CINEMATECA

José Luis Pick’n’tip: The Picks:

Gadjo Dilo

The Roma (as Gypsies call themselves) have suffered from being both overly romanticized while at the same time being thoroughly despised by nearly every culture with which they have come in contact. Even though their communities exist in all parts of the earth, their rejection of the non-Roma world (the world of the 'Gadjo') has kept them a mystery to those around them. For this reason alone, this movie should be seen. The Roma are presented as real human beings - neither good nor bad but with the capability for both. The very real oppression they suffer is there but it is not overdone for a political statement. The music is authentic and wonderful. It works as a beautiful thread throughout the movie, as it does in Roma life. The acting, particularly by the non-professionals, is genuine and powerful making this film one that I will always recommend.



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 buy 12 shows for 450 pesos.

Starting Monday, after 11am, buy your tickets in advance for any movie or show of the week. If you have a discount card, collect your pass to secure a seat; don’t take the risk of being locked out…Nos vemos en el Cine…

Would you like to receive this info by email? Write to Jose Luis at alephamour@hotmail.com. 

Thank you.

The Movies:



Short Film Festival Award Winner
“Lost and Found in Mexico”
Monday, September 17 at 5 pm Q and A afterwards
Writer/ Director /Producer: Caren Cross
Documentary, English, 53 minutes.
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 USA 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. Q & A with, Caren Cross, following the film.



The First Year (2001)
Tuesday, September 18 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, September 19 at 5 pm
Cultural Documentaries, English, 80 minutes
Director: Davis Guggenheim
Cast: Georgene Acosta, Genevieve DeBose, Joy Kraft-Watts, Nate Monley, Maurice Rabb
This fascinating documentary chronicles the emotional turmoil of five Los Angeles schoolteachers charged with educating inner-city youth, making it clear that the teachers helping these disadvantaged children are real heroes. The First Year, originally aired on PBS stations throughout the country, is helmed by Davis Guggenheim (director of An Inconvenient Truth) and narrated by Elisabeth Shue. Also included is the Guggenheim-directed short "Teach."




My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
Only show Wednesday, September 19 at 12 noon
Social Service, by donation.
Real Life Dramas, English with Spanish subtitles, 100 minutes
Director: Daniel Petrie 
Cast: James Woods, Gary Sinise, JoBeth Williams, James Garner.
Based on the inspiring true story of the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, this moving drama stars James Woods in an Emmy-winning performance as Bill Wilson, a successful stockbroker who loses everything in the 1929 stock market crash. After succumbing to depression and drink, he eventually sobers up with the help of fellow recovering alcoholic Dr. Bob (James Garner). With newfound hope for the future, the two create the now-famous support group.




Gadjo Dilo (The Crazy Stranger, 1997)
Thursday, September 20 at 5 pm
Eastern Europe Dramas, Romany with English subtitles, 100 minutes
Director: Tony Gatlif
Cast: Romain Duris, Izidor Serban, Rona Hartner
In director Tony Gatlif's award-winning 1998 film, a young French man travels to Romania in search of his recently deceased father's favorite singer, a legendary Gypsy vocalist. In hopes of tracking her down and recording her music, he ingratiates himself with the local Gypsy community. Initially suspicious of the stranger, the villagers gradually come to accept him. He, in turn, soon falls in love with one of them, a beautiful, spirited dancer.



The Last Zapatistas, Forgotten Heroes (2002)
Los Últimos Zapatistas, Héroes Olvidados
Thursday, September 20 at 7:30 pm
Historic Documentaries, Spanish with English subtitles, 90 minutes
Director: Francesco Taboada Tabone 
Cast: Marcelino Anrubio, Audiaz Anzures, Captain Manuel Corona, Matias Cruz Corridista
In this engrossing piece of living history, director Francesco Taboada Tabone captures a group of men (all well into their 90s) who reminisce about their exploits during the 1910 Mexican Revolution. Through enthralling interviews, the film brings to life the testimony of these last 12 surviving revolutionaries of the storied Liberation Army of the South -- patriots who fought and bled alongside Gen. Emiliano Zapata.



Pancho Villa, 2006
Friday, September 21 at 5 pm
Documentary México 90 Minutes
Director: Francesco Taboada Tabone 
Producción / Production: Manuel Peñafiel, Manuel Peñafiel Producciones
“The conditions of injustice, misery and government corruption that exist today are almost the same as those prevailing in Mexico at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Revolution broke out. Our objective is to denounce this historic spiral so that the people of America do not forget the inheritance flowing in their blood from the men and women who, throughout the centuries, have given their lives for an ideal,” In the early hours of March 16, 1916, the troops of Pancho Villa invaded the continental territory of the United States, attacking the village of Columbus. At the same time a baby was born in Nazas, Durango, proudly baptized Ernesto Villa Nava, the son of General Francisco Villa. Upon the assassination of Villa by the government in 1923, his mother took him to California and told him: "Never tell anybody who your father was, because your life and mine are in danger". Eighty-three years later, Ernesto Nava came to his father's land and discovered that General Villa is one of the most res
pected heroes in his country and a moral guide to millions of peasants throughout Mexico. This is the story of Pancho Villa told by those who knew him.



The Bird People in China (1998)
Tuesday, September 18 at 5 pm
Wednesday, September 19 at7 pm
Japanese Foreign Dramas, Japanese with English subtitles, 118 minutes
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast: Masahiro Motoki, Renji Ishibashi. 
A lyrical, visually stunning work that deviates considerably from Takashi Miike's signature gore fests, Bird People in China explores many of his unifying themes; these include that of outsiders in pursuit of happiness in a foreign land, and a complex and unlikely relationship, played out this time between a mobster and a quiet businessman.



Kids Movies: Vintage Cartoons
Saturday, September 22 at 12 noon


Musical Saturdays:
Will resume in Winter