For Immediate Release                                                                   Contact: Carol OSullivan

Jan. 22, 2010                                                                                                 412-681-5449         

 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers Announces

February 2010 Programming

 

(Pittsburgh, PA) – The following are descriptions of Pittsburgh Filmmakers Film Exhibition program for February 2010. The films are screened at Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Avenue (Downtown), the Melwood Screening Room, 477 Melwood Avenue (in North Oakland) and the Regent Square Theater, 1035 S. Braddock Avenue (in Edgewood). For admission prices and current showtimes call 412-682-4111. All titles and dates are subject to change, due to film availability.              

 

The Harris Theater – 809 Liberty Ave.

 

Opens Feb. 5: La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet

Documentary master Frederick Wiseman turns his attention to one of the worlds greatest ballet companies. Here (his 38th film) he allows us to voyeur behind the scenes at the Paris Opera Ballet. His camera roams the opulent 19th-century Palais Garnier, from its crystal chandelier-laden corridors to its labyrinthine underground chambers; from its light-filled rehearsal studios to its luxurious theater with velvet seats and a Marc Chagall ceiling. As we watch impossibly beautiful men and women rehearsing, we are reminded that a dancers life ends at 40. La Danse serves up a scrumptious meal of delectable moments, made more precious by their ephemeral nature. In English and French with subtitles. (Frederick Wiseman; France/ USA; 2009; 158 min)

 

Feb. 19 – 25: Precious

Now a Golden Glode winner (and poised to earn a few Oscars as well) we are happy to bring back this powerful film, which opened the Three Rivers Film Festival. Its a vibrant, raw and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. Its the story of Precious Jones, a teenage girl born into a life of abuse, and the patient teacher who helps her begin a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to self-determination. With Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and outstanding newcomer Gabourey Sidibe in the title role. (Lee Daniels; USA; 2009; 109 min) 

 

Feb. 26 – Mar. 4: Oscar Nominated Shorts

This popular annual program features both the live-action and the animated shorts nominated. See them before the awards are announced at this year's 82nd annual Oscars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regent Square Theater – 1035 South Braddock Ave.

 

Thru Feb. 11: Broken Embraces                                                                                 

Pedro Almodovar again places his muse, Penelope Cruz, at the heart of the story. The maestro brings his signature visual brilliance to his newest tale of deception, jealousy and betrayal. The labyrinthine plot begins with Harry Caine (Lluis Homar, Bad Education) a blind screenwriter and former movie director whose real name – which he dropped after losing his sight in a car crash – is Mateo Blanco. We then journey between the past and present, learning stories from differing viewpoints. While there are references to previous Almodvar films, many cinematic homages abound. With subtitles. (Pedro Almodovar; Spain; 2009; 127 min)

 

Feb. 12 – 18: Mine

Hailed as Oscar material and winner of Audience Favorite Award at the SxSW film festival, this compelling documentary explores the bond between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of one of the worst disasters in US history, Hurricane Katrina. The gripping, character-driven story follows New Orleans residents as they attempt the daunting task of trying to reunite with their pets (whove since been adopted by families all over the country), and chronicles the custody battles that arise when two families love the same pet. Ultimately Mine is a meditation on race, class, and the power of compassion. (Geralyn Pezanoski; USA; 2009; 81 min)

 

Feb. 19 - 25: Oscar Nominated Shorts

This popular annual program features both the live-action and the animated shorts nominated. See them before the awards are announced at this year's 82nd annual Oscars.

 

Opens Feb. 26: The White Ribbon

luminous and painterly – TIME Magazine

Michael Haneke (Cache, The Piano Teacher) won the Palm dOr at Cannes and recently the Golden Globe for this breathtakingly beautiful drama set in a small German village on the eve of World War I.  In it, a number of unexplained accidents beset the schoolchildren and their parents. Though they at first appear coincidental, it seems in fact, they are not accidents at all. White Ribbon is a suspenseful mystery as well as an exacting gaze at a cloistered community. Filmed in ravishing black-and-white it recalls the finest works of Ingmar Bergman. With subtitles. (Michael Haneke; Germany/Austria; 2009; 144 min)

 

Sunday Night Series: Love Hurts

While much of film history presents the splendor of romance, it has also given us some memorable broken hearts. Celebrate this traditionally syrupy month with three great films that show us that love, in fact, is difficult. 

 

Feb. 14: Two English Girls – new print!

A beautiful Truffaut film, though among his least known, is the bittersweet love story about the affection a handsome young Frenchman has for two English sisters. But consummation of romantic feelings is frustrated at every turn: by turn-of-the-century customs, by distance, and by a pair of strong-willed mothers. In English and French with subtitles. (Franois Truffaut; France; 1971; 130 min)

 

Feb. 21: Nights of Cabiria

One of Fellinis greatest achievements, Cabiria stars his wife, Giulietta Masina, as a nave streetwalker searching for true love in the seediest sections of Rome. The most perfectly beautiful and touching of Fellini's movies. – David Denby, New York Magazine. With subtitles. (Federico Fellini; 1957; 110 min)

 

Feb. 28: Summertime

An American spinsters dream of romance becomes a bittersweet reality when she meets a handsome – but married – Italian man while vacationing in Venice. Katharine Hepburns sensitive portrayal of the lonely heroine and glorious Technicolor photography make this an endearing and visually enchanting film. (David Lean; UK; 1955; 100 min)

 

 

Melwood Screening Room – 477 Melwood Ave.

 

Feb. 9: Film Kitchen

The monthly series highlights regional, independent film and video work. This month features Andrew Batista and Drew Dammron. Reception at 7:00; films at 8:00.

 

Feb. 18: The Exorcist – directors cut

With its supernatural theme and remarkable special effects, this horror film remains one of the scariest movies of all time – one in a cycle of  demonic child movies from the early 1970s. Unforgettable performances by Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair. (William Friedkin; USA; 1973; 132 min) Co-presented with PittArts; reception.

 

Feb. 26 – 28: Visual Acoustics

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, Visual Acoustics celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, the worlds greatest architectural photographer, who died in July at the age of 98. His images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream and captured the work of nearly every modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern Californias modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This beautiful film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images. (Eric Bricker; 2008; US; 83 min)

 

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