Day 7 TFF2015: Casting a Candid Spotlight on 'Roseanne for President!; Kissing Friendship Goodbye in 'The Kiss?'

Roseanne Barr for president campaign button. Photo from Roseanne for President! Facebook page.

AMONG her many accomplishments, Roseanne Barr has been a candidate for the presidency of the United States.

Surprisingly, many are unawares, but in 2012 the comedian-mogul ran for the highest office in the land against incumbent Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Dr. Jill Stein and others.


Eric Weinrib chronicles this chapter in her life in the documentary “Roseanne for President!.” It continues its world premiere run at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival this afternoon and Saturday (25 April.)

Meanwhile, friendships are fragile things. They are difficult to build, and maintaining them can be as tricky as keeping a house of cards from collapsing.

Why then, is human nature such that we too often endanger these very special bonds. For instance, if one has a perfectly good friendship, is it not madness to burden it with a complication such as a romantic kiss – even if it is only for research?

Of course, it is. Yet, Daniel (Roberto Cavazos) and Ale (Ana Gonzalez Bello) go down this slippery slope in “The Kiss” (“El Beso”). The film by Carlos G. Davila is also on the Tribeca schedule today and Saturday in its U.S. premiere.

During an impromptu chat in the Lincoln Black Label Filmmaker Lounge, at the impressive new Spring Studios CGD discloses that he was attracted to the project because of its universal theme. In fact, co-producer and star RC asked him to help produce the film. “I told him that I would produce it if he would let me direct.”

The Monterrey, Mexico native is also an architect. Alas, his heart was elsewhere. He'd go on to study film – "I said it was now or never" – and has directed commercials, music videos and TV shows. “There are many similarities between architecture and filmmaking,” he says.

Of course, he prefers film, but which is the less difficult of these tough trades? Without skipping a beat: “Architecture is easier and it's easier to make money.”

"The Kiss" of death between Daniel (Roberto Cavazos) and Ale (Ana Gonzalez Bello)? Photo from "The Kiss" Facebook page.

“The Kiss,” CGD's filmmaker debut, has been well-received around the world, garnering a Best Short Film award at the Monterrey International Film Festival and as Best Film and Best Audience Film at the Wimbledon International Short Film Festival

This delightful amuse bouche is slapstick funny at times as Daniel and Ale try to perfect the kiss. Ana – acting as a kinder, but no less exacting Henry Higgins – gives instant critiques and makes arch observations. “... passion … not velocity.” / “top notes of peppermint.”

How the players keep a straight face during these proceedings is a testament to their acting abilities. Cocooned in CGD's hovering, in-your-face lens, their reactions and interactions are utterly authentic.

But when they finally seal the deal with the perfect kiss ...

“I had a similar experience,” CGD confides, “and after it the relationship was weird.”

Let this be a lesson to us all.

Films/events on today's TFF2015 schedule: "Tribeca Talks Master Class: Dolby Institute The Sound of the Coens," "The Armor of Light," “Far From Men,” “Steak (R)Evolution,” “Shorts: Gallery Opening,” “Roseanne for President,” “Orion: The Man Who Would Be King,” “The Driftless Area,” “Sunrise,” “Stranded in Canton,” “Among the Believers,” “Havana Motor Club,” “All Eyes and Ears,” “Song of Lahore,” “Shorts: Tightrope,” “On the Town,” “Apple Store Panel: Far From Men,” “Sworn Virgin,” “The Overnight,” “Havana Motor Club.” and “Lucifer.” (See video above).

Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about it and the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule.