One of the surprises of this year's Nashville Film Festival — and one of the titles we're hoping most to see this weekend — is the debut feature from Knoxville filmmaker Paul Harrill, Something, Anything (screening 3:30 p.m. today, with a repeat 3 p.m. Wednesday). Longtime NaFF patrons will remember Harrill's 2001 film "Gina, an Actress, Age 29," one of the best dramatic shorts I've ever seen at the festival (and the top prize-winner that year at Sundance).
Harrill's first feature concerns a newlywed Southern housewife (Ashley Shelton) whose life is suddenly altered by tragedy; the spiritual quest that ensues causes turmoil among those closest to her. Harrill tells Country Life in an email that it's the kind of quietly observant film that really rewards viewing on the big screen, so add this to your NaFF short list — especially since we hear they'll be some interesting news about it soon. Ticket info here.
In the meantime, check out this thought-provoking conversation between Harrill and the fine Knoxville film writer Darren Hughes for the MUBI website's digital magazine Notebook. Between these guys and the recent Big Ears Festival, Knoxville's sounding like a really happening place these days.
