Over the past two decades, Belgian cinema has risen to prominence in the international filmmaking arena, boasting richly diverse films that consistently garner critical praise and worldwide anticipation. From the unsettling but still urgently relevant MAN BITES DOG to the quirky and vibrant tale of identity mix-up in TOTO THE HERO, the monumental saga DAENS and the Oscar nominated films EVERYBODY FAMOUS, BULLHEAD and A CAT IN PARIS, and the string of critically-lauded dramatic works by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (with the recently acclaimed THE KID WITH A BIKE), the Belgian film industry Has proven its dexterity in tone and its originality in aesthetic.
Grit and Whimsy is the monthly Belgian film series, organized by the Consulate General of Belgium, in partnership with the American Cinemathèque. April 2012 film from this series is LAST WINTER (l’Hiver Dernier). LAST WINTER will be screened on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at 7:30 pm. 2012 at 7:30 pm at the Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Last Winter
(2011, Cinéart, 103 min.)
Directed by John Shank. 27-year-old Johan (Vincent Rottiers) lives alone on his father’s farm in south-central France, tending to the land and shuttling his mentally unstable sister between the countryside and a nearby institution. As winter sets in, Johan becomes increasingly isolated, neglecting his girlfriend and fixating on a wolf that has never been seen but that he is certain is endangering his livestock.
John Shank’s elegant drama, hailed by Variety as “stunningly shot, languidly paced… assembled with impressive confidence and featuring quietly powerful performances,” follows the solemn alienation of a man desperately holding on to a bygone rural existence.
In French with English subtitles.
100 free tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please RSVP to rsvp@americancinematheque.com. 1 guest allowed.Due to the success of our series, complimentary tickets need to be picked up by 7:15 pm.
Belgian Film Series screenings in Los Angeles is organized by the Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, in cooperation with Flanders Image and Wallonie Bruxelles Images, with the support of E.L.M.A. (European Languages and Movies in America).