In the window display of the local secondhand bookstore I spotted the programme of the local Kapiti Film Group. The location was 'Eric Clarke's Private Theatre'. This information immediately triggered off my curiosity. What could a private movie theatre in New Zealand look like? I decided to ring the contact number and got in touch with John, who invited me to the next session, Taking Sides. I took Branka and Aurelie, her French couch surfer. The venue absolutely astonished us: it looked like a miniature version of the Studioskoop movie theatre in Ghent, where I used to work and of which I have very fond memories.
Eric is a senior Englishman, who's converted the groundfloor of his house in a movie theatre and mini film museum and shares it with his friends from the Film Group, who turned out to be all Europeans, age 60+. Their excited reactions gave away that they hadn't seen 'young blood' in ages. They're not making any publicity, except for that well hidden notice in the local bookstore, and don't want the big public to know about it.
Ever since we've been living here I've been thinking about organising a film marathon based on the Dekalog by Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski. Let's hope Eric will support my idea!
Here's the programma for the coming weeks, in case you happen to be in the area:
3 Dec 2010 Delicatessen France Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Marc Caro 1992, 99 minutes
Two former Ad-men splash down with an audacious, darkly comic masterpiece set in a vegetarianist, post-apocalyptic future. Consumed with visual style, the set pieces are like nothing you've never seen before and are never likely to forget.
17 Dec 2010 Silent Wedding Romania Horatio Malaele 2008 87 minutes
Gentle comedy of a bride and groom whose wedding is interrupted by the death of Stalin, and the period of one weeks mourning effective immediately. Determined to go ahead with their nuptials the couple hit on an ingenious though dangerous solution.
14 Jan 2011 Mary and Max Australia Adam Elliot 2008 88 minutes
Clay-mated marvel from Australia that tells an adorable yet heart-breaking tale of friendship between an eight-year-old Melbournian, and an afflicted middle-aged Jewish New Yorker. The themes here are mature and delve deep into the human condition, as its lovable protagonists share a kinship that helps them cope with the wider world and their own issues, such as Asperge’s Syndrome.
28 Jan 2011 Still Walking Japan Kore-eda Hirokazu 2008, 114 minutes
A recently remarried son (Abe) pays visit to his quietly disapproving parents in this exquisitely observed family drama. Bearing witness to the way grief, resentment and disappointment slowly permeate throughout the family’s languid summertime gathering is just one of the film’s marvels, as is its beautifully measured study of the generational gap.
11 Feb 2011 Looking For Eric Ken Loach UK 2009, 111 minutes
With a touch of magic realism, the great British director Ken Loach returns to the top of his game to tell the story of a beleaguered postal worker who seeks imaginary counsel with his footballing idol - Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona. Arguably Loach's most enjoyable work to date, certainly his most charming.
25 Feb 2011 La Verdad? New Zealand Helen Smyth 2007 90 minutes
Whilst in Cuba, Kiwi journalist, Helen Smyth and husband Tim Rose (of Havana Coffee Works) inadvertently delve into its troubled, complex history by way of 80-year-old dissident Nestor Bageur. After befriending the elderly warhorse, an engaging storyteller with an anti-Castro agenda, Smyth reveals a colourful, if ultimately deceptive past.
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