What to Watch on IFC in February

By Joanna Varikos on 01/26/2009

February is often called the month of love, and we here at IFC love us some indie film. That's why this month we're proud to bring you the ceremony that honors talent without the BS of who's wearing what -- the 2009 Spirit Awards. Hot off the heels of 2008's big winner, "Juno," this year promises salutes to other potential breakout films. "Rachel Getting Married," "Ballast" and "Frozen River" lead the pack with six nominations each. Plus, in the comeback of the year, Mickey Rourke is up for his phenomenal performance in "The Wrestler." For more on other nominees and Awards pre-gaming upto the live event, check out IFC.com's online coverage, and the 2009 Spirit Awards Nominations special, airing all month long on the network. Then, find out who wins when the 2009 Spirit Awards are presented live on IFC Saturday, February 21st at 5PM Eastern/2PM Pacific.

In the weekends leading up to the Spirit Awards, we've lined up a Best Fest of past winners and nominees from previous ceremonies. Catch the gala featuring Best Documentary winner "Bowling for Columbine"; "Monster's Ball," which was nominated for Best Screenplay; Best First Feature and Screenplay winner "The Opposite of Sex"; Best First Feature "Garden State"; "Kinsey," a film with four Spirit nominations under its belt; and "Far From Heaven," which swept the awards with five wins for Best Director, Feature, Cinematography, Female Lead and Supporting Male. The buck doesn't stop there -- there's also much, much more. Tune in February 14th-15th and February 21st-22nd, and check out the schedule for a full list of films.

Also, in honor of Black History Month, IFC presents a night of films dedicated to some of the industry's most talented African American filmmakers. Thursday, February 5th beginning at 6:30PM E/P, don't miss an in-depth documentary on Melvin Van Peebles, "How To Eat Your Watermelon in White Company and Enjoy It," Denzel Washington's feature directorial debut "Antwone Fisher," Spike Lee's film on African American portrayal in the media, "Bamboozled," and "The Glass Shield," directed by Charles Burnett.

PREMIERES TO LOOK FOR

• PIZZA Ethan Embry plays a pizza delivery man who forms a bond with an overweight and lonely high school girl he takes along his rounds in this charming comedy. Premieres Monday, February 2nd @ 8PM E/P.
• HOLY SMOKE Don't miss Kate Winslet, recent double Golden Globe winner, in one of her earlier roles as a woman who learns new things about herself both spiritually and sexually. Premieres Monday, February 9th @ 8PM E/P.
• STARTUP.COM The start of the end of the internet boom days are captured in this documentary, produced by D.A. Pennebaker, about the rise and fall of Govworks.com. Premieres Wednesday, February 18th @ 11AM E/P.
• LAND OF PLENTY Famed German filmmaker Wim Wenders directs this film about two people who, while dealing with the aftermath of 9/11, embark on a road trip after discovering the body of a Muslim boy. Michelle Williams stars. Premieres Monday, February 23rd @ 8PM E/P.