Independent Film Festival of Boston 2011 guide

The Independent Film Festival of Boston has long held a reputation for picking winners. It began with the fest’s humble debut in 2003 with only 24 films, straight on through to its current mother lode of roughly 60 (not including shorts). As it’s expanded, the IFFB has continued to attract higher profile offerings, and now the 2011 crop is off the charts. This year’s fare features major stars like Rachel Weisz, Steve Coogan and David Strathairn, rock-star indie directors like Miranda July and a host of Boston debuts. This is where you will see films that will be talked about come Oscar time, like with Winter’s Bone last year, or Half Nelson in 2006. Here are our suggestions for best bets.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey
Wednesday, Apr. 27
For the first time the festival will open with a documentary. This one looks warm and fuzzy indeed. It’s the story of how Kevin Clash became the voice and puppeteer of Elmo, the Sesame Street and “tickle me” icon. Director Constance Marks and Cash will appear at the opening, plus Elmo will be on hand. Or on stick. Whatever. 7:30pm. Somerville Theatre

Color Me Obsessed: A Film About The Replacements
Thursday, Apr. 28
A long succession of gray-haired indie rock heroes tells the story of the Replacements, the great punk band from Minneapolis that drank itself to extinction. The roster of ‘Mats heads interviewed includes the likes of the Decemberists, Tom Arnold and Boston music history smartypants Brett Milano. 6:45pm. Somerville Theatre

Heaven + Earth + Joe Davis
Friday, Apr. 29
Given the official unpaid title of “free spirit” at MIT, scientist Joe Davis is known for unusual feats like encoding DNA with poetry, dancing on his peg leg at the Plough & Stars and covering naked women in honey as an experiment. This is a must-see documentary for weirdo-lovers everywhere. 7pm. Brattle Theatre

The Trip
Friday, Apr. 29
Steve Coogan. That should be enough right there. But also: Rob Brydon. How much British comedy royalty can you get on one screen? They both play themselves in a mock duel over who is the more famous actor. The Trip is part-improvised companion piece to Tristram Shandy, where they pretty much did the same thing, except in period costumes. 7:15pm. Somerville Theatre