Cinemateca, October 20–26

José Luis Pick’n’tip

Whale Rider 

Moving and magical, this is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, bringing to life the dreams of the overlooked girl-child while opening the eyes of those who love her. Struggles are realistically portrayed and the difficulty of everyday living is juxtaposed against the true trauma of trying to find your way in a world where tradition is sometimes larger than reality. The cinematography is breathtaking as well. The composition of the movie is eminently satisfying. Watch for the dreamy symbolism that weaves in with the insightful story that deals with human nature. Let yourself be absorbed and woven in with the tapestry of this heartwarming story filled with hope and transcendence. Mostly, enjoy the acting...so simple...so quiet...so real. Awards: 2004 Academy Award®: Best Actress nominee: Keisha Castle-Hughes, 2004 Independent Spirit Awards®: Best Foreign Film, 2004 Independent Spirit Awards®: Best Foreign Film nominee.

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 Jose Luis at alephamour@hotmail.com.  Thank you.


The Movies



Winner of Best Documentary in the Boston Film Festival 
Lost and Found in Mexico
Monday, October 20 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.



Una Breve Vacanza (A Brief Vacation, 1973)
Monday, October 20 at 7pm
Wednesday, October 22 at 5pm
Italian classical drama, Italian with English subtitules, 112 minutes
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Cast: Renato Salvatori, Florinda Bolkan, Daniel Quenaud, Adriana Asti, Anna Carena, Miranda Campa

Good things come to those who wait, or to those who travel far. That’s according to this romantic movie about Clara Mataro (Florinda Bolkan), a factory worker who recuperates in the mountains under doctor’s orders and soon realizes there’s more to life and love than her neglectful husband (Renato Salvatori) and his critical family.



Alex Grey: The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors: CoSM: the Movie (2006) 
Tuesday, October 21 at 5pm
Art documentary, English, 80 minutes
Director: Nick Krasnic
Cast: Alex Grey 

Visionary painter Alex Grey narrates this cinematic journey through the New York space housing his Sacred Mirrors series, images which present a life-size figure facing viewers to evoke a mirror image. Combining stunning cinematography with stirring music, director Nick Krasnic captures the power of the anatomical depictions and transcendental imagery that together reflect the sum of the human experience.



Whale Rider (2003) 
Tuesday, October 21 at 7pm
Australia/New Zealand, English, 101 minutes
Director: Niki Caro
Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. A Maori tribe must contend with the distinctly non-traditional concept of having a female leader when young Pai’s (Keisha Castle-Hughes) twin brother—the intended heir to the throne—dies during childbirth. Now, she must struggle to prove herself. Stars Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis and Grant Roa. Written and directed by Niki Caro.



Hua hun (A Soul Haunted by Painting, 1995)
Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30pm
Chinese art drama, Mandarin with English subtitles, 125 minutes
Director: Shuqin Huang
Cast: Li Gong, Fang Cen, Shichang Da, Er Dongsheng, Zunxia Gao, Shen Hairong 

This true story depicts the life of Chinese painter Pan Yuliang (Gong Li), who rose from being a prostitute to become an acclaimed Paris artist. Pan begins working at a brothel at age 12 and meets Zanhua (Derek Yee); even though Zanhua is married, the two run off together. Pan then studies art at a famed institute, but her work isn’t appreciated until after Zanhua goes back to his wife and Pan moves to the art-friendly city of Paris.



The World (2004) 
Friday, October 24 at 7pm
China drama, Mandarin with English subtitles, 139 minutes
Director: Zhang Ke Jia
Cast: Tao Zhao, Taisheng Chen, Zhong-wei Jiang , Jue Jing, Yi-qun Wang 

Director Zhang Ke Jia’s first big-budget feature revolves around the tumultuous love affair between two workers at a Chinese theme park—Tao (Tao Zhao), a dancer who performs extravagant shows, and Taisheng (Taisheng Chen), a patrol officer who can’t stay true to her. Through their story, the audience gets an inside look at the heartbreaking lives of the poor men and women who rely on this example of consumerism to eke out a living.



Kids Movies: Cartoons
Saturday, October 25 at noon.