A Useful Life (La Vida Útil) & The Ultimate Survivor
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Director: Federico Veiroj.
Uruguay; UK, 2010.
126 mins. Spanish; English with English subtitles.
A USEFUL LIFE (LA VIDA UTIL) (67 mins):
A timely yet magical film for everyone who is working in or passionate about cinematheques. Jorge (played by Uruguayan film critic Jorge Jellinek) has been devoted to Montevideo's cinematheque for 25 years when he is faced with its imminent closure due to funding cuts and demands that only 'profitable' events be held. An ode to the black-and-white silent film era, "A Useful Life" takes a turn when Jorge finds himself unemployed and in need of a new distraction. He pursues his love and soon becomes a protagonist in his own romantic movie.
THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR (59 mins):
Director and writer Philip Hind’s first solo project is an in depth look at one of Oxford’s historic and unusual landmarks; the Picture Palace cinema. The owners, staff, cinemagoers and historians celebrate its 100th anniversary in this centennial-spanning look at how the cinema deserved the proudly bared title of ‘the ultimate survivor’. Overcoming neglect, squatters and the very real threat of demolition, the Picture Palace has proved it is not just a historical icon but also a much beloved feature of Oxford’s current cultural scene. The documentary is a permanent testament to the importance of a local cinema with a bright future.
A timely yet magical film for everyone who is working in or passionate about cinematheques. Jorge (played by Uruguayan film critic Jorge Jellinek) has been devoted to Montevideo's cinematheque for 25 years when he is faced with its imminent closure due to funding cuts and demands that only 'profitable' events be held. An ode to the black-and-white silent film era, "A Useful Life" takes a turn when Jorge finds himself unemployed and in need of a new distraction. He pursues his love and soon becomes a protagonist in his own romantic movie.
THE ULTIMATE SURVIVOR (59 mins):
Director and writer Philip Hind’s first solo project is an in depth look at one of Oxford’s historic and unusual landmarks; the Picture Palace cinema. The owners, staff, cinemagoers and historians celebrate its 100th anniversary in this centennial-spanning look at how the cinema deserved the proudly bared title of ‘the ultimate survivor’. Overcoming neglect, squatters and the very real threat of demolition, the Picture Palace has proved it is not just a historical icon but also a much beloved feature of Oxford’s current cultural scene. The documentary is a permanent testament to the importance of a local cinema with a bright future.
Screenings
Arts Picturehouse
Thursday 22 September, 10:00AM
Reviews
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