In the darkened cinema.

{Just the Wind}


{A Simple Life}


{Easy Money}


{Monsieur Lazhar}

I’ve jumped out of my skin once, tenth film in, during a brilliant and tense film about the murders of Roma families in a village in Hungary (in Just the Wind directed by Bence Fliegauf which though not a documentary is based on a series of actual killings in Hungary that claimed the lives of eight people). I was not alone in jumping from my seat. The man before me did too. As did a few to my right and further forward. The film festival may be a seated affair for hour upon hour, but the body is not asleep. You are aware of your body, from the sore knee joints by third session to the hot red cheeks when angry or confronted by a scene as it unfolds. You may be sitting still in the dark (save for the odd left leg crossed over right leg back to right leg over to left switcheroo etc.), but you are watching a film with more than eyes and you are feeling and responding. From arm prickles to galloping heart, even the suppressed cough so as not to interrupt a quiet scene or disturb those around you, this is a festival of heightened awareness. Sitting in the dark, I am aware of the tips of my toes to my head, from my inside thoughts to outside shell. Were it not for the lack of physical exertion, I’d say there was little bodily difference between myself as cinema patron and during a yoga or pilates class. Emerging from the darkened cinema, I am oft reminded of Ella in Hamilton's book Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky seeing, feeling, finding now "an entire world transfigured and charged with new meaning". Or, at least, that’s me, thirteen films down and aiming to reach fifty by festival close.

Since last I posted I have seen, Just the Wind, the beautifully understated A Simple Life (Ann Hui), Easy Money (Daniel Espinosa), and Monsieur Lazhar (Philippe Falardeau). I can recommend all, if curious, especially, Just the Wind and A Simple Life.
 
Sustenance now calls and I’ve a pot of vegetable soup to make for tonight’s tea.
 
+ Until the 12th of August through our Society6 store there is free shipping worldwide. Enjoy, friends. (Look! A certain red fox appears. Thanks Carolyn and Alice for sharing.)