FRIDAY Movies to Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire

NewFest 2010 roars into full swing Friday with three foreign-language narratives.

We begin our program at 7PM with I Killed My Mother (J’ai Tue Ma Mere.) Former Canadian child actor Xavier Dolan writes, directs and stars in his story of a young man’s turbulent, compelling, and enraging relationship with his single mother, based in large part on true incidents from his own upbringing. I Killed My Mother is the openly gay heartthrob’s second feature length film, with a level of accomplishment and virtuosity in filmmaking already being compared to that of a young Pedro Almodovar… all the more impressive given Dolan’s young age: He just turned 21 this Spring. In French with English subtitles.

Next on tap is Leo’s Room (El Cuarte de Leo,) co-sponsored by the Global Film Initiative and the NY International Latino Film Festival. A runaway hit with audiences in several Spanish-speaking countries, it’s the story of wide-eyed gamin Leo as he comes to terms with his sexuality, true love, and the treachery of those who try to stand in his way. Our film guide calls director Enrique’s Buchichio’s work a “dreamy, nuanced character study with emotional layers.” In Spanish with English subtitles, Leo’s Room is preceded by a special screening of the 16-minute short film The Strongest, by Brazilian filmmaker Ricky Mastro. The event begins at 10PM.

Friday also marks the NewFest debut of From Beginning to End (Do Começo ao Fim,) easily our most controversial film of the season. Director Alusio Abranches challenges and titillates the viewer with his story of two model-gorgeous brothers whose close relationship evolves into a sexual one. Presented in a nonjudgmental fashion, From Beginning to End ultimately encourages the viewers to judge for themselves the ethical and moral implications of the two men’s (some say ilicit) love affair. From Brazil; in Portugese with English subtitles. The screening begins at 9PM.

Tickets are still available for all shows. Click the Buy Tickets link at the top of this page to purchase yours.