of similar multiplexes in most every city, the setting provides a welcome respite.

The HDFEST ran from December 9 to 12, and I was lucky enough to catch two screenings. Still, the lineup was exceptional, I would have loved to spend more time taking in the offerings.

The first night offered documentaries, shorts, and the feature length film "The Beginner." And while intriguing, I wasn't free to attend until the second evening. My choice was the performative documentary "Cangleska Wakan (The Sacred Hoop)," and the screening began with some fine opening works.

Cangelska Wakan is Lakota for The Sacred Hoop, coming from the Sioux concept that everything in the universe is interrelated. All things which exist are connected through a continuous process of growth and change. The film was shot on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota and does an outstanding job framing Sioux ritual with modern context. The crowd for "Cangelska Wakan (The Sacred Hoop) was visibly moved.

My second chance for an HDFEST screening came on the final night of the event. "The Presence" interested me not only for it's cinematic merit, but because it was shot in and around a cabin outside the mountain hamlet of Government Camp, Oregon. And as a long-time fan of Mira Sorvino, the combination was too much to pass on.

"The Presence" was written and directed by Tom Provost. The film stars Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Shane West, and Justin Kirk. "The Presence" represents an outstanding debut for Provost, I will be looking for more.

"The Presence" challenges the thinking person much more than most of what is often passed off as horror. It's no gore fest, but it is intensely frightening at times.

The HDFEST was well worth attending, and I hope it's not too far in the future before Portland once again is selected to host. Until then, don't pass on a memorable movie experience. The next time you want to catch a film, look to see if it is showing at the Living Room Theaters. You won't be let down. Just remember, you have to be 21 years of age or older, as liquor is served.