World Film Fest at Skokie Public Library
Winter-Spring 2012
The Library will present another season of critically acclaimed world films, reflective of the diverse culture of Skokie. A short discussion will follow each movie, unless otherwise noted.
| Monday, March 5 | Snow Flower and the Secret Fan |
| Monday, April 2 | Life, Above All |
| Monday, May 7 | I've Loved You So Long |
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (China & US)
Released 2011 – 104 minutes – PG-13 for sexuality, violence/disturbing images, and drug use
In Mandarin and English with English subtitles
In 19th century China, two girls are pledged as lifelong companions. Through the years, their friendship is sorely tested, yet the two stay connected via a secret language written between the folds of a fan. In present day Shanghai, their descendants Sophie and Nina find themselves drawing inspiration from the past as they struggle to maintain their intimate friendship in the face of life's complications. Based on the novel by Lisa See.
| Acclaim: | |
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“An emotionally powerful tale.” – The Hollywood Reporter |
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“It's a three-handkerchief weepie untainted by ugly politics.” – Observer (UK) |
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“A quality arthouse film, beautifully photographed and very well acted.” – The Age (Australia) |
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“An intricate and beautiful film about friendship and its implications…” – Urban Cinefile |
Life, Above All (South Africa)
Released 2010 – 106 minutes – PG-13 for mature thematic material and some sexual content
In Northern Sotho with English subtitles
Twelve-year-old Chandra is left to care for her two younger siblings when her infant sister dies and her mother grows gravely ill, eventually fleeing because of rumor and superstition. The village turns against Chandra, but she is determined to find her mother and learn the truth. Based on the award-winning young adult novel Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton.
| Acclaim: | |
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Black Reel Awards – nominated – Outstanding Foreign Film |
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Dubai International Film Festival – 2nd place winner – Best Film |
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Image Awards – nominated – Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture |
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Leo Awards – winner – Best Screenwriting in a Feature Length Drama
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National Board of Review, USA – winner – Top Five Foreign Films |
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Film Festival screenings: Official Selection – Toronto International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Ebertfest, Human Rights Watch International Film Festival |
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Cannes Film Festival, Un Certain Regard |
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South Africa’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards |
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"Life, Above All" earns the tears it inspires. The film is about deep human emotions, evoked with sympathy and love. – Roger Ebert |
I've Loved You So Long (France)
Released 2008 – 117 minutes – PG-13 for thematic material and smoking
In French with English subtitles
After serving several years in prison, Juliette struggles to rebuild her relationship with her family and to find a place within society. The full story as to why she was in prison is slowly revealed throughout the film. Kristin Scott Thomas stars.
| Acclaim: | |
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BAFTA Awards – winner – Best Film Not in the English Language |
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BAFTA Awards – nominated – Best Leading Actress, Best Screenplay – Original |
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Berlin International Film Festival – winner – Prize of the Ecumenical Jury |
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Berlin International Film Festival – nominated – Golden Berlin Bear |
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British Independent Film Awards – nominated Best Foreign Independent Film |
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Chicago Film Critics Association Awards – nominated – Best Foreign Language Film |
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Chlotrudis Award – winner – Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress |
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Cesar Awards – winner – Best First Work, Best Supporting Actress |
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Cesar Awards – nominated – Best Actress, Best Film |
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European Film Awards – winner – Best Actress |
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Golden Globes – nominated – Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actress |
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Hollywood Film Festival – winner – Best Actress |
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London Critics Circle Film Awards – winner – Best Actress |
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Satellite Awards – nominated – Best Actress |
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Vancouver International Film Festival – winner – Most Popular Film |
