I just returned from a week in Utah wading through the snow at the 2014 Art House Convergence. The AHC is a conference / get together of people who show art house films and those who distribute them. In addition there are representatives of firms who supply equipment and services needed to show films and run a cinema: credit card processing, ticketing, advertising, etc. The idea is to get these folks together to discuss ways forward to accomplish the goals of getting these more challenging films before an audience; also to make art house theaters more versatile and more integrated into their communities.
My goal was to meet the people I am already dealing with for films and to make connections with new sources. I accomplished this and much more. The months and hopefully years ahead should reveal strategies, sources, and ideas gleaned at the AHC. Already I am hearing from new connections as we get acquainted and try to determine how to work together.
In the foreseeable future we do have a number of films coming up, some featuring interviews with the filmmakers either in person or utilizing technologies such as SKYPE. We will be showcasing more local and regional filmmakers. We will participate in a short film competition later this year. We will have more silent films with live music.
We hope to eventually offer new kinds of entertainment such as live streamed opera, concerts, dance, and plays to our community. I am excited about how this tiny downtown theater could become a gathering place where cultural events as well as entertainment, and educational programs originating anywhere on the globe can be shared.
As always, let me hear your ideas and suggestions.
Stay tuned.
Daniel W. Boone
Westside Theatre Foundation / Strand Cinema
Art House Films & More / 717 Clay Street / Vicksburg, MS 39183
Friday, January 24, 2014
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
presents
Nosferatu + Moving Machines =
Live Music + Silent Film
Thursday, Oct 31 • 8 PM
Strand Theatre • 717 Clay St
$10
tickets available at Highway 61 Coffeehouse
or at the door
Silent films were never silent. From the early days, live music was performed to accompany the images. Sometimes written, but often improvised, the music was a complement, a completion of the film. When sound pictures became the norm, the element of live performance at the movies was largely abandoned. There was no need.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in silent films accompanied by live musicans.
FW Murnau’s 1922 Nosferatu will be presented at the Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg with live original music by Palmer Shiers and Jeff Gough, known collectively as Moving Machines. This year they are being joined by percussionist Josh Harrison. Anyone who attended last year’s presentation of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari knows how cool this will be. It was standing room only last year, so getting advance tickets and/or getting there early is a good idea.
Palmer and Jeff, who have been performing together for more than 2 years, both play electric stringed instruments: guitar and bass, using a technique they sometimes refer to as “treated guitar.” The term describes the fact that uch manipulation of the sound is employed, including multiple effects
pedals and sometimes distortion in an effort to create music that will evoke emotions. “I wanted to devote myself to experimental music without lyrics, because I thought I could communicate feelings better that way,” Palmer Shiers said. Harrison is now a permanent member of Moving Machines
adding his unique percussion treatments to their sound.
Roger Ebert gave Nosferatu 4 out of 4 stars. Here are a few of his comments about the film: Murnau's silent film was based on the Bram Stoker novel, but the title and character names were changed because Stoker's widow charged, not unreasonably, that her husband's estate was being ripped off.
Ironically, in the long run Murnau was the making of Stoker, because “Nosferatu” inspired dozens of other Dracula films, none of them as artistic or unforgettable. “Nosferatu” is more effective for being silent. It is commonplace to say that silent films are more “dreamlike,” but what does that mean? In “Nosferatu,” it means that the characters are confronted with alarming images and denied the freedom to talk them away. There is no repartee in nightmares. Human speech dissipates the shadows and makes a room seem normal. Those things that live only at night do not need to talk, for their victims are asleep, waiting.
Don’t miss this show.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Looking Back 2013...
I should be looking forward. That's where the action is, but I feel I should record some of what's been going on at the Strand while it's fresh in my mind.
Our lack of Air Conditioning/Heat dictates that we will be going on Summer hiatus here as far as public screenings are concerned. It also seems to cause us to have concentrated seasons, and the last 11 weeks, we have screened 11 feature films, presented 6 live theatrical performances, and more. In addition we had a number of special features attached to some of the programs.
In recognition of Black History Month our season started February 28 with a special free screening of LisaGay Hamilton's Beah: A Black Woman Speaks, a documentary about the Academy Award winning actress who was a Vicksburger. There were almost 30 in attendance. I hope we can arrange for LisaGay to come present the film sometime in the future, because it needs to be seen, especially here.
On Saturday, March 2 we showed Jafar Panahi's This is Not a Film. It was extremely cold that night, so there were only about 16 in the theatre, but they were a dedicated group, and were hopefully rewarded by the recent and thought provoking essay made by a man who is forbidden by the Iranian government to make films.
A week later, on Saturday, March 9, the Strand presented a foreign classic: Purple Noon/Plein Soleil Rene Clement's 1960 version of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Alain Delon. The still wintry temperatures outside were offset by the languidly beautiful Italian Riviera against which Mr. Ripley did some despicable things.
We added a new high tech facet to our screening of ELZA, a film with no distribution yet. Before the film we called the director, Mariette Monpierre , on the phone which we patched into the house sound system. The audience of about 60 folks was able to hear her enthusiasm all the way from New York City as she introduced her debut feature. The screening was Saturday, March 16.
After having films three weeks in a row, we had to let the thespians take over the stage of the Strand for 2 weekends of performances of Arsenic and Old Lace. Then we took a few weeks off while we prepared for our really big shows.
On Friday, April 26, we presented an evening with Charles Burnett as the opening event of a weekend in his honor. Burnett is a writer/director who was born in Vicksburg in 1944, and who was gracious enough to let us talk him into traveling from his home in Los Angeles to spend a weekend with us.
The first night was an interview with the director interspersed with clips and trailers from several of his films. the program was followed by a dessert reception in the lobby, so all could socialize with our guest of honor. Attendance was good, and there were quite a few people who had traveled to come to this program including Nina Parikh from the Mississippi Film Office.
Next night, we screened two of Mr. Burnett's most well known films: Killer of Sheep and To Sleep with Anger. Between the films we served a buffet dinner, providing both a meal and another opportunity to hang with our guest. He introduced both films to near standing room only audiences, and took a few questions after each film.
On Sunday evening, even though Mr. Burnett was already back in Los Angles, the final night of our Charles Burnett weekend featured screenings of two of his rarely seen films. The more downbeat My Brother's Wedding was followed by The Annihilation of Fish, the hilarious unreleased comedy starring James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave as elderly, extremely star crossed lovers.
Two weeks later the Strand hosted a weekend of Civil War related programming in observance of Vicksburg's Civil War sesquicentennial. Friday, May 10 an excerpt of Ken Burn's Civil War was presented for free.
Saturday, May 11, the heart of the weekend was a rare showing of the first feature film made in Mississippi: The Crisis, a tale of the Civil War filmed almost totally here in Vicksburg in 1916. The print of this public domain film is in the collection of the Old Courthouse Museum, and was presented with their cooperation. The print is 16mm and required retrofitting a projector into the Strand. this was likely the first actual projected film in the Strand since the 1960's. The silent film was accompanied by Tracy Gardner on piano.
During the reel change, we took an intermission, and were treated to Jeff Giambrone's comments and answers to questions about the film. Jeff has done extensive research on the making of The Crisis, but had never seen it. His perspectives helped the audience appreciate what a rare treat it was to be able to see it. Ward Emling, head of the Mississippi Film Commission, was there, specifically because the making of Crisis marks the beginning of filmmaking in the state.
Sunday, May 12 at 4 PM we presented the incomparable Buster Keaton with The General. This film is listed as the 35th best film ever by the 2012 Sight and Sound poll of 486 international critics. It was a fun way to end the Civil War weekend and the 2013 Spring season of the Strand Cinema project.
I cannot imagine a more rich 11 weeks for our little handmade cinema. But that is exactly the task before us: imagining and bringing to fruition more and better programming. No wonder I'm looking back.
As I look back, I would like to recognize the efforts of a few people who know that someone has to make things happen: Jack Burns, president of the Westside Theatre Foundation; volunteers from the WTF: Stacy Schrader, Michelle Fisackerly, and Kathy Kleinman; Tracy Gardner for her musical accompaniment, Heather Burns of Just Desserts for her sweet contributions; David and Andrew of the Bazinsky House for providing lodging for our guest; Amy & Dennis of Milestone Films and Carolyn Hays for all their help with the Burnett weekend; all the many who made food and more for the receptions during the Burnett weekend; the Old Courthouse Museum; (I will think of more who deserve mentioning including my wife, Lesley Silver)...
Our lack of Air Conditioning/Heat dictates that we will be going on Summer hiatus here as far as public screenings are concerned. It also seems to cause us to have concentrated seasons, and the last 11 weeks, we have screened 11 feature films, presented 6 live theatrical performances, and more. In addition we had a number of special features attached to some of the programs.
In recognition of Black History Month our season started February 28 with a special free screening of LisaGay Hamilton's Beah: A Black Woman Speaks, a documentary about the Academy Award winning actress who was a Vicksburger. There were almost 30 in attendance. I hope we can arrange for LisaGay to come present the film sometime in the future, because it needs to be seen, especially here.
On Saturday, March 2 we showed Jafar Panahi's This is Not a Film. It was extremely cold that night, so there were only about 16 in the theatre, but they were a dedicated group, and were hopefully rewarded by the recent and thought provoking essay made by a man who is forbidden by the Iranian government to make films.
A week later, on Saturday, March 9, the Strand presented a foreign classic: Purple Noon/Plein Soleil Rene Clement's 1960 version of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Alain Delon. The still wintry temperatures outside were offset by the languidly beautiful Italian Riviera against which Mr. Ripley did some despicable things.
We added a new high tech facet to our screening of ELZA, a film with no distribution yet. Before the film we called the director, Mariette Monpierre , on the phone which we patched into the house sound system. The audience of about 60 folks was able to hear her enthusiasm all the way from New York City as she introduced her debut feature. The screening was Saturday, March 16.
After having films three weeks in a row, we had to let the thespians take over the stage of the Strand for 2 weekends of performances of Arsenic and Old Lace. Then we took a few weeks off while we prepared for our really big shows.
On Friday, April 26, we presented an evening with Charles Burnett as the opening event of a weekend in his honor. Burnett is a writer/director who was born in Vicksburg in 1944, and who was gracious enough to let us talk him into traveling from his home in Los Angeles to spend a weekend with us.
The first night was an interview with the director interspersed with clips and trailers from several of his films. the program was followed by a dessert reception in the lobby, so all could socialize with our guest of honor. Attendance was good, and there were quite a few people who had traveled to come to this program including Nina Parikh from the Mississippi Film Office.
Next night, we screened two of Mr. Burnett's most well known films: Killer of Sheep and To Sleep with Anger. Between the films we served a buffet dinner, providing both a meal and another opportunity to hang with our guest. He introduced both films to near standing room only audiences, and took a few questions after each film.
On Sunday evening, even though Mr. Burnett was already back in Los Angles, the final night of our Charles Burnett weekend featured screenings of two of his rarely seen films. The more downbeat My Brother's Wedding was followed by The Annihilation of Fish, the hilarious unreleased comedy starring James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave as elderly, extremely star crossed lovers.
Two weeks later the Strand hosted a weekend of Civil War related programming in observance of Vicksburg's Civil War sesquicentennial. Friday, May 10 an excerpt of Ken Burn's Civil War was presented for free.
Saturday, May 11, the heart of the weekend was a rare showing of the first feature film made in Mississippi: The Crisis, a tale of the Civil War filmed almost totally here in Vicksburg in 1916. The print of this public domain film is in the collection of the Old Courthouse Museum, and was presented with their cooperation. The print is 16mm and required retrofitting a projector into the Strand. this was likely the first actual projected film in the Strand since the 1960's. The silent film was accompanied by Tracy Gardner on piano.
During the reel change, we took an intermission, and were treated to Jeff Giambrone's comments and answers to questions about the film. Jeff has done extensive research on the making of The Crisis, but had never seen it. His perspectives helped the audience appreciate what a rare treat it was to be able to see it. Ward Emling, head of the Mississippi Film Commission, was there, specifically because the making of Crisis marks the beginning of filmmaking in the state.
Sunday, May 12 at 4 PM we presented the incomparable Buster Keaton with The General. This film is listed as the 35th best film ever by the 2012 Sight and Sound poll of 486 international critics. It was a fun way to end the Civil War weekend and the 2013 Spring season of the Strand Cinema project.
I cannot imagine a more rich 11 weeks for our little handmade cinema. But that is exactly the task before us: imagining and bringing to fruition more and better programming. No wonder I'm looking back.
As I look back, I would like to recognize the efforts of a few people who know that someone has to make things happen: Jack Burns, president of the Westside Theatre Foundation; volunteers from the WTF: Stacy Schrader, Michelle Fisackerly, and Kathy Kleinman; Tracy Gardner for her musical accompaniment, Heather Burns of Just Desserts for her sweet contributions; David and Andrew of the Bazinsky House for providing lodging for our guest; Amy & Dennis of Milestone Films and Carolyn Hays for all their help with the Burnett weekend; all the many who made food and more for the receptions during the Burnett weekend; the Old Courthouse Museum; (I will think of more who deserve mentioning including my wife, Lesley Silver)...
Friday, April 12, 2013
Meet Charles Burnett and see his films...
The Westside Theatre Foundation is presenting A Weekend with Charles Burnett (the man and his films ) April 26, 27, & 28 at the Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg.
Writer/director Charles Burnett, was born in Vicksburg in 1944. As a young man, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, returning to the South periodically to visit relatives. Daniel Boone, film programmer for the Strand Cinema recently said, “bringing Charles Burnett home to Vicksburg has been a longtime dream of mine. He deserves our attention. Even though most of his films are not set in the South, they are informed by his connections to Vicksburg, and they give us insight into our home and its people. I am excited about the possibility of the community recognizing one of our artists.”
His first feature, Killer of Sheep (1978) was one of the first 50 films to be selected for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, and was chosen by the National Society of Film Critics, as one of the 100 Essential Films. He was the recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 1988, and the IMDB says of him: “(Burnett is) ...considered one of America’s greatest filmmakers...” Milestone Films, distributor of some of his films, describes his work this way: “Charles Burnett’s films focus on everyday life in black communities in a manner unseen in American cinema, combining incredibly lyrical elements with a starkly neo-realist, documentary-style approach that chronicles the unfolding story with depth and riveting simplicity.”
Programs at the Strand include screenings of 4 feature length films as well as shorts and a compilation of excerpts from the work of this celebrated director. Mr. Burnett will share insights about his life and work at discussion sessions at the screenings Friday and Saturday.
Friday, April 26 A Conversation with the Director 7:30 PM - The Strand
An interview with Mr. Burnett will be punctuated by some of his short films and lluminated by clips and trailers from his features. Immediately following the program the audience will convene in the lobby to meet and visit with Mr. Burnett and enjoy dessert.
Saturday, April 27 - 5:30 PM (Supper & a film)
Killer of Sheep (1978) “...one of the most famous and acclaimed films by an African-American filmmaker.” - Milestone Films Stan is doing his jobs: husband, father, employee at a slaughterhouse. But isn’t there more to life? After the film the director will answer questions and join the audience for a buffet supper in the lobby..
Saturday, April 27 - 7 PM (Supper & Film)
To Sleep with Anger (1990) “Harry Mention (Danny Glover), an old friend from the rural south, arrives on the doorstep of a Los Angeles family, wreaking subtle and not-so-subtle havoc on their lives. The family is headed by a retired farmer (Paul Butler) and his midwife spouse (Mary Alice), whose two married sons (Carl Lumbly and Richard Brooks) are in constant conflict.” - The Chicago Reader This screening will be preceded by a buffet supper with the director, who will introduce the film. Film will start at 8 PM
Sunday, April 28 - 5 PM (Film only)
My Brother's Wedding (1983) “...a tragic comedy that takes place in South Central Los Angeles. The story focuses on a young man who hasn't made much of his life as of yet, and at a crucial point in his life, he is unable to make the proper decision, a sober decision, a moral decision.” - Charles Burnett.
Sunday, April 28 - 7 PM (Film only)
The Annihilation of Fish ( (1999) “...touching yet hilarious...The efforts of widowed landlady Mrs. Mulroone (Margot Kidder) and her oddball senior citizen tenants Fish (James Earl Jones) and Poinsettia Cummings (Lynn Redgrave) to combat loneliness and find a reason to keep on living are the themes of this brave, absurdly ridiculous, yet heartwarming golden years romantic comedy.” - Film Threat (This film is unreleased and will be shown by special arrangement with the rights holder.)
For more information or online ticketing: westsidetheatrefoundation.com. Advance tickets also available at Highway 61 Coffeehouse at 1101 Washington Street. (601 529 7252).
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Coming to the Historic Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg
Dr. Caligari + Moving Machines = not so Silent Film
By Daniel W. Boone
Silent films were never silent. From the early days, live music was performed to accompany the images. Sometimes written, but often improvised, the music was a complement, a completion of the film. When sound pictures became the norm, the element of live performance at the movies was largely abandoned. There was no need.
Not everyone believed sound was the best idea for the movies. The great Alfred Hitchcock thought the art of storytelling inherent in film was hampered by the necessity of recording the actors voices and background sounds. He referred to the new sound films as "photographs of people talking." Even though most of the "limitations" of sound have been long been eliminated, the potential power of the image in "silent" film remains.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in silent films accompanied by live musicans. High profile projects like Carmine Coppola’s orchestral accompaniment to Abel Gance’s Napoleon and Richard Einhorn’s shimmering Voices of Light paired with Dryer’s Passion of Joan of Arc are only two of many examples. At festivals groups like The Alloy Orchestra have performed many scores to films such as Tod Browning’s Dracula, and Paul Fejo’s Lonesome.
In 2012, the year that a silent film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, we decided it is time for a live music / silent film event in Vicksburg. On Halloween, Wednesday, October 31 the German classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari will be presented at the Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg with live original music by Palmer Shiers and Jeff Gough, known collectively as Moving Machines.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was filmed in 1919 and is known as the first expressionist film and maybe the first horror film. It is a psychological thriller about a mad doctor who is the keeper of a carnival attraction: a sonambulist. Suspicious activities occur during the night in the vicinity of the carnival, and the doctor and his charge are suspected. The sets of the film were all painted, and designed to emphasize tilting angles and heavy shadows in the expressionist style. The nonrealistic sets help give the film the feeling of a nightmare.
Palmer and Jeff, who have been performing together for more than a year, both play electric stringed instruments: guitar and bass, using a technique they sometimes refer to as "treated guitar." The term describes the fact that much manipulation of the sound is employed, including multiple effects pedals and sometimes distortion in an effort to create music that will evoke emotions. "I wanted to devote myself to experimental music without lyrics, because I thought I could communicate feelings better that way," Palmer Shiers said. "We feel that even with no drums or other instruments, our music has no boundaries. We can make music that is moving to the listener and to us."
When approached about the prospect of essentially creating a score for a film made over 90 years ago, Palmer was instantly intrigued and game for the challenge. "I have often thought of our music in terms of film. It’s something I have wanted to do, so I couldn’t say no."
"We watched the film and I was struck by how weird it is. I realized with such stylized sets and props, it needed music that had structure, but we wanted it to have an ambient, abstract tone. We have screened it over and over since this Spring and developed themes for the different characters. It is a dark film and we believe the images plus our music will deliver some chills.
Dr. Caligari + Moving Machines = not so Silent Film
By Daniel W. Boone
Silent films were never silent. From the early days, live music was performed to accompany the images. Sometimes written, but often improvised, the music was a complement, a completion of the film. When sound pictures became the norm, the element of live performance at the movies was largely abandoned. There was no need.
Not everyone believed sound was the best idea for the movies. The great Alfred Hitchcock thought the art of storytelling inherent in film was hampered by the necessity of recording the actors voices and background sounds. He referred to the new sound films as "photographs of people talking." Even though most of the "limitations" of sound have been long been eliminated, the potential power of the image in "silent" film remains.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in silent films accompanied by live musicans. High profile projects like Carmine Coppola’s orchestral accompaniment to Abel Gance’s Napoleon and Richard Einhorn’s shimmering Voices of Light paired with Dryer’s Passion of Joan of Arc are only two of many examples. At festivals groups like The Alloy Orchestra have performed many scores to films such as Tod Browning’s Dracula, and Paul Fejo’s Lonesome.
In 2012, the year that a silent film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, we decided it is time for a live music / silent film event in Vicksburg. On Halloween, Wednesday, October 31 the German classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari will be presented at the Strand Theatre in downtown Vicksburg with live original music by Palmer Shiers and Jeff Gough, known collectively as Moving Machines.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was filmed in 1919 and is known as the first expressionist film and maybe the first horror film. It is a psychological thriller about a mad doctor who is the keeper of a carnival attraction: a sonambulist. Suspicious activities occur during the night in the vicinity of the carnival, and the doctor and his charge are suspected. The sets of the film were all painted, and designed to emphasize tilting angles and heavy shadows in the expressionist style. The nonrealistic sets help give the film the feeling of a nightmare.
Palmer and Jeff, who have been performing together for more than a year, both play electric stringed instruments: guitar and bass, using a technique they sometimes refer to as "treated guitar." The term describes the fact that much manipulation of the sound is employed, including multiple effects pedals and sometimes distortion in an effort to create music that will evoke emotions. "I wanted to devote myself to experimental music without lyrics, because I thought I could communicate feelings better that way," Palmer Shiers said. "We feel that even with no drums or other instruments, our music has no boundaries. We can make music that is moving to the listener and to us."
When approached about the prospect of essentially creating a score for a film made over 90 years ago, Palmer was instantly intrigued and game for the challenge. "I have often thought of our music in terms of film. It’s something I have wanted to do, so I couldn’t say no."
"We watched the film and I was struck by how weird it is. I realized with such stylized sets and props, it needed music that had structure, but we wanted it to have an ambient, abstract tone. We have screened it over and over since this Spring and developed themes for the different characters. It is a dark film and we believe the images plus our music will deliver some chills.
The performance will take place at the Strand Theatre at 717 Clay Street. It will begin at 7:30 PM. Cost is $10 per person. Tickets are available in advance at Highway 61 Coffeehouse and online at: westsidetheatrefoundation.com.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Strandfest 2012
Strandfest 2012
Vicksburg's First International Film Festival
5 films
in 3 days!
in celebration of 10 years of Film Movement - distributor of award winnning independent & foreign films
presented by
Westside Theatre Foundation
September 28 - 30
At the historic Strand Theatre
in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi
717 Clay Street
advance tickets at reduced prices available online and at Highway 61 Coffeehouse
limited seating - act now!
The festival begins Friday, September 28 at 7 PM with the new French film "The Day I Saw Your Heart," a funny, sometimes poignant comedy about family.
Saturday will see the Peruvian "Amador" at 5 PM and the Norwegian prison drama, "King of Devil’s Island." Sunday at 4:30, the Brazilian ballet documentary, "Only When I Dance" will be followed by "The Drummer" from Hong Kong at 7 PM.
The concession stand will have light supper items available for sale for those who want to get a "quick bite" between films on Saturday night.
"We have been a member of Film Movement for about four years," said Daniel Boone, codirector of the Strand Cinema. "One of the things I have enjoyed about the series is the exquisite sense of place expressed in the films. You always feel as if you have been transported to an unfamiliar, but very specific place, regardless of the story being told. Mainstream American films usually seem to take place in a sort of accepted movie world rather than real places. It is exciting to be able to present this selection of films from around the world. We hope anyone who comes to several of the films will have a true "film festival" experience."
The Strand Theatre was one of Vicksburg’s movie houses from the 1930s to 1960s. It is located in the Adolph Rose Building at 717 Clay Street. The Westside Theatre Foundation leases the space to present live theatrical performances as well as a series of films.
Tickets for individual films in Strandfest 2012 can be purchased in advance for five dollars each at westsidetheatrefoundation.com and at Highway 61 Coffeehouse at 1101 Washington Street. A full festival pass is available for $20 in advance. Tickets for each show can be purchased at the door for $7 each. For more details see westsidetheatrefoundation.com or call Highway 61 Coffeehouse at 601 638 9221.
THE DAY I SAW YOUR HEART
Friday, September 28 • 7:00 PM (Buy tickets)Directed by Jennifer Devoldère
France | 2011 | Dramatic Comedy | French w/ English subtitles
Winner - Best Director - Newport Beach Film Festival
Winner - Best Actress - Newport Beach Film Festival
Official Selection - Boston Jewish Film Festival
Families are complicated… Especially when Eli, the father, who's about to be 60, is expecting a baby with his new wife. Upon hearing this news, his two grown daughters, Dom, who is trying to adopt, and Justine, who flits from one boyfriend to the next, are shocked. To get closer to Justine, whom he has never gotten along with, Eli has the bright idea of making friends with all of her exes...without her knowledge. But when Justine falls in love again and Eli is about to ruin everything, this family is on the verge of falling apart. Will they all be able to make peace before it's too late?
AMADOR
Sat., Sept. 29 • 5:00 PM - (Buy tickets)
Spain | 2011 | Drama | Spanish w/ English subtitles
Official Selection - Berlin Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection - Istanbul Int'l Film Festival
Marcela, a young immigrant with financial troubles, finds a summer job looking after Amador, a bed-ridden elderly man whose family is away. She thinks her problems are solved, but Amador dies shortly thereafter, putting Marcela in a
predicament. His death leaves her jobless, something she can't afford to let happen. Faced with a difficult moral dilemma, Marcela will prove that death can't always stop life.
KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND
Saturday, September 29 • 7:45 PM - (Buy tickets)Directed by Marius Holst
Norway | 2011 | Thriller | Norwegian w/ English subtitles
Starring Stellan Skarsgård
Official Selection - Seattle Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection - Rotterdam Int'l Film Festival
This true story of the infamous Bastøy Boys Home correctional facility in Norway, begins with the arrival of seventeen-year-old Erling, a rumored murderer. He immediately clashes with the island facility's governor (Stellan Skarsgård), who believes manual labor, rigid discipline, and harsh punishment are the only methods that can turn the boys into honorable members of society. Refusing to accept the constant abuse, Erling slowly rouses the rest of the boys out of their resigned existence, and encourages them to fight to lift up their spirits. When tragedy finally falls at the hand of the sadistic dorm master, Erling leads his comrades in a courageous and vicious rebellion that will bring them head to head with no less than the Norwegian Army.
ONLY WHEN I DANCE
Sunday, September 30 • 4:30 PM - (buy tickets)
Directed by Beadie Finzi
Brazil, United Kingdom | 2009 Documentary | English and Portuguese with English Subtitles
Official Selection - Tribeca Film Festival
This feel-good documentary follows Irlan and Isabela, two teenagers from the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro, as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional ballet dancers. This inspiring story takes us from Rio - where their communities must raise the funds to support their ambitions - to exhilarating ballet competitions in New York and Switzerland. It's a film about their determination to dance, and the price one must pay for talent, ambition and success.
THE DRUMMER
Sunday, September 30 • 7:00 PM - (Buy tickets)
Directed by Kenneth Bi
Hong Kong-Taiwan-Germany | 2008 | Drama | Mandarin & Cantonese w/ English subtitles
Starring Jaycee Chan & Tony Leung Ka Fai
In the East, the drum is the king of all musical instruments. The intense sound of the drum can penetrate a man's body. The solemn beat of the drum can open a man's heart. The powerful vibration of the drum can awaken a man's soul.
Sid, the rebellious son of Kwan, a controlling and savage triad boss in Hong Kong, has to flee to Taiwan upon enraging his father's adversary, a powerful tycoon and underground business leader. Hiding out in the mountains, Sid encounters a group of Zen drummers whose mesmerizing art, rigorous physical training, and austere way of life pique this hostile urban young man's interest and he requests to join the group. Although Sid despises his father, he is turning out to be a younger version of him: wild and defiant. Immersing in the world of the Zen drummers eventually converts him into a firm and focused young man. Sid's independence from the triad life and his father is profoundly challenged, however, when a twist of fate awaits him back home in Hong Kong and forces him to choose between loyalty to his family and his new found faith in himself …
More images and information about all films may be found at Filmmovement.com
(Buy tickets)
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