Coda: 2024 PFF & IHSFF Festival Recap

Coda’s ongoing coverage of the 2024 Phoenix Film Festival & International Horror Sci-Fi Film Festival. I'll be using these posts to recap the films I've experienced as part of these festivals.

By Emery Snyder - @leeroy711

THE CARAVAN – Directed by Núria Clavero and Aitor Palacios

At eight months pregnant, Yuri, with her son Santi and her partner Mike join the first caravan of 7000 migrants fleeing violence that plagues Honduras and other parts of Central America. Facing a 5000 km journey that ends with the most strictly defended border in North America, Yuri is determined to have her baby in the U.S.

“no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark” – from the poem, “Home” by Warsan Shire

This documentary was a lot less like a film and more like a very exclusive and specific piece of video journalism. If you were looking for something that tackles the subject by juxtaposing the story with talking head interviews from experts, this is not that. Likewise, there are no cuts to Fox News personalities, counting down the days until the caravan reaches the border like a doomsday clock, clutching their pearls and fearmongering for ratings.

“We have a moral obligation to admit the world's poor, they tell us, even if it makes our country poorer and dirtier…” – Tucker Carlson

No, we’ve all seen and heard this tired diatribe enough. To this film’s exceptional credit, it takes an entirely different approach. We just spend time with these people. We meet them where they are. We see their toils, their fears and their struggles. There is no challenge to identify with them. They are us.

OKIE – Directed by Kate Cobb

Celebrity writer, Louie, returns to his run-down hometown after his father’s death to take care of his estate. While there, he’s confronted with the community he left behind and the stories he misrepresented and exploited for profit.

I was impressed with this film. It was small in scope, but whatever it may have lacked in grandeur, it makes up for in believability. Every relationship on display feels ‘lived in’. This is compliments of the well written screenplay and its handling by a talented cast. The stakes gradually increase with the plot, but I think the majority of the film’s charm can be found in its margins. It’s just an easy ensemble to be a part of.

Overall, it remains light faire, even when it isn’t trying to. And I think I’m glad for that.

OKIE plays again on Saturday, April 13^th at 3:40 PM and Sunday, April 14^th at 1:50 PM