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Super Hits, Vol. 10
Super Hits, Vol. 10
SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 2, 2005
Northwest Film Forum celebrates 10 years of great cinema!
Join us in revisiting some of the most memorable films and events from our ten years as Seattle's hardest-working and most adventurous arts organization! For the first time ever, all your favorite movies, performers and personalities are jam-packed into one spectacular festival! Don't miss this rare opportunity to see over two dozen super cinema hits the way they're meant to be seen! From classics to oddballs, Seattle cineastes to world masters, and tons of stuff you just won't see anywhere else, this series has everything! Tickets can be purchased individually or, as a special offer to NWFF members, a full series pass, good for admission to all 30 films/programs, can be purchased for only $19.95!
Super Hits gives you all the great film and fun you've come to expect from the Northwest Film Forum. We invite you to sit in the dark with us, revisit those familiar flickers...and catch a few you missed! And don't forget about our huge 10th Anniversary Party on Wed, Sept 21 starting at 8pm.
ALL THE SUPERHITS YOU CAN EAT!
What would you pay for a collection like this? $100? $200? More? Well we're offering the deal of a lifetime. For a limited time, Northwest Film Forum members can purchase a full series pass to Superhits for the unheard of price of only $19.95! (Not a member? Become one now!)
A Little Stiff
INTRODUCTION BY THE RADICAL JAMIE HOOK!
Sep 23, 2005
(Caveh Zahedi & Greg Watkins, USA, 1991, 35mm, 86 min.)
When we rescued and refurbished the Grand Illusion Cinema in 1997, Caveh Zahedi was the first visiting filmmaker, and his debut feature A LITTLE STIFF was one of the first films to grace the newly improved 30-year-old cinema. Caveh plays a neurotic film student whose therapist diagnoses him as fearful of uncertainty. In his sincere attempts to change and dwell with uncertainty, he finds his biggest obstacle: woman. The wheels of courtship stop and start throughout this hilarious indie comedy.
Dutch Harbor: Where the Sea Breaks its Back
Sep 29, 2005
(Braden King and Laura Moya, USA, 1998, 16mm, 80 min.)
In 1999, we presented this meditative non-fiction feature with a live score performed by the Boxhead Ensemble. We're happy to include a rare screening of the innovative, W.P.A.-meets-alt-rock documentary film, shown here in all its grainy celluloid glory.
Plays with THE LAST TEN MINUTES OF EXISTENCE (Jon Behrens, 2000, 16mm, 10 min.)
Written on the Wind
Print courtesy of Universal Pictures
Sep 30, 2005
(Douglas Sirk, USA, 1956, 35mm, 99 min.)
This one's for Hollywood!
A powerful, hallucinatory piece of purely emotional cinema, WIND was, like most of Sirk's films, overlooked and misunderstood during his lifetime. Today, Sirk is a primary influence on filmmakers as diverse as Todd Haynes, Pedro Almodovar, Guy Maddin and George Kuchar, and his films are revered as the very pinnacle of melodramatic art.
All the cinematic stops are pulled in this wrenching story of the very, very rich, whose lack of morality and character lead to ruin and death. Starring Rock Hudson and Lauren Bacall.
"I have seen WRITTEN ON THE WIND a thousand times, and I cannot wait to see it again." -Pedro Almodovar
Cold Water
Print courtesy of Universal Pictures
Sep 30, 2005
(Olivier Assayas, USA, 1994, 35mm, 92 min.)
With our ear to the ground and finger on the pulse, we've had the pleasure of premiering the theatrical run of the work of contemporary cinema's great French filmmakers: Francois Ozon, Arnaud Desplechin, Cedric Kahn, Bruno Dumont, Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Patrice Chereau, Olivier Assayas, and others.
A drifting, achingly beautiful story of teenage love and longing, this early Assayas film is one of his most personal. The 70s are recreated with loving, unsentimental nostalgia while pulsating classic rock tunes fill the soundtrack of what many consider to the director's best film.
The Gleaners and I
Print courtesy of Zeitgeist Films
Oct 01, 2005
(Agnes Varda, France, 2000, 35mm, 82 min.)
Early campaigners for documentary as big screen art rather than made-for-tv, we distilled our rallying cry in 2001 with our First Person Cinema documentary festival (2001-04), which anticipated the documentary explosion to come.
Here is a perfect example of what we're talkin' about: a delightful personal documentary from the Grand Dame of French cinema, GLEANERS seeks out those who thrive on what society discards. In her joyous investigation into a new way of looking at the world, filmmaker Varda finds heroes in the least likely of places.
Cremaster 2
Print courtesy of Palm Pictures
Oct 01, 2005
(Matthew Barney, USA, 1999, 35mm, 79 min.)
Always on the cutting edge, we premiered CREMASTER 5 & 2 only a year after their completion, acquiring them before they had secured any conventional theatrical distribution. Even edgier was having the west coast theatrical premiere of CREMASTER 2.
C2 is an epic western featuring Barney (as Utah serial killer Gary Gilmore), Norman Mailer (as Harry Houdini), Slayer's Dave Lombardo, and the Canadian Mounted Police.
This film will never release on home video (artist's restriction) so see it while you can.
Benny, Marty and Jerkbeast
Oct 01, 2005
(Brady Hall & Calvin Reeder, 2003, DV>BetaSP, 90 min.)
Outsider cinema is alive and well in Seattle!
From the brains of Brady Hall and Calvin Reeder come three unsuspecting heroes who rise to the peak of rock and roll stardom, only to face the most difficult challenge possible. Join one of the worst rock and roll bands EVER, along with their foul-mouthed drumming monster, in their lackluster rise to the top.
Plays with PHANTASM ORGASM (Rachel Lord, Super 8 + CD, 5 min.)
Best Children's Films Ever!
Oct 02, 2005
(Various directors, Various formats, 70 mins.)
Since purchasing the Grand Illusion Cinema in 1997, NWFF has dedicated itself to being the Northwest's premiere presenter of cinema for and by children.
Program includes the French cinema masterpiece THE RED BALLOON (Albert Lamorisse), the animated classic COCKABOODY (Faith and John Hubley), RENT'S DUE a homage to silent slapstick films (Andy McCone), avant garde theatre troupe The Compound's BLUECOATED STORY (Erich Maahs), and selected masterpieces of Czech animation.
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Print courtesy of Jeff Krulik
Sep 30, 2005
(Jeff Krulik, USA, 1986-2000, 114 min.)
What better way to remember our funky and eclectic Little Theatre (1999-2004) than to bring back the films of our favorite eclectic nut magnet and archivist of bizarre Americana, Jeff Krulik.
Coordinating his first-ever Northwest tour and retrospective back in 2003 was a wild ride. Don't miss this dirt-rockin, wrassslin', porn-obsessed, laugh-out-loud monkey-business stew of short films from the man that gave the world HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT.
The screening includes other not-to-be-missed shorts BLASSIE GOES TO WASHINGTON, KING OF PORN, I CREATED LANCELOT LINK, ERNEST BORGNINE ON THE BUS and Jeff's public access gibberish from his days in the industry!
Woman of Tokyo
ORIGINAL LIVE SCORE BY WAYNE HORVITZ Print courtesy of Criterion Collection/Janus Films
Oct 02, 2005
(Yasujiro Ozu, Japan, 1933, 35mm, 47 min.)
The complete existing work of master filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu graced our screens last winter, including ten rarely-seen silent films that lit the screen to the accompaniment of NWFF commissioned scores from some of Seattle's most talented musicians.
We are thrilled to bring back Wayne Horvitz to play his powerful score to Ozu's sizzling melodrama WOMAN OF TOKYO.
Elder sister Chikako secretly moonlights in a sleazy nightclub in order to put her brother Ryo through college. When the unsuspecting Ryo finds out, he attacks her for bringing shame to the family, then comes rapidly unhinged with guilt.
In Japanese with English subtitles.
$13/$10 NWFF members.
Breathless
Sep 24, 2005
(Jean-Luc Godard, France, 1960, 35mm, 87 min.)
We pay tribute to the ever inspiring new wave and its dean Jean-Luc Godard, whose films are often the entre into cinephilia. With only a thief, a girl and a gun, BREATHLESS rocked the film world when it debuted in 1960, and movies would never be the same. Print courtesy of New Yorker Films.
Plays with MEASURE (Dayna Hanson & Gaelen Hanson, 2000, 16mm, 7 min.)
Naked Proof
DIRECTOR JAMIE HOOK IN ATTENDANCE!
Sep 24, 2005
(Jamie Hook, USA, 2003, 35mm, 108 min.)
In honor of our filmmaking co-founders, Debra Girdwood and Jamie Hook, we are giving Seattle another chance to see the film they wrote together.
PROOF is a philosophical romantic comedy about a Ph D candidate whose questions about truth and life are further confused by the unexpected responsibility to care for a mysterious pregnant woman. Borrowing from classic screwball comedies, the sharp dialogue and real-life absurdities of PROOF showcase a strong new voice in American cinema. Print courtesy of Pinwheel Pictures.
Close-Up
Print courtesy of Zeitgeist Films
Sep 30, 2005
(Abbas Kiarostami, Iran, 1990, 35mm, 100 min.)
One our proudest achievements is championing Iranian cinema, especially the films of directors Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf. With five Seattle premieres and three Northwest premieres under our belt, we have shown everything from fiction to documentary to children's films from the fertile cinema of the Middle East.
In 1999, we had the Northwest premiere of CLOSE-UP, a film that breaks down all barriers between fact and fiction to tell the true story of a man arrested for impersonating the great Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The "actors" in the film are the actual people from the true story, with real footage from the imposter's trial cut in.
Plays with FOSTER ISLAND (Serge Gregory, 2004, 35mm, 6 min.)
"The greatest film of the 1990s!" -Godfrey Cheshire, NEW YORK PRESS
Best of WigglyWorld Studios
Sep 29, 2005
(Various directors, years and formats, 70 min.)
For the first time ever under one roof, we'll screen every short film funded and produced by WigglyWorld. Commissioned 35mm work, cinema trailers, performance oddballs and of course, all four auction films!
Wattstax
Thanks to Sony Pictures Repertory
Sep 28, 2005
(Mel Stuart, USA, 1973, 35mm, 103 min.)
Back when this 70s soul concert film was just a legendary lost treasure, we convinced the director to dig up the only existing print and present a rare screening in person. Join us in celebrating this vibrant documentary featuring Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, The Bar-Kays and commentary from Richard Pryor.
Schizopolis
INSPIRED BY RUMORS, BALD-FACED LIES, AND HALF-REMEMBERED DREAMS, STEVEN SODERBERGH'S
Sep 22, 2005
(Steven Soderbergh, USA, 1996, 35mm, 96 min.)
Ever diligent to never pass up crazy, in 1997 we had the WORLD THEATRICAL PREMIERE of (skitz * AH * puh * liss). A surprising follow-up to the critical and commercial hit SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE, this feverishly inventive satire on workaday boredom, sexual malfunction and Scientology was written, directed, produced and photographed by Soderbergh-he's even the star! For this very special screening we've got Mr. Soderbergh's own personal print (thanks Steve!).
Print courtesy of Steven Soderbergh.
Plays with POPULI (David Russo, 2002, 35mm, 8 min.)
"All attempts at synopsizing this film have ended in failure and hospitalization." -Steven Soderbergh
Secret Cinema Live!
Sep 23, 2005
Join us for a revival of an event that helped to destroy cinema as we knew it. One of the worst (or best-you decide) films of the 20th century will be held up for public examination and commentary by a beloved Seattle performance artist. We can't tell you the title of the film or the person involved, but we promise you won't be disappointed!
The Point
HARRY NILSSON'S CHILDREN'S CLASSIC
Sep 24, 2005
(Harry Nilsson & Fred Wolf, USA, 1971, 16mm, 74 min.)
Shown in 2002 at our annual Childish Film Festival, THE POINT is a perfect example of the creative, non-commercial family programming we've been dedicated to exhibiting.
This 70s animated classic based on songs by Harry Nilsson takes place in the land of Point, where everything - buildings, trees and even people - is pointed, except for one little round-headed kid named Oblio. Banished with his dog Arrow, Oblio makes an adventurous hero's journey through the mysterious "Pointless Forest." Don't miss the chance to see this beloved musical masterpiece on film.
Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation
Filmmaker in attendance! Two showings!
Sep 24, 2005
(Eric Zala, USA, 1982-1988, 115 min.)
Last winter, audiences were literally lined up around the block for the chance to see this unique, unforgettable cinematic experience that only NWFF could bring to town. Our rare screenings of this amazing, homegrown homage to Hollywood fantasy filled our cinemas with laughter. Don't miss this one-night encore of the rarely-seen home video epic remake painstakingly crafted in the 80s by three determined Mississippi kids!
Flowers of Shanghai
Print courtesy of Wellspring Films.
Sep 25, 2005
(Hou Hsiao-hsien, Taiwan, 1998, 35mm, 130 min.)
A great six weeks at NWFF was undoubtedly our Hou Hsiao-hsien retrospective in 2000. Kicking off the series was the Seattle premiere of FLOWERS OF SHANGHAI, which takes place in a luxurious 19th-century brothel where the elaborate rituals of social intercourse between customers and the women, the "flowers" of the title, provide a candid look into a fascinating society.
"If you care about the future of cinema you can't afford to miss it." -Jonathan Rosenbaum, CHICAGO READER
Match Factory Girl
Print courtesy of Kino International.
Sep 25, 2005
(Aki Kaurismaki, Finland/Sweden, 1989, 35mm, 68min.)
This film hits two birds with one stone for ol' NWFF. It was first shown as part of our Seattle-appropriate 2001 Festival of Depression series and our massive and wildly popular fourteen film 2004 Aki Kaurismaki retrospective.
A mousy factory girl's tragic and sad life gets worse and worse until revenge is her only hope. The muted brutality is woven with tense absurdity and repressed, stone-faced hilarity for a deadpan masterpiece.
Pickup on South Street
Sep 25, 2005
(Samuel Fuller, USA, 1953, 35mm, 80 min.)
One of our largest retrospectives was 1999's GUNSHOT FOR ACTION: The Films of Samuel Fuller in 1999, named for Fuller's notorious caprice on set of beginning each scene with a gunshot.
Rife with the stifling paranoia of Cold War America, this noir thriller of international intrigue centers on a master pickpocket (Richard Widmark) who stumbles into something much graver than petty theft when working his magic on the subway.
Money Buys Happiness
START-TO-FINISH #1
Sep 26, 2005
(Gregg Lachow, USA, 1999, 35mm, 109 min.)
The first film to receive the innovative WigglyWorld's Start-to-Finish grant, this charming mid-life crisis comedy follows a Seattle couple as they attempt to push a free piano across the city.
"This breezy, Seattle-made film is a charming black comedy with touches of poetic realism reminiscent of Godard or Renior." - 1999 Seattle Int'l Film Festival
Ladies and Gentleman The Fabulous Stains
Sep 26, 2005
(Lou Adler, USA, 1981, 35mm, 87 min.)
Over the past five years, we've been the Northwest's leading presenter of new, classic and rare music movies. One of the gems from our three-year Music+Film series at Experience Music Project, we love this rarely seen 80s music industry satire following angst-ridden Corinne "Third Degree" Burns (a 15-year-old Diane Lane) and her riot girl band's rise to fame. The film features appearances by Fee Waybill (The Tubes), Steve Jones and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols), and Paul Simonon (The Clash).
Don't miss this rare screening of a cult classic not available on video. Thanks to Paramount.
Plays with CHARM SCHOOL (Zola Mumford, USA, 1997, 16mm, 10 min.)
Buffalo Bill's Defunct
START-TO-FINISH #3
Sep 27, 2005
(Matt Wilkins, USA, 2004, 16mm>DV, 84 min.)
Bill, the aging patriarch of a semi-rural Washington family, is hell-bent on tearing down his barn with a hundred foot cable and a winch. His family watches in horror and fascination as the man they love drifts away from them.
The third feature produced through WigglyWorld's Start-to-Finish grant program, made by acclaimed Seattle filmmaker Matt Wilkins.
Nina Simone: Love Sorceress
Sep 27, 2005
(Rene Letzgus, France, 1976, BetaSP, 70 min.)
Here's one last chance to see this electrifying document of the legendary songstress in action, and if it leaves you wanting more then check out this year's line-up of hot jazz films.
Hedda Gabler
START-TO-FINISH #4
Sep 28, 2005
(Paul Willis, USA, 2004, BetaSP, 73 min.)
A woman in a small Central Washington town struggles against a new marriage and is forced to reckon with a life that falls short of her ideals.
The fourth feature made through NWFF's Start-to-Finish grant program, HEDDA is a daring, urgent update of the Norwegian masterpiece. Finding rich inspiration in the Dogme movement, Willis uses digital video to create an indelible, claustrophobic portrait of Hedda.
First Looks Shorts
Prints courtesy of Zeitgeist Films, The Director's Bureau, and Video Databank.
Oct 02, 2005
Continually championing new and exciting work by lesser-known artists, our programs have provided glimpses of future masters in their formative years, showcased great talents before the masses have caught on, and kept our audiences way ahead of the curve.
First Looks features shorts from two filmmakers who have released debut features this year to great acclaim: Miranda July (NEST OF TENS) and Mike Mills (DEFORMER).
Also included are short works by Guy Maddin (HEART OF THE WORLD, ODILON REDON) - whose newest film was made with NWFF's new production initiative The Film Company - and Michael Almreyda (THE ROCKING HORSE WINNER), whose new doc on the photographer William Eggleston premieres later this fall.
"HEART OF THE WORLD: the best 6 min. of your life!" - Jaime Keeling, NWFF Program Director