[Reellife] EU Film Fest at the Cinematheque starts Friday!

[dave olsen]

I have to admit this is one of my favourite film fests of the year...the quality 
of films is always stunning but you do have to be on top of what you want to 
see, because each film only plays once. All screenings are at the Cinematheque 
<http://thecinematheque.ca> in Downtown Vancouver.

This year, the EUFF <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival> runs from 
November 18 to 30 and has 23 different films in the lineup.

The opening film, /Eva Nová/ 
<http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/slovakia-eva-nova>, is more than 
appropriate to start off such a stellar ensemble.

This is a stunning Slovak film that dives deep into alcoholism and family 
dysfunction.

Emília Vášáryová, the so-called “First Lady of Slovak Film and Theatre, is 
spot-on throughout the film, playing an actor living with a serious addiction.

But the main focus of the film centres on Eva as a parent that has abandoned her 
son, and this is where it achieves its greatest success.  Not surprisingly, her 
dysfunction has been well passed on and reentering her son’s life doesn’t seem 
possible.

A microcosm of civilized life, /Eva Nova/ will provide hope for anyone suffering 
from addiction and needing inspiration to make positive change in one’s life.

/Eva Nová/ <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/slovakia-eva-nova> plays 
Friday, November 18 at 6:30pm

The same night, /Image <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/belgium-image>/ 
from Belgium play at 8:35pm.

/Image <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/belgium-image>/ is at times, 
fast-paced and violent, but definitely intriguing.  Not sure if the acting or 
the writing undermined a few believability points, but the context is more than 
valid: media depictions of ethic minorities.

Specifically, it deals with Moroccan youth in Brussels and how they are 
stereotyped.  But since this is a feature, it mimics some aspects of 
documentaries by portraying a driven young woman working for an ageing - and 
fading - famous newscaster.  Exploitation is exposed at every level, but the 
twist at the end will likely surprise you...at least twice!

Not for the faint of heart given the blood and graphic violence. Definitely made 
for the mainstream in Brussels, so the subtle and not-so-subtle commentary on 
mainstream media is a welcome gift that may open a few more eyes...or not.  The 
ending shot suggests not, but then maybe that will inspire change?  Let's ask 
Donald what he thinks...

/Image <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/belgium-image>/ plays Friday, 
November 18 at 8:35pm

The next night, /Irreplaceable/ 
<http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/france-irreplaceable> from France will 
shine on the Cinematheque's screen.

The French title is Medecin de Compagne (Country Doctor) which may give you a 
better sense of what the film's about.

Despite the Hollywood ending, it is a beautiful and touching film, which lots of 
subtle humour and insight into what keeps us going in this civilized world.

A country doctor, who is much more than a doctor to every patient (especially 
elders) in the area, gets a brain tumour and won't slow down despite the onset 
of debilitating symptoms.  Enter the young nurse who just finished medical 
school that grew up in the same area.  He is far from welcoming but she is 
determined.  Dramatic events unfold and through it all, both actors shine.

In addition to the entertainment, the film sheds light upon how people can 
really add love and value to the work they do, with little extra effort, if they 
allow themselves to care about the people in their community.  Nothing unusual 
in healthy small towns, but definitely an eye opener for most urban dwellers.

/Irreplaceable/ <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/france-irreplaceable> 
plays Saturday November 19 at 6:30pm

/Gelo/ <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/portugal-gelo> looks great!  I 
wasn't able to see all of it before sending this out, but will update this brief 
review on reellife.wordpress.com <https://reellife.wordpress.com> asap.

This Portuguese film is all fantasy and switches back and forth in time.  A 
young woman starts film school in the big city and mysteriously is courted by a 
couple of older students...do they know something she doesn't know?  Well acted 
and very slick, the architecture is worth viewing on its own!

/Gelo/ <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/portugal-gelo> play Saturday 
November 19 at 8:30pm

I'll continue to review and set you up for a wonderful festival as the EUFF 
continues, so check reellife.wordpress.com <https://reellife.wordpress.com> 
regularly for all the latest reviews...have a great European Vacation!
-- 

Warmly,
dave/
//
Parenting with an Open Heart: a seminar series for all Parents, Caregivers, and 
Parents-to-be: for info and session dates, please visit/ 
/http://humanpowered.wordpress.com <http://humanpowered.wordpress.com/>

Movie and Theatre lovers who know a saner world is possible may enjoying reading 
and sharing their thoughts on Reel Life, Real Ideas: Movies and more... 
<http://reellife.wordpress.com/>

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killed; at 50 km/h (30mph) s/he has a 45 per cent chance of being killed, while 
at 30 km/h (20mph) the risk falls to 5 per cent. Source: British Parliamentary 
Advisory Council on Transport Safety (1996) //_Taking Action on Speeding_//

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