HONOLULU ACADEMY OF ARTS
Natalia Depetris and Raúl Calandra star in "El Cumple (The Birthday)," screening next month as part of the Cinema Tropical film series.
‘Tropical’ film series
spotlights Latin America
The Honolulu Academy of Arts is hosting "The Cinema Tropical Series" all summer long, offering film aficionados a glimpse into the revitalized cinema of Latin America.
Originally screened in New York and New Jersey, and now at exclusive sites across the country, the intent of the series is to promote Latin American cinema and to create an alternative forum for cultural exchange between the United States and Latin America.
Films will be screened in the Doris Duke Theatre (enter on Kinau Street). Tickets are $5 general and $3 for members. For more information, call 532-8768.
"Domésticas, O Filme (Maids)": In Brazil, there are 3 million housemaids, each with her own, yet universal, story of loneliness, ambitions and loss. Based on popular modern Brazilian stage plays, this film follows the stories of five maids brought together by the drudgery of their work and the bus they ride. Set to the rhythm of a samba, the film is sexy and life-affirming. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Nando Olival, Brazil. In Portuguese with English subtitles. Screens at 1 and 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow; 7:30 p.m. Friday; and 4 p.m. Sunday.
"25 Watts": A surprise hit at the Rotterdam Film Festival, "25 Watts" is a wry, Montevideo "slacker comedy." Leche, Javi and Seba wander around the neighborhood with nothing to do but drink beer, smoke, talk about girls and interact with picturesque characters from the "barrio." Fresh and funny, the film is an auspicious debut for Uruguay co-directors Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll. In Spanish with English subtitles. Screens at 7:30 p.m. July 21, 22 and 25; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. July 23 and 24.
"Japón": Mexican director Carlos Reygadas points to Werner Herzog's influence when he talks about the rugged, unforgiving landscape (the canyons and villages of Hidalgo, north of Mexico City) in which his story of a suicidal middle-aged man is set. It is a powerfully visual journey that touches upon complex philosophical issues: finding meaning in life, the continuum of human strength and vulnerability, the role of sexuality and congeniality vs. the pleasures of nature, and the need for seclusion and autonomy. Taking its title from the Japanese symbol of the rising sun, Reygadas unapologetically uses widescreen cinema, the most lush of formats, as a backdrop for exploring thorny issues of life and death. In Spanish with English subtitles. Screens at 7:30 p.m. July 26, 28 and 29; 4 p.m. July 27; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. July 30.
"El Cumple (The Birthday)": Remarkably fluid and intense work takes place during the 38th birthday party of Pablo, a sports journalist. As much of a drag for the host as it is for his guests (who have not seen each other for many years), the reunion gives everyone an excuse to reveal their most personal stories. Directed by Gustavo Postiglione, Argentina. In Spanish with English subtitles. Screens at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13.
"Bolivia": This timely feature, rich in ideas and sensibility, tells the story of Freddy, an illegal immigrant who has left Bolivia to try his luck in Argentina. Credited with helping to launch the revolutionary New Argentine Cinema, director Adrián Caetano presents an intimate look at his characters and an Argentina in a state of social emergency. Winner, Young Critics Award, Cannes. In Spanish with English subtitles. Screens at 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14 and 20; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 16 and 19; and 4 p.m. Aug. 17.
"La Pena Maxima (Maximum Penalty)": In this comedy, the Colombian national soccer team has a shot at the World Cup, but they must face off against the powerful Argentine team. A public service employee, obsessed with the game, begins to slack off at work, ignores his family obligations and places a ludicrous bet. Directed by Jorge Echeverry, Colombia. In Spanish with English subtitles. Screens at 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 and 28.
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