the tiger and the snow • a family understaking • departures • out in the silence • occupation 101 • capitalism: a love story • delicatessen • cherry blossoms • papers • happy-go-lucky • o'horten • the imaginarium of dr. parnassus
the Imaginarium of dr. parnassus
You can figure to have your imagination stretched this coming Monday evening (6:30 p.m. at the Elks Theatre, Dec. 27th), when the Voices of the Heartland presents Terry Gilliam's film, "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus". A movie like no other film you've seen, and guaranteed to stimulate awe, as well as smiles.SYNOPSIS:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastical morality tale, set in the present-day. It tells the story of Dr. Parnassus and his extraordinary ‘Imaginarium’, a travelling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom.REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"...a fascinating tale with luscious visuals."--Sonny Bunch, WASHINGTON TIMES"It teases with magnificently tantalizing moments..."--Lisa Kennedy, DENVER POST
"If you're game, Parnassus is a richly rewarding experience."--Bill Goodykoontz, ARIZONA REPUBLIC
"A delightful, visually splendid slice of brilliant madness..."--Avi Offer, NYC MOVIE GURU
"...its wit and pageantry, boosted by Heath Ledger's final performance, render it irresistible."--Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
AWARDS:
Wins:
- CDG Award: Excellence in Costume Design for Film - Fantasy
- Leo: Best Costume Design in a Feature Length Drama
- Satellite Award: Best Costume Design
Nominations:
- 2 Oscars (Art Direction, Costume design)
- 10 additional nominations
DETAILS:
Rated PG-13 for violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking. 2009 release.TRAILER:
The Imaginarium of Dr. ParnassusO'Horten
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 29th. Presented by the Voices of the Heartland Independent Film Society. All seats $5.00.SYNOPSIS:
A bittersweet whimsy by the Norwegian director Bent Hamer.....deadpan, thought-provoking comedy at its best. Those who remember the flavor of "Kitchen Stories" in our film series a few years ago will recognize the director's style. It is about a retiring railroad engineer named Odd Horten. ( "Odd" is a common enough first name in Norway, but reflect that English is widely used in Scandinavia). O'Horten is a quiet, reflective man, a pipe-smoker, who lives alone but is not lonely and sets his life by the railroad timetable. He is baffled by retirement. He's not sure when he should be anywhere. Left to his own devices, he allows himself to be led into a series of remarkable circumstances.REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Hamer creates a quirky, beguiling, and very funny mood piece that reflects on age, adventure, uncertainty, and humanity."--Jonathan F. Richards, FILM.COM"Pointedly strange and whimsical, O'Horten mixes the surreal with the mundane in its depiction of the retirement and eventual rebirth of a train engineer."--Tom Long, DETROIT NEWS
"The whimsy is never overplayed. The peculiar isn't teased at any character's expense."--Lisa Kennedy, DENVER POST
"A small masterpiece of poignant deadpan humor."--Lou Lumenick, NEW YORK POST
AWARDS:
- Won Best Director Award, Ghent International Film Festival, 2008
- Won 2 Amanda Awards (Norway), 2008
- Nominated for European Film Award, 2008
- Nominated for Chlotrudis Award, 2010
DETAILS:
MPAA rating--PG-13 for brief nudity. 90 min. In color. In Norwegian with English subtitles. 2007 release.TRAILER:
O'HortenHappy-Go-Lucky
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25th. All seats $5.00. Presented by the Voices of the Heartland Independent Film Society.SYNOPSIS:
Poppy Cross (brilliantly played by Sally Hawkins) is 30 years old: she's cheeky, playful, frank while funny, and talkative to strangers. She's also a conscientious and exuberant British primary-school teacher, In this slice of life story (written and directed by Mike Leigh), we watch her take driving lessons from Scott, a dour and tightly-wound instructor, take classes in flamenco dance from a fiery Spaniard, encounter a tramp in the night, and sort out a student's aggressive behavior with a social worker's help. Along the way, we wonder if her open attitude puts her at risk of misunderstanding or worse. What is the root of happiness?REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Sally Hawkins' star-making role....she is a joy to behold".--Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES"...the rare movie that seems better the more you think about it."--Philip Martin, ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
"Sally Hawkins' enchanting performance is yet another example that Leigh's trademark technique is working."--Jeanne Aufmuth, PALO ALTO WEEKLY
"It's a powerful argument for optimism."--Connie Ogle, MIAMI HERALD
"A winning character study by the king of chronicling the British working-class, Mike Leigh." --Sean Means, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
AWARDS, NOMINATIONS:
- Nominated for Oscar (best screenplay writing--Mike Leigh)
- Won Golden Globe, London Critics' Circle Award, Los Angeles Film Critics' Association Award and others (total of 22 wins and 17 nominations)
DETAILS:
2008 release. 118 min. In color. Rated R for language.TRAILER:
Happy-Go-LuckyPapers
To be shown 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sep. 27th on the Elks Theatre's big screen. An open discussion will follow the show. All seats $5.00. Ticket receipts beyond expenses will be contributed to SD Peace and Justice.
NOTE: This month's film will be a joint presentation of the Black Hills chapter of South Dakota Peace and Justice along with the Voices of the Heartland. The movie "Papers" addresses a topic which Peace and Justice has chosen as its theme issue for this year, namely the status of immigrants in our society and the need for reform of our immigration laws. P&J has coordinated similar programs throughout the state in recent weeks, with the hope of stimulating thought and discussion on this important topic. The fact that some of our state government leaders have endorsed Arizona's new immigrant-targeting legislation points up the political currency of the issue, even in a state like SD with relatively few recent immigrants.
SYNOPSIS:
Imagine if you did not have the right to live in the country where you grew up. Imagine that you couldn’t work or drive. Imagine you couldn’t apply for a state ID or get on an airplane. Imagine you could be deported to a country you don’t remember. These are some of the obstacles undocumented immigrant youth face when they graduate from high school. “Papers” is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status.Papers the Movie: Stories of Undocumented Youth delivers the poignant stories of five undocumented students whose life in the United States is colored daily by their lack “papers.” Without proof of their immigrant status, it is against the law for them to drive or work, and it is difficult or impossible for them to get into college. Each year 65,000 such students graduate high school, kids who often can’t remember the countries where they were born, kids who have grown up American, yet only 5% of those go on to college. Some are afraid that applying would put them and their families at risk of deportation, and federal financial aid is not available to these students.
Only ten states allow undocumented students to pay the lower cost, resident tuition. The other forty require they pay the out-of-state tuition, something beyond the financial reach of most. And even if they graduate college, they have no legal employment options available to them.
Papers puts faces and stories to the 2 million undocumented students in the United States, showing their struggles and the frustrations of their teachers and politicians who are working for immigration reform which could allow these students access to American dream.
VIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"I was really moved by both the film and also by the participation of the audience members in the discussion following the screening." - (Viewer from University of Denver, Denver, CO)"This was one of the first conversations in our community. People were very positive and eager to support the DREAM Act and start organizing in our community." - (Viewer from San Juan College, Farmington, NM)
"I had a lot of misinformation about the DREAM Act before I saw this movie so I was against it, now I want to campaign for it." - (Viewer from Western States Center, Corbett, OR)
"This is an important film for lawmakers to see." (Viewer from Prince Georges' Community College, Largo, MD)
DETAILS:
2010 release. In English. 88 min. Not rated.TRAILER:
PapersCherry Blossoms
To be be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 30th. All seats $5.00. Presented by the Voices of the Heartland Independent Film Society.SYNOPSIS:
Celebrated director Doris Dorrie’s “Cherry Blossoms” concerns the enriching odyssey of life lived after the cruel death of a loved one, tracing that psychological abyss for a German man at ease with his habitual life and now confronted with cataclysmic change. Showing unexpected imagination, he is moved to live out his wife's dream of traveling to Japan and experiencing a local form of interpretive dance. Endearing, and basted with just enough culture shock oddity to keep the cinematic brew tart and curious, “Blossoms” is an emotionally charged pearl of a film.REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"The movie is an ideal blend of character study, deceptively simple plot twists, inspired acting, and travelogue."--Jonathan Curiel, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE"Cherry Blossoms is an exquisitely and delicately crafted film about love, loss, and a kind of spiritual healing."--Beth Accomando, KPBS.ORG
"A uniquely poignant meditation on mortality."--Joe Williams, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
"It's a quiet, very beautiful film about the duality of love and death."--Phillip French, OBSERVER (UK)
AWARDS:
- Won Golden Space Needle Award, Seattle International Film Festival (Best Film)
- Won German Film Critics Award (Best Actor--Elmar Wepper)
- Won Film Awards in Gold (Best Actor, Best Costumes), German Film Awards
- Won Bavarian Film Awards (Best Actor, Best Production)
DETAILS:
MPAA: not rated. 126 min. 2008 release. In German, with English subtitles. In color.TRAILER:
Cherry BlossomsDelicatessen
To be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 26th at the Elks Theatre. All seats $5.00.SYNOPSIS:
Somewhere in the mist-shrouded future of France, Louison (Pinon), a grieving ex-clown takes a job as janitor in a crumbling apartment block. Unbeknown to him, this job has a history and previous incumbents have ended up on the neighbour's dinner table via the butcher's block. When Louison innocently falls for the butcher's myopic daughter, the knife is held back to spare her feelings. But as bellies begin to rumble, will love be enough to keep Louison out of le charcuterie?This troubled romance provides the bare skeleton on which Jeunet and Caro hang their dreams. A hugely enjoyable film, "Delicatessen" welds comedy and magic into a bizarre, grotesque fantasy of an oddball dystopian future.
The directors are constantly playing curveball with the audience's expectations and nothing can prepare you for the sheer weirdness of it all. Every so often, the plot stops to watch a scene spiral off at a tangent, such as a rhythm of creaking beds rippling out through the hotel, or two boys spying on a old man breeding escargots in his flooded apartment.
Combining the cruel humour of Grimm's fairy stories, with the spirit of Terry Gilliam and that peculiarly French knack of putting magic into film, this feverish tale of star-crossed lovers and small town cannibalism has endured as a true masterpiece of the fantastique. With "Delicatessen", Jeunet and Caro gave the world a canny and confident calling card for that most coveted of talents - commercial arthouse cinema. Brilliant. (from Matt Ford, BBC movie reviews)
OTHER REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Beautifully textured, cleverly scripted and eerily shot (often with a wideangle lens making characters look even weirder), Delicatessan is a zany little film that's a startling and clever debut for co-helmers Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro."--Staff review, VARIETY"I've often looked for a film as beautiful, as warm, as touching, but have always come up short."--Jenn Shreve, SLATE
"The world doesn't always speak English, even when it's genius. And this is genius."--Chris Parry, eFILMCRITIC.COM
'A fair bet for cultdom, a lot more likeable than its subject matter suggests, and simply essential viewing for vegetarians".--Jack Yeovil, EMPIRE
"An ingeniously funny film with a surprisingly sweet romance at its center."--Movie Guide, TV GUIDE
"Sublime, edible film with exquisite art direction."--Moira Sullivan, FILMFESTIVALS.COM
AWARDS:
- Won Cesar Awards (France) for Best Editing, Best Writing, and Best Production Design.
- Won European Film Award for Best Production Designer.
- Won Silver Guild Film Award, Guild of German Art House Cinemas.
- Won 4 Citges-Catalonian International Film Festival Awards
- Won Gold Award, Tokyo International Film Festival
- Won Audience Jury Award, Fantasporto Awards
- Nominated for BAFTA Film Award (Best Film Not in the English Language)
DETAILS:
96 min. In color. Rated R for violence. 1991 release. In French with English subtitles.TRAILER:
DelicatessenCapitalism: A Love Story
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 28th by the Voices of the Heartland Independent Film Society. An open discussion will follow the film. All seats $5.00.SYNOPSIS:
With the financial collapse of 2007-2010, some would say that we are witnessing the predictable, self-destructive final chapter of capitalism, where greed has replaced or subverted other social values. Are there viable, alternative ways of organizing an economy? Michael Moore presents examples of US worker-owned enterprises, grassroots community organizations stopping bank foreclosures, and political leaders advocating ways of redistributing wealth and power. The film investigates the moral questions posed by an economics based on predation, and an ever-widening gulf between the clout of the "haves" and "have-nots". Is this system really enshrined in the US Constitution? How do religious authorities deal with the inherent paradoxes?REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Funny, angry, and deadly accurate".--David Gritten, DAILY TELEGRAPH"Michael Moore does it again. He educates and entertains, even if the facts are skewed his way. A great film."-- Paul Chambers, CNN.
"Moore's loudest, most heartfelt warning, against corporate greed that is ruining his -- and our -- country. It's also a stirring cry to action."--Sean Means, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
"I can't help smiling at Moore's response to the question concerning what he hopes audiences will take away from this film 'Popcorn and pitchforks'."--Diana Saenger, REVIEWEXPRESS.COM
"Moore has always stood proudly for progressivism, and that works in his favor now."--Michael Sragow, BALTIMORE SUN
"Those [attacking Moore] are doing worse than namecalling. By refusing to engage the substance of the film, they're conceding that he may be right."--Daniel M. Kimmel, NEW ENGLAND MOVIES WEEKLY
AWARDS:
- Won Little Golden Lion Award and Open Prize, Venice Film Festival
- Won Phoenix Films Critics Society Award (Best Documentary)
- Nominated for 7 additional awards
DETAILS:
2009 release. MPAA rating: R for some language. 127 min. In color.TRAILER:
Capitalism: A Love StoryOccupation 101
SYNOPSIS:
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -- 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts surrounding the controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders (including several rabbis) and humanitarian workers whose insights have too often not been presented in American media outlets. Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints are expressed.
The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880's, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as testimonials of victims from all sides of this tragedy.
This is an opportunity to fact-check your perceptions of an issue which continues to prove pivotal to the conflicts between the West and the Middle Eastern nations.
REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"A visual revolution is born.. if a picture is worth a thousand words, then Occupation 101 is worth a thousand books." --IN FOCUS"Forget what you've seen on CNN; this film delves deeply into seriously painful territory" --LANSING STATE JOURNAL
"One of the best documentaries" --LOS ANGELES JOURNAL
"...(an) illuminating clarion call for truth in media and human rights justice"--MOVIE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge" --STEPHEN HAWKING
AWARDS:
- Won Golden Palm Award, Beverly Hills Film Festival
- Won Best Film Award, Artivist Film Festival
- Won Audience Choice Best Film Award, East Lansing Film Festival
- Won Best Feature Award, River's Edge Film Festival
- Won Best Documentary Award, New Orleans Human Rights International Film Festival
- Won Best Documentary Feature Award, Dead Center Film Festival
- Won Best Editing Award, Beverly Hills Film Festival
- Won John Michaels Memorial Award, Big Muddy Film Festival
DETAILS:
MPAA: not rated (some graphic scenes and violence). 90 minutes. 2006 release. In color. In English, with some subtitles for Hebrew and Arabic sequences.TRAILER AVAILABLE:
Occupation 101Out in the Silence
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 26th. The film's creators, Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer, are traveling out from Washington DC to be present for an open discussion/Q&A following the film. All seats $5.00. Sponsored by the Voices of the Heartland Independent Film Society, ACLU of South Dakota, Black Hills Center For Equality, and Equality South Dakota.
SYNOPSIS:
Out in the Silence captures the remarkable chain of events that unfold when the announcement of filmmaker Joe Wilson’s wedding to another man ignites a firestorm of controversy in his small Pennsylvania hometown. Drawn back by a plea for help from the mother of a gay teen being tormented at school, Wilson’s journey dramatically illustrates the universal challenges of being an outsider in a conservative environment and the transformation that is possible when those who have long been constrained by a traditional code of silence summon the courage to break it.AWARDS:
- Official selection, Human Rights Watch Film Festival
- Won Alternative Spirit Award, Rhode Island International Film Festival
- Won Audience Award, Hardacre Film Festival
- Supported by Sundance Documentary Film Program
DETAILS:
MPAA--not rated (suitable for all audiences in our opinion). 56 min. In color. 2009 release.TRAILER AVAILABLE:
Out in the SilenceDepartures
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 29th. All seats $5.00. SYNOPSIS:
US Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, DEPARTURES is a delightful journey into the heartland of Japan as well an astonishingly beautiful look at a sacred part of Japan's cultural heritage.“Departures” follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled “Departures” thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living.
REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Heart-warming, funny, wise and profound. Not to be missed."--Philip De Semlyen, EMPIRE MAGAZINE"This heartfelt, unpretentious, slyly funny Japanese film is worth waiting for."--Nicholas Barber, INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
"Like the unfolding of a Mozart concerto."--John A. Nesbit, OLD SCHOOL REVIEWS
"Absolutely, beautifully, tear duct openingly right."--Robert W. Butler, KANSAS CITY STAR
"The ending, which involves a rock, would wring tears from a stone."--Michael Sragow, BALTIMORE SUN
AWARDS:
- 2009: Won Oscar, Best Foreign Language Film
- 2009: Won 10 awards of the Japanese Academy
- 2008: Won Grand Prix des Ameriques, Montreal World Film Festival
- 2008: Won Audience Award, Hawaii International Film Festival
- 2009: Won Audience Award, Palm Springs International Film Festival
- 2009: Won Festival Prize, Yokohama Film Festival
- (more, for a total of 34 wins and 5 nominations)
DETAILS:
130 min. In Japanese, with English subtitles. Rated PG-13 for thematic content. In color. 2009 release.TRAILER AVAILABLE:
DeparturesA Family Undertaking
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen, 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22nd. An open discussion will follow the show. Dr. Ken Vogele, a local physician, will lead the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation. All seats $5.00. SYNOPSIS:
This documentary explores the growing home funeral movement by following several families (including one from Faith, SD) in their most intimate moments as they reclaim the end of life rituals from more impersonal influences.REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"Recommended for all public and academic collections. Fascinating, tasteful and informative. May convince [viewers] that the home funeral is an idea whose time has not just come, but returned." Educational Media Reviews"Thought-provoking and earnest. Offers a critical examination of the one-size-fits-all approach of mainstream funerals. Recommended." Video Librarian
AWARDS & CONFERENCE SCREENINGS:
- Silverdocs / American Film Institute Documentary Festival
- Finalist, International Health and Medical Film Competition
- New York University Tisch School Directors Series
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
- Big Muddy Film Festival
- Mill Valley Film Festival
- Documentary Film Winner, Key West IndieFest
- Rocky Mountain Woman's Film Festival
- Athens International Film & Video Festival
DETAILS:
56 min. Not rated. In color. 2003 release.TRAILER AVAILABLE:
A Family Undertaking (PBS)The Tiger and the Snow
To be shown on the Elks Theatre's big screen at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25th. All seats $5.00. An open discussion will follow the show. SYNOPSIS:
In 1997's LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, Roberto Benigni found international success by accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of making a moving comedy set during the Holocaust. Nearly a decade later, he similarly uses Dante's INFERNO as a template to mold a romantic comedy around the early days of the Iraq war. The result is truly unique, managing to find humor amid the horrors of war while mixing in elements of a sweet love story--with Benigni's trademark manic persona at the center of it all. Benigni is Attilio, a poet and professor at a university in Rome who has recurring dreams in which he is to be married to a beautiful and mysterious woman. After attending a lecture by his friend, the visiting Iraqi poet Fuad (Jean Reno, THE PROFESSIONAL), Attilio finally sees the woman of his dreams in the form of Vittoria (Benigni's real-life wife, Nicoletta Braschi), a writer doing research for a book on Fuad. Vittoria resists Attilio's fawning attempts to seduce her before returning to Iraq with Fuad, where she suffers a head injury that leaves her unconscious in a bomb-damaged hospital. Fuad informs Attilio of her condition, prompting the lovesick poet to join the Red Cross to gain entrance to war-torn Baghdad. Learning that the hospital is severely lacking in supplies, Attilio makes his way through the equivalent of several circles of Hell to find medicine for his dream woman--encountering mine fields, directionally challenged camels, and suspicious American soldiers. Bizarre and bold, THE TIGER AND THE SNOW manages to once again showcase Benigni as one of the world's most innovative comic talents. Dreamlike, yet still effectively using moments of horror to convey a heartfelt antiwar message, the film also finds plenty of space for his affably hyperactive presence.REVIEWERS' COMMENTS:
"...one appreciates the independent spirit ... and the graceful optimism and humor Benigni brings to his subject."---Deborah Young, VARIETY"...writer-director Roberto Benigni ... uses the backdrop of war to validate the resilience of the human spirit..."---Michael Rechtshaffen, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"...THE TIGER AND THE SNOW incongruously offers sharp laughs and touches of tenderness amid moments of drama and danger."---David Germain, ASSOCIATED PRESS
AWARDS:
- 2006: Won Special Silver Ribbon and Silver Ribbon Awards, Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists
- 2006: Won Golden Trailer Award (Best Foreign Romance Trailer)