Four films that came close, but didn’t capture the Academy Award. That doesn’t mean they weren’t worthy of it, considering their impact on audiences across borders.
LECTURES:
1. "After the Wedding" (Denmark, 2007) In a drama confronting complex family dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the clash between altruism and personal needs, a man who dedicates his life to helping street children in India, is forced to return to Denmark to enlist the help of a wealthy benefactor, and discovers a secret connection, leading to emotional turmoil and difficult choices. Running time: 124 min.
2. "Before the Rain" (Macedonia, 1995) In a drama portraying the cyclical nature of violence and the fragility of peace, the film explores the escalating ethnic tensions in Macedonia. A young monk, a war photographer, and a woman caught between two worlds find their lives intertwined as conflict erupts. Running time: 113 min.
3. "Entre Nous" (France, 1984) Exploring female friendship, and liberation from societal constraints the film follows complex relationship between two women, pursuing personal fulfillment through shared dreams, while navigating personal and societal challenges in post WW II France. Running time: 110 min.
4. "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom" (Bhutan, 2022) In a story concerning the clash between modern aspirations and traditional ways of life, a young teacher in Bhutan with dreams of a music career is sent to teach in a remote and isolated village in the Himalayas. Running time: 110 min.
Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.
Shelly Isaacs, M.A., is the founder and host of Café Cinematheque International, a foreign language film program in South Florida, and launched Cinematheque at Sea, a film program available on luxury cruises worldwide, in 2009. A former advertising creative director, he holds a master’s degree in media ecology from NYU and has taught graduate-level cultural studies courses.
"These evenings of foreign masterpieces are the highlights of our week!" OLLI Patron
