Exchanging Blackberries for books

Film
Lost and Found in Mexico
Mon, Apr 30, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

The illusion of the American dream is challenged in this portrait of ex-pats in San Miguel de Allende who discovered that some vital things were missing in their prior lives. While many Mexicans are leaving families behind and risking their lives to cross the border into the US to seek a better life, this film focuses on the Americans who have decided to cross the border in the other direction—for a simpler life. In Caren Cross’s documentary we meet ex-pats of varying ages who have given up ‘the good life’ in the US for a home in Mexico that provides more than money can buy. Happy to live with less, among a people they respect and admire, these ex-professionals and executives explain why they have left family and friends behind to live in a country where books, art and casual conversations have replaced crowded malls and Blackberries. A question and answer session with writer/director/producer Caren Cross follows the 53-minute film.



“Cinemateca Programación para la semana de Abril 30 al 6 de Mayo 2006”

José Luis’s Pick’n’tip:

The Pick:
The Illusionist 
Edward Norton gives his best performance to date as Eisenheim the Illusionist, a mysterious magician who comes from poor roots but falls in love with an upper class girl named Sophie whom he knew from childhood. Giamatti is the police inspector who is out to discredit Eisenheim. He is absolutely wonderful in this role! Giamatti manages to play this character in a way so that you still like him even though you are rooting for Eisenheim the whole time. Sewell plays the evil prince who wants to marry Sophie to further his political career. The result is a fantastic love triangle with Giamatti’s character stuck in the middle trying to figure the whole thing out. The special effects are very well done and the story is truly memorable! I recommend this film to anyone who likes a good mystery with a little romance thrown in on the side!


The Tip:

Important:

In order to provide the best viewing experience, the show times for some movies may be adjusted to accommodate their length, be sure to check the schedule carefully. I also want to remind you of our new ticket price; 50 pesos and discount cards 12 shows for 450 pesos.

Starting Monday, after Noon, buy your tickets in advance for any movie or show of the week. If you have a discount card, collect your pass to assure you get a seat; don’t take the risk of being locked out…. Nos vemos en el Cine….

You want to receive this info by email? Write to José Luis at alephamour@hotmail.com.  

Thank you.



The Movies:

Lost and Found in Mexico
Monday, April 30 at 5pm
Director/producer: Caren Cross
Documentary, English 53 minutes, Q and A afterwards.

The illusion of the American dream is challenged in this portrait of ex-pats in San Miguel de Allende who discovered that some vital things were missing in their prior lives. While many Mexicans are leaving families behind and risking their lives to cross the border to a better life, this film focuses on the Americans who have decided to cross the border in the other direction—for a simpler life. In Caren Cross’s documentary we meet ex-pats of varying ages who have given up ‘the good life’ in the US for a home in Mexico that provides more than money can buy. Happy to live with less, among a people they respect and admire, these ex-professionals and executives explain why they have left family and friends behind to live in a country where crowded malls and Blackberries have been replaced by books, art and casual conversations. A question and answer session with writer/director/producer, Caren Cross, follows the film. Documentary, 53 minutes.



Picasso: Magic, Sex, Death (2003)
Monday, April 30 at noon
Last: Pablo Picasso, John Richardson
Art Documentary, English, 150 minutes

Pablo Picasso’s longtime friend and biographer, John Richardson, explores the life and artistic themes of the Spanish painter and sculptor—a seminal figure in both 20th century art and culture. Picasso’s recurring themes of magic, sex and death are explored via his unquenchable passion for life and devotion to self-expression.

The Illusionist (2006) Wednesday, May 2 at 3pm Friday, May 4 at 3pm Romantic Period Pieces, English with Spanish subtitles, 110 minutes Director: Neil Burger Cast: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Brian Caspe, Dusan Fager.

Set in early 1900s Vienna, Neil Burger’s romantic thriller centers on illusionist extraordinaire Eisenheim (Edward Norton), who falls for an aristocrat (Jessica Biel) well above his social standing. When she becomes engaged to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the master magician employs his powers to win her love. His daring scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti).

Mama Africa (2002) Wednesday, May 2 at 5pm Thursday, May 3 at 5pm African Romantic Drama, English, 89 minutes Directors: Ngozi Onwurah, Bridget Pickering, Zulfar Otto-Sallies. Cast: Queen Latifah, Rehane Abrahams, Sophie David, Denise Newman, Alima Salouka.

Hosted by actress and rapper Queen Latifah, Mama Africa combines three short films directed by African women that tell tales about misguided youth in contemporary Africa. The three 26-minute films (with all the actors speaking English) were selected from a longer program of six such films produced by the African companies Zimmedia and M-Net.


Kids Movie series: Avatar
Saturday May 5 at noon
Free entrance, theater capacity.



Musical Saturdays:
Will resume in Winter