Newly released on DVD are two films by young, independent filmmaker, Aaron Katz.   This is true indie, not the so-called independent films backed by the big studios.  Quiet City in fact is up for the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards to be given out on February 23. Both films seem more improvised than they actually are, and are intimate stories about young people, part of the genre known as “mumblecore”. Quiet City, which had a theatrical run last September, is about a young woman, Jamie, who flies from Atlanta to meet a friend in Brooklyn. Asking directions of Charlie, a young man in the subway station, the two end up spending a couple of days together when Jamie’s friend doesn’t appear. The two gradually get acquainted, culminating in their going to the art gallery opening of Jamie’s high school friend Robin. There is no high drama, no action set pieces, but the film is engaging in its casual observation of how people interact.

Dance Party U.S.A was shot in 2006 in Katz’ home town of Portland, Oregon. The film is about a couple of days in the life of some Portland teenagers. Gus, who likes to brag about what are most likely his fictional sexual exploits finds himself displaying his more vulnerable side to Jessica. Meeting at a party, they sit outside and talk. What makes this film interesting is seeing teenagers as they truly are in real life, awkward, not always sure of themselves. The DVDs include commentary from Katz, crew and cast members. One very funny bonus with Quiet City is a five minute version shot by LOL filmmaker Joe Swanberg, that was shot with a cell phone camera! This very short film was actually shot and edited just outside an airport and during the course of a flight. If that doesn’t inspire a few DIY filmmakers out there, I don’t know what will.