2020 taking you further into film
FILMSOCIETYWELLINGTON.NET.NZ Wellington Film Society WELCOME
WELLINGTON FILM SOCIETY 2020 taking you further into film
Welcome to Wellington Film Society’s 2020 season of classic and contemporary cinema from around the world and our own doorstep.
Enjoy the big screen experience with us at The Embassy! • Exciting cinema that pushes the boundaries • See films you may never have heard of • Weekly screenings give you time to reflect • Guest speakers and Q&A with filmmakers • Exceptional value – a full membership subscription works out at under $4 a film (even less with discounted membership) • Great discounts at local cinemas (Roxy Cinema, The Embassy, Penthouse Cinema, all Lighthouse Cinemas), and the New Zealand International Film Festival 2020 – Wellington, 31 July–16 August
The Wellington Film Society, now in its 74th year, is affiliated to the NZ Federation of Film Societies, New Zealand’s only alternative non-profit network of film exhibition.
Members only Membership gives free access to all our films. The Wellington Film Society is open to everyone. However, we operate on a subscription basis to comply with conditions of distribution. Join online or by filling in the attached form.
The Wellington Film Society is run on behalf of its members by a voluntary committee elected at the Annual General Meeting. We are a registered charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 and have donee status approved by Inland Revenue. If you wish to give us extra financial support in our efforts to secure great films to screen, please use the ‘donation’ box on the application form and a receipt will be issued for you to claim with your tax return.
We acknowledge the generous assistance of Institut Français, Goethe-Institut, Confucius Institute, and Wellington City Council. Programming by Michael McDonnell, NZ Federation of Film Societies, www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz. This brochure is published by Wellington Film Society Inc, PO Box 1584, Wellington 6140.
[email protected] www.filmsocietywellington.net.nz wellingtonfilmsociety @wgtnfilmsoc @wgtnfilmsoc CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (3D)
OPENING NIGHT
CREATURE FROM THE Jack Arnold | USA | 1954 | DCP | PG Cert BLACK LAGOON (3D) A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study. “… a good piece of science-fiction of the beauty and the beast school, the beast in this case being a monstrous combination of man and fish. It makes for solid horror-thrill entertainment..” — Hollywood Reporter
ABBAS KIAROSTAMI
WHERE IS THE Abbas Kiarostami | Iran | 1987 | HD | Censors rating TBC FRIEND’S HOUSE? A young boy must return a notebook to a classmate, Khaneh-je doost kojast? but does not know where his friend lives. Kiarostami’s breakthrough film turns this simple premise into “a miraculous child’s-eye adventure of the everyday.” — IFC Center
AND LIFE GOES ON… Abbas Kiarostami | Iran | 1992 | HD | PG cert Zendegi va digar hich In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, a filmmaker and his son return to a remote village. “A stunningly lyrical and eloquent exploration of both rural village life and the nature of artistic responsibility.” — NY Times
THROUGH THE Abbas Kiarostami | Iran | 1994 | HD | G cert OLIVE TREES This multi-layered film-about-filmmaking explores Zir-e darakhtan-e zeyton the drama behind the scenes. “It’s a witty, poignant, illuminating film about cinema’s potential as a unifying force… Sheer brilliance.” – Time Out DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST
CLASSIC AND CULT
THE SEDUCTION Lina Wertmüller | Italy | 1972 | HD | R18 OF MIMI Wertmüller’s raucous comedy takes aim at her country’s Mimi metallurgico corrupt government, compromised labour leaders and ferito nell’onore the Neanderthal sexual politics of the men in power, with uproarious results.
DAUGHTERS OF Julie Dash| USA | 1991 | HD | PG cert THE DUST Set in 1902 as an African-American family prepares to leave their island home for the mainland, this groundbreaking debut remains urgent, poetic and resonant, most recently inspiring Beyoncé’s Lemonade.
MODEL SHOP Jacques Demy | USA | 1969 | HD | Censors rating TBC The French maestro’s short tenure in Hollywood produced this seldom seen feature starring Anouk Aimée and Gary Lockwood as an architect facing the draft. “One of the great movies about LA” — Time Out
STRANGE DAYS Kathryn Bigelow | USA | 1995 | HD | R18 violence, sexual violence & offensive language Los Angeles in the final 48 hours of the 20th century is the setting for this hyper-kinetic, cyberpunk brain- scrambler that proves both fascinating and prescient. “Brilliant, provocative filmmaking.” — Time Out
THE CHANT OF JIMMIE Fred Schepisi | Australia | 1978 | HD | R18 BLACKSMITH An Aboriginal man with non-indigenous ancestry is provoked past endurance in this powerful adaptation of Thomas Keneally’s acclaimed novel. “A great and tragic national epic.” — Variety ARMY OF SHADOWS
CLASSIC AND CULT FRENCH CONNECTIONS
THE SEDUCTION Lina Wertmüller | Italy | 1972 | HD | R18 BOB LE FLAMBEUR Jean-Pierre Melville | France | 1956 | DCP | PG cert OF MIMI Wertmüller’s raucous comedy takes aim at her country’s Bob is a thief with a code of honour and a perfect plan Mimi metallurgico corrupt government, compromised labour leaders and to rob the casino in this crime classic. “Melville’s drollest, ferito nell’onore the Neanderthal sexual politics of the men in power, most likeable gangster movie… Exceedingly light on its with uproarious results. feet.” — Village Voice
DAUGHTERS OF Julie Dash| USA | 1991 | HD | PG cert LÉON MARIN, PRIEST Jean-Pierre Melville | France | 1961 | DCP | THE DUST Set in 1902 as an African-American family prepares PG sexual references to leave their island home for the mainland, this Icons of the French New Wave, Jean-Paul Belmondo groundbreaking debut remains urgent, poetic and and Emmanuelle Riva, star as a cleric and a Communist resonant, most recently inspiring Beyoncé’s Lemonade. drawn together through love. “A triumph of mood, setting, and innuendo.” — Criterion Collection MODEL SHOP Jacques Demy | USA | 1969 | HD | Censors rating TBC The French maestro’s short tenure in Hollywood ARMY OF SHADOWS Jean-Pierre Melville | France | 1961 | DCP | produced this seldom seen feature starring Anouk L’armée des ombres M medium level violence Aimée and Gary Lockwood as an architect facing the Starring Lino Ventura and Simone Signoret, this tale of draft. “One of the great movies about LA” — Time Out the French Resistance during WWII “grips tighter than a Gestapo handcuff… a film of noirish compositions and STRANGE DAYS Kathryn Bigelow | USA | 1995 | HD | fantastic cool.” — The Independent R18 violence, sexual violence & offensive language Los Angeles in the final 48 hours of the 20th century is YOUNG SOLITUDE Claire Simon | France | 2018 | HD | Exempt the setting for this hyper-kinetic, cyberpunk brain- Premières solitudes A candid and uniquely collaborative group portrait of scrambler that proves both fascinating and prescient. high school students at a suburban Parisian school from “Brilliant, provocative filmmaking.” — Time Out filmmaker Claire Simon, providing a subtly radical model for how young people deserve to be seen and heard. THE CHANT OF JIMMIE Fred Schepisi | Australia | 1978 | HD | R18 BLACKSMITH An Aboriginal man with non-indigenous ancestry is provoked past endurance in this powerful adaptation of Thomas Keneally’s acclaimed novel. “A great and tragic national epic.” — Variety
French Connections is screened in cooperation with the Institut Français and the Embassy of France ORLANDO
TILDA SWINTON
ORLANDO Sally Potter | UK | 1992 | HD | PG sexual references Tilda Swinton strides through four centuries of history, switching genders as she goes, in Sally Potter’s gorgeous, playful subversion of British Heritage cinema. With Billy Zane, and Quentin Crisp as Elizabeth I.
I AM LOVE Luca Guadagnino | Italy | 2009 | HD | M sex scenes Io sono l’amore As wife to the heir in a wealthy Milanese family, Tilda Swinton is at the centre of this lush Italian drama. “An exquisite, all-enveloping feast of sensual pleasures. It’s almost certainly the most elegant piece of cinema you’ll see this year.” — The Times
ONLY LOVERS LEFT Jim Jarmusch | UK/Germany | 2013 | HD | ALIVE M offensive language Tom Hiddleston joins Tilda Swinton to play Adam and Eve, blood-sipping lovers since time began, in Jim Jarmusch’s impossibly cool foray into vampirism. “Passionate and consummately chic.” — Screendaily
MIDDLE EAST CINEMA
CAPHARNAÜM Nadine Labaki | Lebanon | 2018 | HD | Capernaum M violence, offensive language & drug use A runaway boy sues his parents for bringing him into the world in this tale of against-the-odds resilience. “Nadine Labaki’s journey through the slums of Lebanon thrills with compassion and heart.” — Time Out
TEHRAN TAXI Jafar Panahi | Iran | 2015 | HD | PG, offensive language Pretending to be a taxi driver negotiating the streets of Tehran, the internationally acclaimed filmmaker makes a fascinating movie about his own role as a forbidden storyteller and life in contemporary Iran. THE FLORIDA PROJECT
SPACES AND PLACES
COLUMBUS Kogonada | USA | 2017 | HD | M offensive language & drug references In this charming debut a young librarian and an out-of-town visitor bond in Columbus, Indiana, via conversations about life, relationships and the city’s exceptional modern architecture.
THE FLORIDA PROJECT Sean Baker | USA | 2017 | HD | R13 violence, offensive language, drug use & sexual references A visionary take on the wild ups and dangerous downs of life in America’s underbelly from Tangerine director Sean Baker, featuring an Oscar-nominated turn from Willem Dafoe. “Vibrant and brimming with vitality.” — Empire
NEIGHBOURING Kleber Mendoça Filho | Brazil | 2012 | HD | SOUNDS M sex scenes, offensive language & drug use O som ao redor This drama set on a prosperous street near a poor neighbourhood in coastal Brazil makes for compulsive viewing. “The mastery of pacing, theme and stylistic eccentricity throughout… is so assured as to be breathtaking.” — Film Comment
EXHIBITION Joanna Hogg | UK | 2013 | HD | M sex scenes & offensive language A handsome modernist London townhouse has the power and presence of a third character in this dramatic portrait of its owners, an artist couple on the brink of change. “Challenging, sensual, brilliant filmmaking.” — Guardian SKATE KITCHEN
CONTEMPORARY CINEMA
CERTAIN WOMEN Kelly Reichardt | USA | 2016 | HD | M offensive language & nudity Laura Dern, Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart are beautifully attuned to Meek’s Cutoff director Kelly Reichardt’s intimately observed, interwoven tales of three independent women in contemporary small town Montana.
I AM NOT A WITCH Rungano Nyoni | UK/Zambia | 2017 | HD | PG adult themes Set in Zambia, the birthplace of writer-director Rungano Nyoni, this strange, engrossing feature addresses the continuing marginalisation of ‘witches’ and the accusations against a nine-year-old girl.
IXCANUL VOLCANO Jayro Bustamante | Guatamala/France | 2015 | HD | M sex scenes, offensive language & nudity Guatemala’s active Pacaya volcano is a symbol of both ancient traditions and modern threats in this absorbing, beautifully shot film about the consequences of a peasant girl’s strategy to avoid an arranged marriage.
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY Francis Lee | UK | 2017 | HD | R16 nudity, offensive language, sexual material & content that may disturb Filmed on the Yorkshire Dales where he grew up, Francis Lee’s debut tells the poignant story of a hard-drinking lad who keeps his emotions in check until a handsome Romanian immigrant comes to work on the family farm.
SKATE KITCHEN Crystal Moselle | USA | 2018 | HD | M offensive language, sexual references & drug use The Wolfpack director returns with a free-wheeling, often funny fiction debut about girl skateboarders in New York City, featuring real-life crew Skate Kitchen.
ARCTIC Joe Penna | Iceland/USA | 2018 | HD | M offensive language & content that may disturb This snowbound endurance thriller, shot spectacularly on location in Iceland, stars Mads Mikkelsen as the sole survivor of an air crash, stranded somewhere in the barren wastlelands of the Arctic.
UP THE MOUNTAIN Zhang Yang | China | 2018 | DCP | Censors rating TBC This visually arresting film takes us to a mountaintop village in China, where the simple rituals and traditions of unhurried, everyday life are captured in vibrant folk paintings.
Up the Mountain screens in cooperation with the Confucius Institute, Victoria University of Wellington. TO BE OR NOT TO BE
GERMAN CINEMA
IN THE AISLES Thomas Stuber | Germany | 2018 | HD | M violence In den Gängen Franz Rogowski and Sandra Hüller head a superb cast in this tender, lyrical film about friendship and romance on the night shift in a wholesale market. “A poignant and richly sympathetic film.”— Guardian
3 DAYS IN QUIBERON Emily Atef | Germany/Austria/France | 2018 | HD | 3 Tage in Quiberon PG coarse language In 1981 troubled actress and cult favourite Romy Schneider gave her final interview at a French resort. “Marie Bäumer is uncanny in this black-and-white homage to the Austrian-born movie star.” — Guardian
THE GARDEN Sonja Maria Kröner | Germany | 2017 | HD | Sommerhäuser Censors rating TBC Writer-director Sonja Maria Kröner’s debut feature unfolds at an extended family gathering. “Family dynamics disintegrate during an expertly evoked, sunny but foreboding 1970s summer.” — Variety
CLOSING NIGHT
TO BE OR NOT TO BE Ernst Lubitsch | USA | 1942 | HD | PG Cert In memory of Ernest Lubitsch’s screwball masterpiece sees Carole Michael Thomas Lombard and Jack Benny deliver hilarious performances as actors in a theatre troupe in occupied Poland. The thespians must deliver the performances of their careers in order to prevent vital information reaching Nazi hands. “Lubitsch manages to brilliantly balance political satire, romance, slapstick, and wartime suspense in a comic high-wire act that has never been equaled.” — Criterion
German Cinema presented in cooperation with Goethe-Institut. Members free – public by koha at the door. Wellington Film Society 2020 SCHEDULE
The Embassy, 10 Kent Terrace, Mondays at 6.15 pm
2 Mar Opening night film: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 3D 79 mins 9 Mar 74th AGM (members and intending members) followed by: TEHRAN TAXI 82 mins 16 Mar CERTAIN WOMEN 107 mins 23 Mar COLUMBUS 104 mins 30 Mar I AM LOVE 120 mins 06 Apr IXCANUL VOLCANO 95 mins 13 Apr No Screening – Easter Monday 20 Apr WHERE IS THE FRIEND’S HOUSE? 87 mins 4 May THE SEDUCTION OF MIMI 112 mins 11 May AND LIFE GOES ON 91 mins 18 May THE FLORIDA PROJECT 111 mins 25 May ORLANDO 94 mins 1 June No Screening – Queen’s Birthday 8 Jun THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES 103 mins 15 Jun *IN THE AISLES 126 mins 22 Jun ARCTIC 97 mins 29 Jun SKATE KITCHEN 106 mins 6 Jul EXHIBITION 104 mins 13 Jul MODEL SHOP 97 mins 20 Jul I AM NOT A WITCH 95 mins 27 Jul CAPHARNAÜM 130 mins 31 Jul – 16 Aug NZ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 24 Aug BOB LE FLAMBEUR 98 mins 31 Aug THE CHANT OF JIMMIE BLACKSMITH 122 mins 7 Sep *THE GARDEN 97 mins 14 Sep LÉON MORIN, PRIEST 130 mins 21 Sep *3 DAYS IN QUIBERON 115 mins 28 Sep *UP THE MOUNTAIN 126 mins 5 Oct YOUNG SOLITUDE 100 mins 12 Oct NEIGHBOURING SOUNDS 131 mins 19 Oct ARMY OF SHADOWS 145 mins 26 Oct No Screening – Labour Day 2 Nov ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE 123 mins 9 Nov GOD’S OWN COUNTRY 105 mins 16 Nov STRANGE DAYS 145 mins 23 Nov DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST 112 mins 30 Nov TO BE OR NOT TO BE 99 mins In memory of Michael Thomas
* All Members Only except films screened in cooperation with Goethe-Institut and Confucius Institute which are also open to the public with admission by donation at the door. Membership: Our full year season membership runs for 12 months from the month of joining.
How to join: Join online at membership.nz/wfs/join or fill in the form on this brochure and present at any Wellington Film Society screening, 30 minutes before the film starts.
Discounted membership: A reduced-price 12-month membership is available to full-time students over 16, senior citizens, registered beneficiaries, and members of WIFT and film industry guilds.
Double membership: Available for any two people at the same address.
Youth membership: Available if you are aged 16 or under. Youth members gain entry to all films except those few classified R16 or R18.
Discounts: Present your card at the Embassy Theatre, the Roxy Cinema, the Penthouse (Mon-Thurs), and Lighthouse cinemas, and qualify for the student rate discount.
Festival benefits: Full membership entitles you to a discount on full-priced tickets at the International Film Festival, and discounts at most of the other film festivals. You also get free admission to Film Society screenings throughout New Zealand.
Three-film sampler: This gives access to any three films in the year of issue, but no discounts at the Film Festival, nor any other concessions. When you use up your three-film sampler, you can buy another or you can upgrade to a full year membership by paying the difference.
Keeping you informed: Our weekly e-newsletter, emailed every Friday morning during our programme season, outlines details of the following week’s film, and provides information about local film-related events.
Save: Existing members introducing a new full member to the Film Society will receive a $10.00 discount coupon, redeemable when renewing their own subscription.
Bring-a-buddy: Introduce a friend to Film Society. Simply bring them along for one free screening and get your membership card clipped on the corner. You can do this once a year per membership card.
For more information: Email us at [email protected]
We thank Event Cinemas for generously making the Embassy Grand available for our screenings. Wellington Film Society 2020 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM JOIN ONLINE at membership.nz/wfs/join or fill in this form and present at any Wellington Film Society screening (30 minutes before the film starts), or post to Freepost 3322, Membership Secretary, Wellington Film Society, PO Box 1584, Wellington 6140. For applications by post, allow 2 weeks for processing. Please note that screenings are open to members only, unless otherwise indicated, and censor’s ratings apply. Full details of membership benefits at www.filmsocietywellington.net.nz
RENEWING MEMBER/S
Card no
Name/s
If your address has changed, please fill in your new details in the space below.
NEW MEMBER/S
First Last name name First Last name name
Address
Postcode Phone
Email (Used for sending you our e-newsletter or screening information)
Single Member...... $120 Double Members. . .$220 Discounted ...... $110 Youth Member. . . . $50 3 Film Sampler...... $40 Plus Donation $ ...... • All prices are GST inclusive • Membership runs for 12 months from month of joining • Double membership is available to any two people at one address • Discounted membership is available to students, members of WIFT, film industry guilds, senior citizens, and registered beneficiaries (with ID) • Youth Member is anyone 16 years or younger • 3 Film Sampler gives access to any 3 films but no discounts or benefits at the International Film Festival. It can be used to upgrade to a full season membership. Lost cards can be replaced for $5 • All memberships are non-transferable.
Cheque: I enclose $
Name on Cheque
Credit Card: Fill in ONLY if joining by mail
Charge my Visa Mastercard Expiry ______/ ______No
Signature
In accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, we advise members that we will maintain your name and address on file for corresponding with you. You are welcome to access and correct your information by writing to us or enquiring at our screenings. If you do not wish to receive advice on other film related events, which the committee may decide to share with you from time to time, let us know.
Office Use Only:
Amount received: $ ______Date: ______/ ______/ ______
Membership No. ______Discount Coupon: yes / no