For Immediate Release Contact: Carol O’Sullivan

August 21, 2009 412-681-5449

Pittsburgh Filmmakers Announces

September Programming

(Pittsburgh, PA) – The following are descriptions of Pittsburgh Filmmakers Film Exhibition program for September 2009. 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.

Thru Sept. 3: Il Divo

“As operatic cinema, it ranks alongside the best of Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.” – New York Times

A chilling character study of Italy's controversial Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti (and perhaps the most cunning political criminal in Italian history) this sensational film won the Jury Prize at Cannes in 2008. Toni Servillo heads a brilliant cast playing this corrupt leader who survived terrorist attacks, scandals and Mafia turncoats. With subtitles. (Paolo Sorrentino; Italy; 2008; 117 min)

Sept. 4 – 9: Unmistaken Child

Shot in the remote villages and monasteries of Nepal, this remarkable documentary takes us into the heart of an ancient Tibetan tradition: how the reincarnations of Buddhist masters are found and recognized, including final approval by the Dalai Lama. We follow 28-year-old monk, Tenzin Zopa, on a lengthy search for the new embodiment of a revered master who died in 2001. Dreams, premonitions, and intuition guide Zopa on his sacred quest – both disappointment and hope await him. Unmistaken Child explores a depth of faith and sacrifice rarely captured on film. With subtitles. (Nati Baratz; Israel; 2008; 102 min)

Sept. 11 – 17: American Casino

Politicians love to talk about the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, but director Leslie Cockburn gets to the crux of the matter in American Casino, a riveting look at how the recent economic meltdown affected the working class. For years Cockburn and her husband Andrew have been investigative reporters (60 Minutes, PBS, CBS Reports) and here they take on the subprime mortgage crisis. We get to see the human face of Main Street Americans: a high school teacher, a therapist, a minister -- unwitting chips in a high-stakes game of chance. Then there are the Wall Street wizards, as nervous about revealing their identity as mobsters in the witness protection program. The film builds a case against those who used government deregulation to make a fortune for the few and create havoc for the many. And, lest we forget, Cockburn reminds us that it's the working class who are now bailing out the financial institutions responsible for the fall. (Leslie Cockburn; USA; 2009; 89 min)

Sept. 18 – 20: Casablanca

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world…”

We can never get enough of this classic World War II romance. It’s also one of the greatest stories of Nazi resistance in the history of American cinema. Features unforgettable performances by Humprey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, and Paul Henreid. (Michael Curtiz; USA; 1942; 102 min)

Sept. 26 – Oct. 4: Lorna’s Silence

From the brilliant writing-directing team of brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Rosetta, L’Enfant) comes this Hitchcock-style drama, their most gripping film to date. Lorna is a young Albanian woman living in Belgium. She wants citizenship, but as with everything, there is a price attached. When she finds herself involved in the schemes of an unscrupulous mobster, Lorna’s world suddenly becomes more complex, dangerous and suspenseful than she could have ever envisioned. Features a pitch-perfect performance from a superb unknown, Arta Dobroshi, as the beautiful Lorna. With subtitles. (Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne; Belgium/France/Italy; 2008; 105 min)

Regent Square Theater – 1035 South Braddock Ave.

Thru Sept 3: Revanche

“…deserves comparison with grade A Hitchcock" – The Seattle Times

This taut thriller – and 2008 Oscar nominee for Best foreign film – is set against Vienna’s red-light-district and Austria’s rural landscape. It’s an unsentimental exploration of love, grief, revenge and longing for mature audiences. With subtitles. (Gotz Spielmann; Austria; 2008; 121 min)

Sept. 4 – 9: Alien – new 30^th anniversary print -- director’s cut

“In space, no one can hear you scream.”

Awakened by a distress signal, the crew of the freighter Nostromo lands on planet LB426 to find an immense, derelict mothership and decides to bring back a survivor. The all-star cast includes Tom Skerritt, Harry Dean Stanton, Yaphet Kotto, Veronica Cartwright, Ian Holm, John Hurt and of course, Sigourney Weaver. (The Washington Post called her Ripley “the most courageous and resourceful heroine seen on the screen in years.”) From its ominous opening to its unsettling production design, to its pick-em-off-one-by-one structure, to the unexpectedness of the first entrance – or exit – of the eponymous creature, this is one thriller that holds up. (Ridley Scott; USA; 1979; 117 min)

Opens Sept. 11: In the Loop

With razor-sharp, truly laugh-out-loud dialogue this film pokes fun at the absurdity and ineptitude or our highest leaders. A minor slip of the tongue by a low-level British politician sets off a whirlwind of activity on both sides of the Atlantic. The spin begins about an imminent war that nobody really knew they were getting into. Writer-director Armando Iannucci is known for such award-winning British TV shows as I'm Alan Partridge and The Thick of It. He encouraged his outstanding cast (featuring James Gandolfini, Tom Hollander and Mimi Kennedy) to use their sharp improvisation skills. (Armando Iannucci; UK; 1009; 106 min)

Sunday Night Series: Resist

While our friends, the Physicians for Social Responsibility, have decided to take a year off from their annual film series at Regent Square, we wanted to honor their activism with a series of four great films that embody the spirit of resistance, whether with inspiration, satire or sentiment. All films begin at 8:00.

Sept. 6: Dr. Strangelove

This has turned into an annual screening, as it remains one of our most requested films and it is the definitive black comedy about the subject of mass annihilation. Peter Sellers is simply hilarious starring in three roles, most notably the mad scientist, Strangelove, who can’t control his own mechanical hand. (Stanley Kubrick; USA; 1964; 93 min)

Sept. 13: On the Waterfront

Featuring the famous "I coulda been a contendah" speech, On the Waterfront was a defining moment in Brando’s career. A gritty, uncompromising look at union corruption on the docks of Hoboken, it has long been seen as an allegory for "naming names" during the anti-Communist heyday of 50s America. Director Elia Kazan famously informed on those he suspected in the industry. The screenplay by Budd Schulberg (who recently died) has often been read as an elaborate defense of the informer's position. Winner of 8 Oscars including Best Picture. (Elia Kazan; USA; 1954; 107 min)

Sept. 20: A Thousand Clowns

Made before the 60s became THE 60s, this neglected classic anticipates the coming decade and the struggle to remain true to oneself. Jason Robards stars as a talented nonconformist raising a precocious nephew. Together they do battle against the welfare bureaucrats. A funny and touching film, it’s also a gentle lesson on civil disobedience. (Fred Coe; USA; 1965; 118 min)

Sept. 27: Z – new print!

Director Costa-Gavras hit an international nerve in an age of social unrest, with this taut thriller, based on a true story, about a political assassination. In this Oscar-winner the letter Z is used on protest banners – symbolizing “the spirit of resistance lives.” The corrupt government bans the letter, along with the peace movement, intellectual authors, and the Beatles. With subtitles. (Constantin Costa-Gavras; France; 1969; 127 min)

Melwood Screening Room – 477 Melwood Ave.

Sept. 8: Film Kitchen

This monthly series highlights regional, independent film and video work. This month will showcase fiction and non-fiction shorts by Samantha Stowe, Michael Lies, and Jennifer Bennett. Reception at 7:00; films at 8:00.

Sept. 14 – 16: Objectified

Back by request! This gem from director Gary Hustwit, whose Helvetica became a cult favorite, is the equally fascinating story behind the objects that contribute delight or frustration to our lives everyday. It’s about industrial design. The film show us the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential designers, and shows us who we are – and want to be – from the stuff we surround ourselves with. Do you find yourself oohing and aahing over curvy office chairs, sleek teapots, or vintage typewriters? Then this film is for you. (Gary Hustwit; USA; 2009; 75 min)

Sept. 17: Son of the Sheik

This sequel to The Sheik was Rudolph Valentino's final role on the silver screen, and its premiere coincided with his death at age 31. Hollywood’s first pop icon, Valentino was suave and sexy in this role – he foiled his enemies and won the heart of a dancer with equal flair. (George Fitzmaurice; USA; 1926; 68 min) An introduction, a post-film reception and informal discussion are planned. Part of the “Sex Symbols in Sepia Tones” series; co-presented with Pitt Arts.

Sept. 21: Coal Country – FREE

At a time when passions run hotter than ever over the future of coal, this eye-opening documentary takes us inside the world of modern coal mining. The film has no voice-over narration. Instead, it depicts the lives of coalfield residents directly affected by mountaintop-removal mining. We hear their voices, as well as coal company officials who are concerned about the economy and believe they are acting responsibly. What is behind the promise of "clean coal," and what are the alternatives? The filmmakers hope to encourage a dialogue. With music by John Prine, Kathy Mattea, Ralph Stanley, Woody Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia and more. Co-presented with The Sierra Club. (Mari-Lynn Evans & Phyllis Geller; USA; 2009; 90 min)

Sept 25 - 27: Liverpool

Recently named Best Undistributed Film by both INDIEWire and Film Comment, it’s the story of a middle-aged sailor who returns home after years at sea, to the coldest province of Tierra del Fuego. A reticent and resigned man, he sets off through snowcapped mountains to find his dying mother, who doesn’t recognize him, and then his daughter. This austere film’s strength lies in its slow rhythm and still camera. It connects with viewers through its haunting sounds and spatial compositions, brilliant colors and authentic faces. Alonso is one of the most original directors in the new wave of Argentina and has received exceptional acclaim from critics worldwide. He’s the prototype of a modern auteur – writing, shooting, producing and editing his own work. With subtitles. (Lisandro Alonso; Argentina; 2008; 85 min)

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