The first, an extraordinary film from CHINA “AFTERSHOCK” in Mandarin with English subtitles directed by Xiaogang Feng will be shown on TUESDAY FEBRUARY 22 at 7 PM & THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24 at 2.30 PM. The runtime is 2 hours 15 minutes with no MPAA rating.
Based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Chinese-Canadian author Ling Zhang. The film, as the title suggests, deals with the effect of the earthquake that took the lives of 242,000 citizens of Tangshan, China in 1976. How could such devastation be the basis of an incredibly moving epic that spans 32 years, takes us through the transformation of a city in rubble into a modern metropolis, ties it in with the evolution of Communism during the Mao years to the present, whilst depicting the sorrow of a mother who must choose which of her twins should live? This epic is directed by one of China’s most successful directors. His genius for drama is displayed as he skilfully takes the viewer into the dynamics of two families on the opposite side of the socio-economic spectrum and intricately ties their parallel lives into one amazing conclusion. The special effects and cinematography are stunning. Fan Xu one of China’s popular actresses plays the role of the mother. She is also the director’s wife.This film is provided through the courtesy and generosity of CHINA LION FILM DISTRIBUTION company
The second film “THE CONCERT” from FRANCE in French & Russian (with English subtitles) will be shown on Tuesday March 8th at 7 PM and Thursday March 10th at 2.30 PM. Directed by Romanian born Radu Mihaileanu. Runtime is 2 hours with an MPAA RATING of PG-13. (Please note – there was a typographical error of Thursday’s date in the mailer and poster, the correct date is Thursday 10th March).
This farcical comedy is based on a middle-aged Russian janitor at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow who was fired 30 years ago as the conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra for hiring Jewish musicians. While cleaning, he comes across a fax with an invitation for the Bolshoi Orchestra to perform at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Thus is born the idea to recruit his former musicians to re-create their lost musical opportunity by pretending to be the orchestra from the Bolshoi.
What transpires is a romp from Russia to Paris with his motley crew and the beautiful young violinist whom he hopes to present as a virtuoso. DON’T MISS this opportunity to laugh and revel in the glorious musical score which won a Cesar for Best Musical Score with a peformance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major,Op.35 and selections by Mahler, Mozart and Khachaturian. This film was also nominated for a 2011 Golden Globe in the Best Foreign Language Film Category.
On April 12th and 14th the French Film “OF GODS & MEN” in French with English subtitles will be featured. It won the the JURY PRIZE at Cannes Film Festival and is nominated for 11 CESAR awards in France (equivalent of the OSCAR) and many more festivals worldwide. The runtime is 2 hours with a PG-13 MPAA rating.
This brilliantly directed film by Xavier Beauvois with outstanding performances takes us through the daily activities of these dedicated Christians who have taken vows of poverty yet maintain a livelihood whilst tending to the health and welfare of an entire Muslim village. It gives us an insight into how universal our human needs are regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs and the total dedication of those who love and serve God selflessly.The director’s unique approach and cinematography in recounting the dilemma of these men as they are forced by terrorists to make life threatening choices, makes our spirits soar with his portrayal of their quiet dedication, their Faith, brave determination, angelic chanting and beautiful music.
The final film for the series “IN A BETTER WORLD” will be screened on Tuesday May 10th at 7 PM and Thursday May 12th at 2.30 PM. The runtime is 2 hours. Directed by the highly acclaimed Danish director Susanne Bier This movie is the 2011 WINNER of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film and just received an OSCAR nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Ms. Bier’s work is no stranger to our audiences as her previous film ‘AFTER THE WEDDING’ was shown here two years ago with great audience reviews. The screenplay also written by Anders Thomas Jensen centers on Anton a doctor who commutes from his home in Denmark to an African refugee camp. He and his separated wife have two young sons. Their 10 year old Elias befriends Christian a new boy at school whose mother recently died. Elias is subjected to constant bullying and when he and Christian devise a scheme to get revenge their lives are put in danger and their parents are thrown into unexpected turmoil to deal with the pain of their actions. The MPAA rating is R.
The net proceeds of this series benefit Art Education programs throughout the city of Redlands sponsored by the MARGARET CLARK ART EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND (MCAEEF) of the REDLANDS ART ASSOCIATION and the KRIKORIAN PREMIERE THEATRES. For more information go to www.redlandsartassociation.org click on MOVIES, watch the videos and download the poster.
Tickets are available daily at the Krikorian Premiere Theatres box office at 340 N. Eureka St in Redlands. Prices are $12 per person and $6 for Students with proper ID. The Redlands Art Association is a non-profit 501 © 3 organization.