Monday, March 26, 2007

AFI Dallas International Film Festival 2007

Dallas launched a new film festival last weekend and several films play this week from our sister city countries. Here’s hoping the Lone Star International Film Festival, which debuts in November has equal success with film, glitterati and, probably most importantly, funding.
By the by, if you’re interested in volunteering your time or money for the Lone Star International Film Festival, email us at Filmies.

Rape of Euopa – Directors Bonni Cohen, Richard Berge, Nicole Newham; USA 2006, International Documentary Competition; Based on the book by Lynn H. Nicolas, Rape of Europa tells the epic story of the theft and destruction of Europe’s art treasures during the Third Reich. The film explores the history of Nazi art looting, along with dramatic efforts to safeguard and return displaced art. The filmmakers provide an eye-opening account of an often-overlooked chapter from a dark part of history.
7:30 p.m., Monday, March 26, Magnolia 4; 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, Magnolia 4.

Where the Sun Rises – Director/producer Grace Phan, Singapore 2006, International Documentary Competition; Xanana Gusmao of east Timor is a living legend: warrier, poet, leader and peace advocate. Where the Sun Rises tells the story of the president of the world’s youngest nation, from his bitter guerilla campaign against Indonesian rule to his amazing ability to forgive.
7:30 p.m., Monday, March 26, SMU Hughes-Trigg Theater.

Paprika – Director Satoshi Kon, Japan 2006, Premiere Series; Experimental scientists have developed a new psychiatric tool that allows a doctor to enter directly into his patient’s dream. A crisis arises when three devices are stolen and the thieves begin wrecking havoc in unsuspecting minds. It’s up to Paprika, the alter ego of one of the scientists, to defeat the threat. Director Kon creates incredibly lush and detailed visuals in this stunning animated spectacle.
7:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, Angelika Film Center 7

Drama/Mex – Director Gerado Naranjo, Mexico 2006; the seedy tourist town of Acapulco serves as the background for this bittersweet tale of three intense human relationships revolving around a suicidal old man, a 15-year-old runaway girl and a young couple. Infused with an infectious, youthful engery, Drama/Mex seamleslly interlaces characters, time and place.
9:30 p.m., Friday, March 30, Angelika Film Center 7; 4:15 p.m., Sunday, April 1, Angelika Film Center 6

Just Sex and Nothing Else – Director Krisztina Goda, Hungary 2005; Judith Schell stars as Dora, a 30-something playwright who is searching for her soul mate and frustrated at every turn. Deciding to be a single mother, she places an ad for “just sex and nothing else,” yet finds herself striking up a love/hate relationship with an actor who may be her perfect mate. Dora eventually begins to question what she really wants in this amusing, refreshing look at sexual politics.
7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 29, Magnolia 3; 5:15 p.m., Friday, March 30, Magnolia 3

Running on Empty – Director/screenwriter Bulich Akinci, Germany 2006; Burkhard Wahner is a traveling insurance salesman who, despite his odd demeanor, has a knack for landing clients. Driving endless miles along the Autobahn, he only stops to sleep and leave messages for his wife, promising to come home whe he's made enough money. He is hiding a tragic secret from his loved ones, hoever, and his perceived solution is equal parts selfless, desperate and haunting.
10 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, Angelika Film Center 7; 9:15 p.m., Saturday, March 31, Angelika Film Center 7

Mushishi – Director/screenwriter Hiroshi Nagahama, Japan 2006; The essence of the natural world is personified by strange, ancient natural forces called "mushi" that influence the lives of peopel for reasons yet unknown. Ginko is a "mushishi" who uses his shaman-like knowledge to help the affected come to terms with their afflictions. Brilliant animation and introspective storylines fuel this Japanese anime, a recent creation that has already climbed to classic status in Japan.
noon, Sunday, April 1, Magnolia 4