Two very different people journey in search of family and connection, finding it in unexpected and surprising ways in this impressive and interesting feature film debut from 34 year-old director…
1999
Running time: N/A
Two very different people journey in search of family and connection, finding it in unexpected and surprising ways in this impressive and interesting feature film debut from 34 year-old director Parviz Shahbazi. The Traveller from the South is the engrossing and tender story of a chance relationship between a young boy and an old woman who meet near Tehran while both are travelling to visit relatives. Reza Moghadam gives a wonderful and sensitive performance as the young boy who demonstrates compassion and commitment as fate places him in unusual circumstances when the old woman falls ill.
Running time: N/A
War in the summer of 1947. The frontier between India and Pakistan has become the scene of rioting and bloodshed, but in sleepy Mano Majra, Sikhs and Muslims have always lived peaceably together. A murder, however, can change all that in an instant. Too bad for Juggut Singh, a Sikh, that he has a reputation as a gangster. Too bad also for the Muslim girl with whom he is having a clandestine affair when murderous suspicion falls upon Juggut, and the already mounting tension grows between Sikhs and Muslims.
Running time: N/A
Director Kurt Kuenne first appeared at Cinequest in 1996, with his award-winning short film, Remembrances. It is fitting that IMAGE and Cinequest should present his feature film debut, Scrapbook. Scrapbook is the story of Curt Martin, a high school sophomore struggling to find his place in the world. Curt has a close relationship with his older brother, Andy, a popular senior who tries to help him out with his school and social life. Most of Andy's help turns out to be futile, but on one occasion, it is disastrous. A war ensues between the brothers.
Running time: N/A
There have been many fine film documentaries about the World War II internment of Japanese Americans. This one is different in the sense that while it, too, documents the losses of the internees, it also clearly shows the residue of bitterness felt by their children today and, very interestingly, the inter-generational divisions of those in the camps. The split between the Issei (Japanese-born) and the Nisei (American-born) prisoners and the active resistance by small numbers of people has not been clearly shown in other documentaries.
Running time: N/A
Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger) is a Jewish pawnbroker in New York's Spanish Harlem who lives in a sheltered world with haunting memories of Nazi prison camps. That he remained alive is a source of bewilderment and pain for him, and he has lost faith in everything. It is only through the help from his friend and assistant, Jesus, that Sol learns what it is to be human again. The Pawnbroker marked Steiger's first starring role in a major film. His role in the film garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. From the moment it was released, controversy surrounded the film.
Running time: N/A
"Visually powerful and dramatically potent." - David Stratton (Variety) In his film, Passion, Hungarian director Gyorgy Feher transposes James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice to 1930s Hungary with the exquisitely beautiful Ildiko Bansagi as the sensual young woman who conspires to free herself from a loveless marriage. Beautifully adhering to the classic noir tale, the story begins with the drifter already in the employ of the woman's husband. The remainder of the film is more faithful to Cain's tale, as passion leads to betrayal and murder.
Running time: N/A
It's a happening party! You'll be glad you came. Over there's the ex-jock - you know, whatzizname, the guy who used to be someone - til he blew it - with drugs and gambling. There's that famous female ice skater, looking very slinky. The record company exec in shades. The handsome, down-on-his-luck gigolo. The spoiled but oddly likable heiress to a publishing empire. And, oh yeah - three guys with guns. They're the party crashers. Their plan is simple: Take everyone hostage, call up "big daddy" publisher, and demand five million dollars.
Running time: N/A
Arriving with her leather jacket, Marlboros and attitude firmly in place, Micki Silva is little prepared to care for her dying uncle or to fall in love with the striking Roberta. Micki, brilliantly played by Broadway's Carol Monda, has abandoned yet another relationship and seeks solace at her uncle's house in a small beach community during the off season. Her gruff exterior belies not the typical soft heart, but a damaged soul yearning to find life again and unwilling to admit her need for companionship.
Running time: N/A
Cars go in and out of the OK Garage, but why is it that Rachel, an inner-city schoolteacher, keeps bringing her car back every week? Maybe it's the fact that the OK Garage not only specializes in auto repair, but is also run by a crook who is ripping off his customers. In step best friends Sean and Johnny. One has a problem with intimacy, the other plays with lizards to scare off people. They are the perfect pair to help Rachel plot her revenge on the OK Garage. After all, they both lead aimless lives and need a spark like this to awaken something.
Running time: N/A
Legendary actor Rod Steiger joins us for an afternoon for a tribute to his career with this highlighted screening of the classic comedy, No Way to Treat a Lady; one of the films Mr. Steiger wanted to share at this year's Cinequest. Based on the novel by William Goldman, director Jack Smight's black comedy is a delightful blend of romantic comedy and murder. The world's wackiest killer and master of disguise (Steiger) stalks the streets of New York, all the while phoning clues to the detective on the case to keep the chase interesting.