snag films Tagged Articles at Cinematical

From fantasy role-play gamers to conspiracy theorists? The most recent documentary by filmmakers Luke Meyer and Andrew Neel, New World Order, examines folks who are really, really dedicated to exposing a secret worldwide conspiracy. It had its world premiere at SXSW last Friday night and screened again this morning, in advance of its debut via IFC's on demand service (available on cable and satellite systems) next month.

But there's no need to feel left out if you missed the SXSW screenings. The duo's previous, full-bore colloboration, the fabulous Darkon, is just waiting for you to stream it free at Snag Films. Darkon won the Documentary Feature Audience Award at SXSW in 2006, and it's no wonder why. It examines folks who are really, really dedicated to fantasy role-playing games, the kind where the players create alter-egos, make their own costumes, and act out elaborate scenarios. The group has been active since 1985, and their official site describes their activities thusly: "Every other Sunday, between 150 and 300 members gather in costume and armor to fight unchoreographed mock battles with padded weaponry." If that isn't the definition of "cool," I don't know my dictionary.

The action takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, and the players are portrayed sympathetically, in the sense that they are allowed to speak for themselves (and are often unintentionally hilarious) without a narrator needlessly commenting on their self-evident nerdishness awesomeness. The film packs a lot of entertainment value into its running time.

We've embedded Darkon below for your viewing pleasure (US geeks only, please). More information can be found at Snag Films.

Seven years ago today, our world was forever changed with the hijacking of four airplanes. Two of those airplanes were crashed into each tower of New York's World Trade Center, eventually causing both to collapse completely, while another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D,C. and the last -- thanks to the courageous people onboard who fought back against their captors -- crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. We all know where we were and what we were doing the morning these planes crashed, and remember how beautiful it was to see the country and the world come together to mourn the lives lost.

On this seventh anniversary of 9/11, Snag Films is spotlighting the documentary 7 Days in September, which chronicles the events of 9/11 and the way in which we coped with the destruction. From the synopsis: "With material from almost 30 filmmakers, director Steven Rosenbaum turns the tragic events of September 11, 2001-the memories of which are forever jarred in our psyches-into a moving portrait of emotion, loss and even kindness. Although the film uses footage of the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center and the resulting catastrophic loss, it also hones in on New York City's tremendous ability to rebuild, through will and compassion."

Definitely snag the movie above and watch it for free, and you can also make a donation to the National September 11th Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center over on the film's official Snag Films page.

In just a few hours from now, my Superbowl champion New York Giants will take the field against the Washington Redskins and officially kick off another fantastic year of football! (Non-football fans sigh, and quickly go back to whatever it was they were doing.) While I have a whole bunch of friends and family members who partake in a little something called fantasy football, I've never taken to it. Not that I think it's stupid or a waste of time (I actually feel it makes the game more exciting and worthwhile for lots), it's just that like a lot of stuff, I'm too lazy to get involved in the learning of rules, of player names, of positions, etc ... I'd much rather spend that time learning more about film so I can better serve you fine folks. Hmmm .... but who says we can't combine the two?

Yup, our good pals over at Snag Films (ya know, that groovy site that lets you watch tons of documentaries for free) are currently featuring the film 10 Yards: Fantasy Football (snag it above). A doc about fantasy football? One exists? Sure ... just check out the synopsis below.

From Award-Winning Filmmakers, Hunter Weeks and Josh Caldwell (10 MPH, 2007) comes the hilarious, offbeat, and all-encompassing portrayal of fantasy football. 10 YARDS captures the phenomenon of fantasy football in our society with specific focus on wacked-out j.fred's INTERGALACTIC CHAMPIONSHIP League, where the top prize is a box of Twinkies®. As the season progresses, filmmakers Hunter & Josh (both members of j.fred's league) travel the country interviewing a variety of diverse fantasy football leagues, NFL players, commentators, and the guys who started it all in 1963. From all women's tackle football to Mexican mariachi bands, get ready for some of the best camaraderie ever in this 90-minute fantasyland.

Good luck football fans -- enjoy your season!