Cinemateca, December 15–21, 2008
December 12, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

José Luis Pick’n’tip

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



The Movies

Video Opera and Ballet series continues:
Nabucco 
Monday, December 15 at 2pm
Opera: Pons, Ramey, Lavine, 142 minutes 
By: Giuseppe Verdi

Nabucco (short for Nabucodonosor, English Nebuchadnezzar) is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera, based on the biblical story and the play by Anicet-Bourgeois and Francis Cornu. It is Verdi’s third opera and the one which is considered to have permanently established his reputation as a composer. Nabucco follows the plight of the Jews as they are assaulted and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco 

Its first performance was March 9, 1842, at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan under the original name. The definitive name for the opera and the protagonist were attributed at a performance at the San Giacomo Theatre of Corfu, in September, 1844.

Next week: Monday, December 22: La Belle. 



Winner of Best Documentary in the Boston Film Festival 
Lost and Found in Mexico
Monday, December 15 at 5pm
Documentary, English, 53 minutes
Writer/director/producer: Caren Cross

Lost and Found in Mexico explores the question: What lies on the other side of the American dream? This quirky documentary explores the lives of Americans who chose to leave their hard-working, successful and fast-paced lives to live in San Miguel, where leisurely conversations take place in the main square, burros walk the streets and people find their hearts engaged in living once again. 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 in the other direction—for a simpler life. Questions and Answers with the filmmaker follow the show. Proceeds benefit the Mexican kids’ scholarships.

Day for Night (La Nuit Américaine, 1973) Monday, December 15 at 6:30pm French award winner, French with English subtitles, 116 minutes Director: François Truffaut Cast: Jacqueline Bisset, Valentina Cortese, Alexandra Stewart, Jean-Pierre Aumont

Truffaut’s lavish dramedy about a film production is a case of life imitating art, with Truffaut playing a director and his most important actor in real life (Jean-Pierre Leaud) portraying Jacqueline Bisset’s immature co-star. A thrilling sequence set to music by Georges Delerue celebrates the art of filmmaking as seen from an editor’s perspective. It’s enough to make you want to shoot your own film!



Spiritual Cinema Presents:
Retreat (2004)
Wednesday, December 17 at 4pm
Psychological drama, English, 95 minutes

Retreat is a fictional feature film, set in Cape Cod, which explores the lasting effects of childhood abuse in a way that is both palatable and heart expanding. Four brothers are reunited as adults at the summer house where they were victimized. With the help of a very special woman, they find themselves forced to live with their pasts but work toward healing themselves for today. A film of healing and hope, Retreat gives us courage to face our darkest fears and to believe in our futures again. In brief, a powerful movie about facing our fears and being able to grow beyond them to be the happiest adults we can be. The discussion afterwards will focus on of the question most commonly asked of religious people from all faiths. “Why do bad things happen to people?” How do we make meaning out of suffering and pain? What (if any) is its purpose? What is the role of religion and religiosity when tragedy strikes close to home?



From the Ancient Mexico series:
“Searching for the Maya” 
Thursday, December 18 at 3pm 
English with Spanish subtitles, 60 min

The lost Mayan cities of Chichen Itza and Palenque are deep in the rainforest. Discover their magic and learn about Maya culture while exploring some of the region’s most exquisite examples of pre-Hispanic architecture. “Searching for the Maya” is part of the Ancient Mexico series, acclaimed at the Cannes Film Festival and recipient of the National Cable Award. Excerpts from the series have appeared on the Discovery and Learning Channels, Time-Life Television, BBC, France’s Canal Plus and Belgium’s Planet. 



Kids Movies: Cartoons
Saturday, December 20 




 

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