nwFilmCenter

November/December 2008

Sat, Nov 1, 2008 - Sun, Dec 28, 2008

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The recent international success of films like PAN'S LABYRINTH and THE ORPHANAGE, as well as the renown of Spanish directors and actors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Alejandro Amenábar, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, testify to the broad appeal and rich diversity of Spanish cinema today. The FESTIVAL OF NEW SPANISH CINEMA offers an impressive sampling that confirms its unique vibrancy and not only treats you to celebrated recent films by established auteurs, but introduces you to many new talents awaiting wider discovery. This program is organized by Pragda and curated by Marta Sánchez, with the support of Dirección General de Politica e Industrias Culturales and Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA), of the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Tourist office of Spain, Embassy of Spain, Washington, D.C.; Dirección General de Relaciones Culturales y Cientificas, Filmoteca, AEIC, of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Support for the opening night post-film reception provided by Freixenet and Tapeña.

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Eco-Sicko II

When John Ford's THE GRAPES OF WRATH was included in Eco-Sicko last year, we suggested it could be seen as a premonition of the 21st century. That augury doesn't seem too off these days. Eco Sicko is indeed upon us, in the sense that the dark, poetic, and prophetic movies this year are in sync with the escalating breakdown of our world. Separations between "short-term" and "long-term" planning are now strikes against survival. By practicing neo-contemplation of certain incisive films from the past, we become eligible for salutary understandings of the spiritual, eco, and economic, which, by and large, elude our greater society. As indicated by the surname: "SICKO," the focus of the series is on potential harms affecting our well-being—disrespect to nature, the emotions of war and reform, traumatizing technologies and fantastic, unpredictable human behavior. These complicated expressions cover diversity from the individual to the corporation to the subconscious. The goal is to create an 'environment' for thinking about our environment—a forum producing inspiration.—Jacques Boyreau, Guest Programmer.

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Black Christmas

Sociopathic con-men, double-dealing crooks, and cold-blooded hit men make up the list of usual suspects in these film noir classics. Some are perennial favorites while others are little seen gems, but all deliver the goods: the characteristic blend of grit, suspense, and impending doom that only noir can achieve. Happy holidays!

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