This
immensely entertaining documentary from Chris Smith won the award for Best Documentary
at the festival. It follows the life of Mark Borchardt, a young, exuberant man
hell-bent on making a forty minute film entitled Coven so he can finance his dream
project, Northwestern. Borchardt makes for a great subject and comes across as
being an Ed Wood for the 90's. This documentary is about his admirable conviction
and persistence. Following the film, I spoke to Borchardt and purchased a copy
of Coven in the lobby. After viewing it, I was less than impressed. However, I
would like to watch Northwestern, if he ever manages to get it made. Like Robert
Rodriguez and Ed Wood, Borchardt has a determination that is compelling. It doesn't
matter if people hate his film, because he knows for every one who hates it, there'll
be one who loves it.
