Cinemateca, January 19–25, 2009
January 16, 2009 San Miguel de Allende

José Luis Pick’n’tip

Irina Palm The synopsis for this film insists that the Marianne Faithfull character “resorts to prostitution.”

It is more accurate to say that she naively and innocently associates herself with a Soho (London) sex club and—while remaining hilariously “proper”—becomes a sex sensation. In the sixties, Faithfull was a popular singer (“As Tears Go By”), and even more famously the girlfriend of Mick Jagger (she’s one of the woo-woo singers on “Sympathy for the Devil”). All hail to a female performer, once an icon of glamour and sexiness, who so believes in a script that she allows herself to be transformed into a frumpy, dumpy grandma via bad boots, an ill-fitting coat and a dreadful wig. It’s an extraordinarily affecting performance.



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 La Bohème Monday, January 19 at 2pm Opera/drama/romance, Italian with English subtitles, 116 minutes Director: Brian Large Cast: Mirella Ferni, Luciano Pavarotti, Gino Quilico

Luciano Pavarotti stars in this magnificent production of La Bohème, performed by the Genoa Opera Company during their historic tour of the People’s Republic of China. This production will long be hailed as perhaps the greatest La Bohème ever captured on film.
La Bohème is an opera in four acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, based on Scènes de la vie de Bohème by Henri Murger.
La Bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas internationally. The opera’s libretto focuses on the relationship between Rodolfo and Mimì, ending with her death.
Next Week: January 26, Madame Butterfly, 144 minutes. 

Winner of Best Documentary in the Boston Film Festival 
Lost and Found in Mexico
Wednesday, January 21 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.

Violette (1978)  Monday, January 19 at 7:30pm Friday, January 23 at 7:30pm French drama based on the book, French with English subtitles, 122 minutes Director: Claude Chabrol Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Stéphane Audran, Jean Carmet, Jean-François Garreaud

In Paris in the thirties, seemingly innocent 14-year-old Violette Nozière (Isabelle Huppert) spends her nights seducing older men. When her current lover needs money, the troubled Violette plots to murder her dispassionate middle-class parents (Stéphane Audran and Jean Carmet) to help him out. This fact-based film marked the first collaboration between acclaimed director Chabrol and Huppert, who won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival.

All the Invisible Children (2005)  Tuesday, January 20 at 5pm Thursday, January 22 at 7pm Anthology. various languages, 116 minutes Directors: Mehdi Charef, Emir Kusturica, Spike Lee, Ridley Scott, John Woo

Seven shorts about childhood problems through the eyes of seven directors. In “Tanza,” Charef shows a boy in an African country fighting in a civil war with machine gun and explosives, and dreaming of having his home and going to school. In “Uros,” Kusturica shows a gypsy boy in his last day in a juvenile prison in Serbia-Montenegro without any other perspective but returning to the place. Spike Lee’s “Jesus Children of America” shows an HIV-positive girl, Blanca, daughter of junkie parents with AIDS and the cruelty of her schoolmates. Ridley Scott’s “Jonathan” shows a war photographer in pain for his past experiences. John Woo’s “Song Son and Little Cat” is a fantasy tale of a homeless orphan and a spoiled wealthy girl.

Irina Palm (2007) 
Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30pm
Independent comedy, English, 103 minutes
Director: Sam Garbarski
Cast: Marianne Faithfull, Corey Burke, Miki Manojlovic, Siobhan Hewlett, Kevin Bishop
Rock legend Marianne Faithfull portrays 50-year-old Maggie, who is desperate for cash to pay for an operation for her ailing grandson Ollie (Corey Burke). She finally resorts to prostitution in London’s Soho District. Renamed Irina Palm by her new boss, Miki (Miki Manojlovic), she develops a sexual technique that puts her services in high demand in this quirky comedy-drama from Germany.



Vintage Special
Joe Palooka (1934) 
Only show Wednesday, January 21 at 3pm
Classic movie, English, 86 minutes
Director: Ham Fisher
Cast: Robert Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Mary Carlisle, Lupe Velez, Marjorie Rambeau
In this classic cinema version of the famous comic strip, Knobby Walsh discovers powerful (and lovable) Joe Palooka on a quiet country farm and decides to transform him into a world champion boxer. The road to fame, although hilarious, is far from smooth.



Global Justice Special
Feature Film: Michael’s Moore Sicko
Thursday, January 22 at 3pm


La Haine (1995) 
Friday, January 23 at 1:30pm
French drama, French with English subtitles, 97 minutes
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Cast: Vincent Cassel, Saïd Taghmaoui, Hubert Koundé, Benoît Magimel
Kassovitz’s jolting drama traces a fateful day in the lives of alienated ghetto youths Vinz (Vincent Cassel), Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui) and Hubert (Hubert Koundé)—a Jew, an Arab and an African. When their friend Abdel ends up comatose after a police beating, Vinz—who’s come into possession of a gun—vows to dispense rough justice, sealing the destiny of all three. 



The History of Mexico
Thursday, January 22 at 5:30pm
Visual-chronological-poetic narration, English, 60 minutes
Director-producer: Murray Kamelhar
Cast: Cleo Stevens, Gary Whare, Lilia Trapaga, José Luis Mendoza 
This final version has been presented to full houses for the past 10 years at Teatro Santa Ana. Through the voices of the actors and the beautiful visuals, The History of Mexico brings to life the struggles, defeats and victories of its people. The poetry, the art, the color and craft of their culture are also part of their story. A reporter for The New York Times said, “This story should be required viewing by all who enter Mexico.” 


Kids Movies: Cartoons
Saturday, January 17

Reel Docs premieres in San Miguel
By Caren Cross 

Reel Docs Film Series
Moja Moja and The Cats of Mirikitani
Fri, Jan 30, 3pm & 4:30pm
Teatro Santa Ana 
Biblioteca Pública
100 pesos

Jennifer Posner and Caren Cross have been working for the past six months choosing films and inviting filmmakers to come to San Miguel and share in discussions for Reel Docs.

Reel Docs, a documentary film series, premieres here. Caren Cross, a local filmmaker, and Jennifer Posner created this film series to bring thought-provoking international documentaries and their filmmakers to the community of San Miguel. As Cross traveled around the US and Europe showing her film, Lost and Found in Mexico, she discovered film festivals showcased wonderful documentaries, many of which may not have hit a screen in San Miguel.

Reel Docs’ primary mission is to introduce these heartfelt productions to the intellectual audiences found in San Miguel. While we get our fair share of good films, we don’t necessarily get the opportunity to meet their filmmakers and discuss their films in depth. Cross knows firsthand how important it is for both the audience and filmmaker to have the opportunity to discuss a film.

Cross talked with other filmmakers after their screenings at festivals. “Realizing how much fun it was to converse with these filmmakers, I decided right then that I wanted to bring this experience to San Miguel,” said Cross. “Filmmakers have put their heart and souls into these projects. Many of these documentaries won awards but most don’t have the distribution engines to bring the films to a wide audience.”

Cross and Posner appointed a committee that has already screened 80 documentaries. Selected films are grouped by common themes and filmmakers are invited to show their films in an upcoming Reel Docs series. Reel Docs anticipates launching different series throughout the year.

Reel Docs on January 30 features two films that illustrate how individuals are driven by their life passions: Moja Moja by Sam Oliver and The Cats of Mirikitani by Linda Hattendorf.

Both profile individuals whose passions are shaped early by different experiences, which affect their lives and define their contributions in life.

Tickets for the event include both films and entrance to our special VIP reception with margaritas and botanas to give you an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the invited filmmakers. Advance ticket sales begin January 19 at the Teatro Santa Ana box office.

As a completely nonprofit endeavor, the Reel Docs directors decided to create an ongoing fund that would benefit scholarships and programs for local Mexican children. Cross and Posner met with José Luis Mendoza, director of Teatro Santa Ana, during the early planning stages. They determined this would be an intimate venue for Reel Docs, along with the perfect way to allocate funds collected toward programs serving local children at the Biblioteca. 

For more information about Reel Docs, our selected films and attending the VIP reception, check out www.reeldocs.org. 

Nine films about domestic violence

Best Short Films
Alza la Voz
Fri, Jan 16, 2pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

CASA, Expresión en Corto and the Center for Global Justice present Alza la Voz, a series of short films to increase awareness of the worldwide problem of domestic violence. It affects millions of people every day and crosses all racial, ethnic, religious and economic boundaries.

The films represent the best of the entries submitted to the 2008 Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, the largest in Mexico. The nine films (78 minutes total) are from Spain, Mexico and Italy. Most have English subtitles.

Following the screening, a panel of experts in the field of domestic violence will respond to the film and answer questions from the audience. Panelists include attorney Luz Maria Rodriguez Gonzalez, president of the College of Lawyers (Colegio de Abogados). She has worked tirelessly to change the civil code of the state of Guanajuato and still makes time to represent destitute victims of domestic violence in Celaya and San Miguel.

Pete Giannini facilitates ManAlive, a program for men working to stop their violence to their families. The program believes that the violence is the enforcement of the male role belief system which supports men to feel superior to women. The program supports men to learn the skills to treat their partner as an equal.

Dulce Maria Ortiz Rodriguez is the psychologist at CASA. She counsels women and children who are victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, teaches the peer educators who work with young people in rural communities, and manages outreach and prevention programs.

Should be required viewing
By Cleo Stevens Kamelhar

Film
The History of Mexico
Thu, Jan 22, 5:30pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

After its successful premiere on November 20, we again present this extraordinary DVD documentary about the history of Mexico. We presented this show in live format for the past 13 years. With the voices of four actors speaking for the people of Mexico and their northern neighbors, and 336 color slides representing the art and artifacts of Mexico’s history, we have now created the standard for history programs as a DVD. As a reporter from The New York Times said, “This should be required viewing by all who enter Mexico.”

The Art and Cultural Director of the Biblioteca said, “You will find in this poetical and accurate program a beautiful and deep overview of Mexico’s history.”

This project was conceived when Bob Sommerlot, then Director of Academic Affairs at the Instituto Allende, said that he would like to replace the lecture on the history of Mexico with a more theatrical treatment. Some visiting teachers felt that this program should be seen by high school and college students as well. Thus was born Actors Lab’s production of The History of Mexico. You may know the actors: Lilia Trapaga, José Luis Mendoza, Cleo Stevens Kamelhar and Gary Ware. For the past 11 years The History of Mexico has been presented live to summer and winter residents and tourists at Teatro Santa Ana. 

Be sure to get tickets in advance to see this presentation. The filmmaker and cast will be available for questions and answers afterwards.

The DVD also is available for purchase at La Tienda, the Biblioteca’s gift shop. If you have any questions, call or email Murray Kamelhar (415) 152-4942, cleokam@cybermatsa.com.mx. 

Inauguration day special

Bioneers Winter Film Series
Tues, Jan 20, 3pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
50 pesos

In respect and appreciation for the transition between President George W. Bush and President-Elect Barack Obama, the Bioneers Winter Film Series starts with two films. One reflects on the legacy of the outgoing President and the other reflects on the unseen movement that has the potential to underpin the incoming president’s hopes.

The recent Bioneers Conference featured Naomi Klein, the award-winning Canadian author and international journalist, who spoke on her bestselling book, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. Published two years ago, The Shock Doctrine has garnered international readers and recognition for the naming of the capital dynamics that accompany corporate globalization. When disaster strikes, the most ruthless face of capitalism moves in to fill the vacuum created by the trauma of shattered lives and the ensuing shock and numbness. The first film features Klein, who was in Argentina when its economic meltdown happened, and has witnessed events firsthand. Since Argentina, we have seen 9/11, Iraq, Katrina and other disasters. Whether a planned “Shock and Awe,” as in the invasion of Iraq, or whether the aftershocks of a natural disaster such as Katrina, the privatization of infrastructure comes in quickly.

Klein also talks about communities that regroup, rebound and resist, which leads to the speaker in the second film, entrepreneur and author Paul Hawken, who has been traveling the world for much of the past 15 years in his work of social activism. Out of this has grown Blessed Unrest, his influential book that documents the unseen, huge surge of grassroots groups around the world. The film addresses the potential of grassroots communities to weave a safety net. Hawken is an eloquent speaker and everyone should know about this safety net that is alive, intelligent and growing. Hawken has started www.WISER.org for listing thousands of groups: a potential safety net for communities when the shift hits the fans. May the potential power of the grassroots lend wings to help Obama with the burdens of the world upon him.