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This rare screening of this film cannot be recommended highly enough. Created as a piece of communist propaganda by director Mikheil Kalatozishvili, the film was censored in the United States until 1992. Regardless of the politics, what is truly extraordinary about this film is the way in which the stories are told, utilizing revolutionary camera techniques that were later utilized by such luminaries as Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson and countless others. Especially notable is the legendary swimming pool scene in which in one unbroken take, the camera travels from the top of a hotel down into the swimming pool. Unexciting today perhaps, but keep in mind this film was made in 1964 well outside of Hollywood, ideologically and geographically. Truly a beautiful film, despite the occasionally clunky storyline and broad characterizations. Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, (562) 437-1689; www.molaa.org. Sun., 3:30 p.m. Free.
Bells Are Ringing. Paging Dr. Freud! Judy Holliday plays a telephone operator who falls in love with one of her callers (Dean Martin), who calls her "Mom" due to her habit of speaking to him in an old lady voice. Wish I could explain further, but I haven't seen this movie yet. Keep an eye out for Frank Gorshin, The Riddler from TV's Batman, in a supporting role. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
Brazilian Avant-Garde. UC Irvine Film and Video Center presents a double feature that begins with Brazilian artist Florian Pumhösl's 8-minute short Program, which concerns the origins of Sao Paulo's modern movements, and Sao Paulo, a symphonia da metropole, a 79-minute, 1929 film directed by Adalberto Kemeny and Rudolf Rex Lustig that's considered important for documenting the rise of the Sao Paulo metropolis. Equally important—some film historians consider it to be one of the best Brazilian films ever made—is the second part of the double feature, Limite, a 1931 film directed by Mario Peixoto that focuses on the limits faced by man in the struggle for existence. UCI, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Feb. 1.Program and Sao Paulo, a symphonia da metropole, 6 p.m.; Limite, 8 p.m. $3-$5.
Hotel Gondolin. Argentinian director Fernando Lopez Escriva's documentary about a hotel in Brazil that houses transsexuals and transgendered sex workers has appeared in international film festivals and is now being screened at a Garden Grove nightclub. The Frat House, 8112 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, (714) 373-3728; www.frathouseniteclub.com. Tues., 8:30 p.m. $5. 21+.
Jewish Film Festival. This second annual festival, stretching over two days, showcases award winning international films spanning genres and exploring the Jewish cultural identity. Screenings include Radu Mihaileanu's Live and Become, Dani Levy's Go For Zucker, Yaron Zilberman's Water Marks, Eric Greenberg Anjou's A Cantor's Tale and Ari Sandel's West Bank Story. Cal State Long Beach's University Theatre, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 426-7601, ext. 1012; www.alpertjcc.org/LongBeachJewishFilmFestival.aspx. Sat.-Sun., Jan. 27-28. For times, log onto the website or contact Nancy Weinberger at the above phone number. $10 per film; $36 for festival pass. All ages.
911 Mysteries. This film addresses lingering questions some have regarding the 9/11 tragedy. The screening is followed by an open forum discussion of the film. Bring an open mind AND mouth. Java Co., 15286 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, (714) 523-2844. Thurs., Feb. 1, 8 p.m. Free.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Haven't already seen this movie a million goddamn times? Then come on out to the Queen Mary this Saturday for the requisite midnight screening. Royal Theater aboard the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., 11:45 p.m. $8.
Sir! No Sir!The Coastal Convergence Society screens David Zeiger's documentary about the development of the Vietnam anti-war movement from within the military. Roundtable Pizza, 19750 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, (714) 964-2162. Thurs., Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Free. When calling for info, ask for Tom Lash.
The World. This 2004 film from China is an examination of modern Chinese life as experienced by the employees at Beijing's World Park, described in the press release as "a bizarre cross-cultural pollination of Las Vegas and Epcot Center." Throughout the the film, director Jia Zhangke (channeling at times legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu) portrays his characters' malaise in the face of a world which is changing much faster than human psychology is meant to endure. This UC Irvine Film and Video Center screening is preceded by a lecture titled "Fantasy and Reality of a Virtual China in Jia Zhangke's Film: The World" given by Professor Lu Tonglin of the University of Montreal. UCI, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Jan. 25, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
Mail your press releases (and a videotape or disc, if available) to Special Screenings,OC Weekly, 1666 N. Main St., Ste. 500, Santa Ana, CA 92701-7417. Or send e-mail to tchild@ocweekly.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
