Filmmaker Annie Howell has proven herself a singular cinematic talent, who has won awards for both her documentaries and narratives. This collection shows her vision and diversity, starting with THE FAILURE OF PAMELA SALT, a hilarious and moving story about a 29 year old medical school reject and her 11 year-old prodigy neighbor, who can sing, dance, and do heart surgery. (It also stars the up-and-coming tween starlet, Chelsea Staub, of the Jonas Brothers' television series). Howell's documentaries, GRACE AND THE NEW RULES and DOLLY, are also an impressive blend of wit and heart. The first, ostensibly an exploration of North Carolina housekeeper Grace Avery, is actually about what happens when the relationship with one's subject goes off track, and issues of race and class complicate the already problematic power dynamic. DOLLY, shot in beautiful black and white film, is completely different; a haunting profile of an Upper East Side doll repairman and his odd trade.
