Now in its twelfth year, the week of short films presented by the Communidad de Madrid at Circulo de Bellas Artes begins March 9th and runs until March 14th. This year the event will showcase over 40 short films in competition, as well as two special event screenings during the culmination of the weeklong contest. The event is free until seating is filled, for all the info go here.
By Coleman File
A gritty and vivid film is coming to Madrid on February 26th: “A Prophet” narrates the story of a young illiterate Muslim who is sentenced to six years in a French prison. Once inside, his struggle for survival lands him an important and dangerous position inside the prison’s mafia. Part suspenseful thriller, drama and social commentary, the movie has won the Grand Prix at the Cannes film festival and currently represents France in this year’s Oscars. Directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Tahar Rahim, this is of the year’s must see movies. One of the first cinemas to show the film will be Cines Princesa.
By Daniel Sznajderman
If you thought Transformers was two and a half hours of metal parts clashing into each other and that Snakes on a plane was terrible even for an intentionally bad film, then Ficciones is the place for you. This small video rental store in Tirso de Molina is a sanctuary—no, the Mecca—for movie lovers. Here you will find an astounding variety of quality films from any period and country, and what’s more, they are categorized by their place of origin and director: cinema a la carte! Becoming a member is free and rentals are around 3.50 euros per movie. There is another Ficciones in Malasaña, for more information click here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
Enjoy Spanish cinema (or practice your second language) with “Nacidas para sufrir.” The bittersweet comedy, directed by Miguel Albaladejo starring Adriana Ozores and Petra Martinez, is entering its fourth month at the Spanish box office. Flora is a single woman entering her seventies that has dedicated her life to caring for her three orphaned nieces. Now that the tables have turned and its Flora’s turn to be taken care of she is afraid she will be chucked into abandonment—or in other words, an old people’s home. It seems her only chance is her friend Purita, a young woman whose company is of the few Flora receives. To watch the trailer and check out playing times in various cinemas go here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
La Casa Encendida is dedicating a film series to the city of Los Angeles all this month (February) in connection with its invitation to Madrid’s contemporary art festival, ARCO. The films will focus on the city itself and have been put together in collaboration with film maker and Professor Thom Andersen who will be present for the screening of his films: Los Angeles Plays Itself and Get Out of the Car. There are many interesting films in the line-up and at only 2 euros each you can’t go wrong. For a complete listing of the films and their schedule go here.
By Coleman File
Long gone in standard theaters around the city: Cary Joji Fukunaga’s road movie about the treacherous road of illegal immigration to the United States will be playing in Casa de America until February 6th. The film follows Sayra, a young Honduran girl who travels with her father to the U.S border, facing many perils along the way. The director himself reportedly made part of the trek and entered the U.S along with other illegal immigrants, and the movie itself has generally received good reviews. The film will be playing at 20:00 p.m. except on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, entrance is free.
By Daniel Sznajderman
La Factoría del Guión is a place for eager young filmmakers to study and improve their craft with other like-minded people. However, if you’re just a good old-fashioned movie buff then they’ve got something for you as well. This Friday (1/29) they will begin their movie showcase with Antonia’s Line, the 1996 Foreign Language film Oscar winner. These screenings will take place on Fridays and are completely free to the public, for more information on the institute go here.
By Coleman File
Through the 20th of January the Circulo De Bellas Artes (CBA) is presenting the works of one of the most accomplished independent film directors in cinema today. CBA has selected six films from writer/director Wim Wenders as part of its “Ciclos” to kick off 2010. The films include: The American Friend, which was a Cannes’ Official Selection and stars a young Dennis Hopper; The Soul of a Man, an exploration of the musicians and history of the Blues; and Land of Plenty, his look at post 9/11 perspectives in America starring Michelle Williams. For a complete look at the list of films and all of the show times go here.
If you’re in the mood for a good classic movie then head over to the Circulo de Bellas Artes from now until the 20th of December. Their presentation of works from legendary actor/director Tod Browning shines a spotlight on the golden age of Hollywood. Featuring such classics as Dracula, staring Bela Lugosi. For all the info go here.
By Coleman File
If you’re looking for a way to pass the time on cold December days, La Casa Encendida is offering a series of short films from English directors every Monday this December. The series includes seven different shorts and begins Monday, December 7th. For all of the info go here.
By Coleman File.
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