Films & Schedules - N

Despite his family’s pleas, 19-year-old Mwas leaves his small village for the promise of life in the capital and the dream of becoming an actor. Naïve and filled with hope, he quickly learns why the city is nicknamed “Nairobbery.” A few rookie mistakes land him in jail, which eventually leads him to fall in with a gang and survival on the streets via theft and violence. But underneath it all beats the heart of a dream. Working under the mentorship of German director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run), first-time director Gitonga has fashioned Kenya’s second-ever Best Foreign Language Film Oscar...

Despite his family’s pleas, 19-year-old Mwas leaves his small village for the promise of life in the capital and the dream of becoming an actor. Naïve and filled with hope, he quickly learns why the city is nicknamed “Nairobbery.” A few rookie mistakes land him in jail, which eventually leads him to fall in with a gang and survival on the streets via theft and violence. But underneath it all beats the heart of a dream. Working under the mentorship of German director Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run), first-time director Gitonga has fashioned Kenya’s second-ever Best Foreign Language Film Oscar submission. “Fundamentally honest and vividly realistic.”—Hollywood Reporter (97 mins.)

First Feature.

In Swahili and Kikuyu with English subtitles.

Sponsored by OregonLive.com.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: New Directors, Narrative Feature.

With an acute eye for the push and pull of modern life, Neighboring Sounds delves into the lives of a group of prosperous middle-class families residing on a quiet street in Recife, close to a low-income neighborhood. The private security firm hired to police the street becomes the catalyst for an exploration of the neighbors’ discontents and anxieties, their feelings exacerbated by the palpable unease of a society that remains unreconciled to its troubled past and present inequities. Meticulously constructed, with unexpected compositions and arresting editing, you’re never quite sure where things are headed as it builds imperceptibly toward its...

With an acute eye for the push and pull of modern life, Neighboring Sounds delves into the lives of a group of prosperous middle-class families residing on a quiet street in Recife, close to a low-income neighborhood. The private security firm hired to police the street becomes the catalyst for an exploration of the neighbors’ discontents and anxieties, their feelings exacerbated by the palpable unease of a society that remains unreconciled to its troubled past and present inequities. Meticulously constructed, with unexpected compositions and arresting editing, you’re never quite sure where things are headed as it builds imperceptibly toward its stunning payoff. “Sensational.”—Artforum “Thrilling.”—Film Comment (131 mins.)

Filmography: Critico (08)

Winner of the FIPRESCI Critics’ Prize at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Sponsored by Hotel deLuxe.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Narrative Feature.

Exploring the moral and spiritual costs of the rule of Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, No follows the exploits of René Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), a clever advertising executive appointed by the opposing coalition to spearhead the “no” campaign in the 1988 referendum. Intent on revealing Pinochet’s human rights atrocities, Saavedra insists that the way to overcome voter fear is with glitzy, jingle-filled spots that promise that “no” is simply a vote for “happiness.” Liberally peppered with black comedy, the film reveals not only the hypocrisy of the regime but that of the left-leaning opposition and the cynical advertising world...

Exploring the moral and spiritual costs of the rule of Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, No follows the exploits of René Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), a clever advertising executive appointed by the opposing coalition to spearhead the “no” campaign in the 1988 referendum. Intent on revealing Pinochet’s human rights atrocities, Saavedra insists that the way to overcome voter fear is with glitzy, jingle-filled spots that promise that “no” is simply a vote for “happiness.” Liberally peppered with black comedy, the film reveals not only the hypocrisy of the regime but that of the left-leaning opposition and the cynical advertising world manipulations as well. Shooting on video cameras used during the era allows Larraín to seamlessly blend archival footage and to visually riff on the aesthetics of the microwave and soft drink commercials appropriated for the campaign. (118 mins.)

Filmography: Fuga (06), Tony Manero (08), Post Mortem (10)

This year’s Chilean submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

Sponsored by Alaska Airlines.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Oscar Submissions, Spanish Language, History.