ontrary to some early speculations, the Montreal World Film Festival lives to see the age of 31. The festival faces a sense of renewal as the budget is revitalized with many sources of new funding. Of the 450 films being screened from 70 different countries, chances are you’ll be able to find something you like. But how are you supposed to know what’s worth checking out? Well, that’s why you’re lucky you have internet, because Martiniboys loves to help. It’s just what we do. So just for you, here is a shortlist of films which are bound to entertain, scare, provoke, and make a splash at this year’s FFM.

September Dawn

Christopher Cain’s controversial film takes as its subject an alleged massacre by Mormon militiamen on September 11, 1857. The film displays the tragic circumstances that can occur with the adoption of blind faith and religious fundamentalism. This film is just itching to stir up some controversy. The movie stars Jon Voight, who will also receive a lifetime achievement award for his long and versatile career and also for being the previous owner of George Costanza’s car.



Killing Zelda Sparks

This Toronto-produced dark comedy is likely to win a few fans at this year’s fest. Directed by Jeff Glickman and adapted from a play called Barstool Words, the movie tells the story of a woman returning to her hometown of New Essex only to become the victim of a prank gone a little too far. I won’t give away what happens, but the title should probably be a good indicator. Vincent Kartheiser and Geoffrey Arend star as the not-so-merry pranksters who try desperately to avoid the consequences of their prank.



Lady Chatterley

French director Pascale Ferran brings us an adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s controversial masterpiece Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Like the novel, this film deals quite frankly with sexuality and features a few steamy sex scenes to get the blood bubbling. If that isn’t enough incentive, how about the fact that it stars Maria Hands of Les Invasions Barberes in the title role? Doesn’t that just float your boat?



Spinning into Butter

Mark Brokaw directs this film adaptation of Rebecca Gilman’s 1999 play of the same name. The play was based on unfortunate events that Gilman witnessed while at Middlebury College in the 1980s, and the bound-to-be controversial film deals with issues of racism and hypocrisy that are still all-too-prevalent in some liberal arts colleges. Controversial films are always perfect for the festival circuit, and this one is likely to generate some discussion. The film stars Sarah Jessica Parker in her most thought-provoking portrayal since her tryst with Mr. Big.