Great cinema... Twice monthly!

  Newsletter ... April 2000

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

by Liz Mayer

Ah, the joys of alternative film -- after the impressive and highly-hyped Oscar blockbusters, it's somehow soothing to contemplate the QFA's final two features of the season. There's a sort of modest dignity about their stories, their casting, their careful construction. How much more of a contrast could there be between the anomie and despair of American Beauty and the noble warmth and wisdom of The Cup, our May 24th film from Bhutan? Here's a clue: The Cup is directed by Khytense Norbu, who just happens to be officially recognized as the reincarnation of a 19th century Tibetan saint.

The versatile Norbu, former apprentice to the great Italian director, Bernardo Bertolucci, has given the world a sweet and enchanting movie about the head-on clash of ancient tradition and modern technology. Inspired by true events, he takes us to the Bhutanese foothills of the Himalayas, where soccer-obsessed teenage monks (sent by Tibetan parents to get a proper Buddhist education) are scheming to watch the World Cup Soccer Final on television. When midnight misadventures ensue and expulsion looms, the monastery's wise and compassionate Abbot yields to the young monks' fervor. In comes the satellite dish and on comes the game, but where, puzzles the bemused, tea-sipping Abbot, is the sense in two nations fighting such a pitched battle for ... a cup?

(Remember dinner at the Oriental Wok and Himalayan Restaurant, 5:00 p.m. before the screening. Please call the hotline at 391-4310 to let us know you're coming.)

Similarly, the QFA's May 10th offering, The Third Miracle, is a small film tackling a big subject: should we believe in miracles? Highly-regarded character actor Ed Harris (The Truman Show) is Father Frank Moore, an avowed sceptic and debunker of false miracles. Sent to a poor district of New York City to investigate the veracity of a statue of the Virgin Mary that cries tears of blood, Father Moore is faced with what appears to be a bona fide miracle. Vatican politics and personal demons dominate this finely-crafted film, also starring Anne Heche (Wag the Dog).

WE PROMISE YOU A ROSE GARDEN ...

... in the backyard on Wednesday, June 7th at the Inn by the Rose Garden (corner of Bridge St. and Ann St., Belleville), where all QFA members are warmly invited to gather following our 7 p.m. free members' only screening at Famous Players Eight Cinemas.

The members' film and party has become a tradition for the QFA, and a great way to wrap up the movie season. This year's program is actually a series of Canadian short films: seven "Shameless Shorts" made available through WTN (Women's Television Network). Look for The Dane (a hilarious take on Hamlet), Elimination Dance (directed by Bruce Macdonald, featuring Don McKellar), Zie 37 Stagen and When the Day Breaks (nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film). We're still confirming the final line-up (and maybe even a celebrity guest), but there's no doubt about the variety and high quality of this exciting program. And why not have a little fun -- wear your own "shameless shorts" to the party!

Veteran QFA members will remember (fondly, we're sure) the marvellous food provided by Caterer Andrew Tietzen at the first QFA year-end party (quesadillas? chocolate-dipped strawberries?) Well, Andrew's back to cater this year's affiar. With his menu, the gracious surroundings of the Inn by the Rose Garden and a cash bar of wine and beer selected just for you by our QFA executive, you can count on the party of the year!

Please let us know if you will attend. Call the new QFA Hotline at 391-4310 to leave your RSVP message, or send an email to qfaparty@quinte.net.

BOOK NOW FOR CINEFEST SUDBURY

One of Canada's top film festivals since 1989. Create your personal film screening schedule from dozens of films. Have FUN! A great weekend get-away with other film lovers! Your tour includes:

You must place a deposit by June 10th to ensure a reservation. Call Jeff Barlow at Bayridge Travel, (613) 384-9999 or 1-800-567-4101.

To view the brochure, click here. You will need Adobe Reader to view the brochure. It can be downloaded for free and is a useful tool for viewing and printing PDF documents on the web. Download Adobe Reader.

WHAT'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN?

Reciprocal arrangements with Cinefest Picton and the Great Napanee Film Society mean that QFA members now enjoy an added perk with their annual memberships. The Picton and Napanee film groups will honour your QFA membership for the members' price at films, and Cinefest and Napanee members are invited to pay the members' price at QFA films.

Napanee Film Society
The Great Napanee Film Society screens films at the Boulevard Cinema on Richmond Blvd. in Napanee. Films are usually shown the last Sunday of the month, starting at 6 pm. Their 2000 lineup continues ...
     May 28  Emporte-moi
     June 18  All About My Mother

Cinefest Picton
Cinefest movies are screened at the Regent Theatre on Main Street in Picton every second Monday evening at 8 pm. Coming soon ...
     May 15  Ghost Dog: the Way of the Samurai
     May 29  Genghis Blues
     June 12  Mifune
     June 26  East West

PAST NEWSLETTERS ON-LINE

March 2000 -- Film Festival Get-Away: Cinéfest Sudbury Tour
February 2000 -- Cinéfest Bus Trip
January 2000 -- The Malkovich Effect
November 1999 -- Coming to Earth: Director Deepa Mehta Survives an Indian Fire-Storm
September 1999 -- Welcome to our Fifth Season
May 1999 -- It's Your Turn, Laura / C'est à ton tour, Laura Cadieux
March 1999 -- The Cinematic Tourist: Lessons of Foreign Films