This film examines the life and legend of Warhol transvestite superstar Jackie Curtis, a poet, playwright, performer and one of the great personalities of his time. Superstar In a Housedress includes interviews with 30 people who knew or worked with Curtis, including Alexis Del Lago, Harvey Fierstein, Paul Morrissey, Lily Tomlin, John Vaccaro, Holly Woodlawn and others. In addition, media personalities, writers and literary editors put Curtis' work and life in historical perspective. The film, which won Best Documentary at the Toronto Inside Out Film Festival, will be introduced by Marie Cartier, screenwriting lecturer in UC Irvine's Department of Film and Media Studies. There will also be a special appearance by Del Lago. UC Irvine, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., May 17, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
also showing
All About Eve.A portrait of backstage backstabbing and manipulation, All About Eveis a classic Bette Davis film, filled with sharp dialogue and entertaining performances.Cinema City, 5635 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, (714) 970-6700. Wed., 7 p.m. $8.
El Calentito. This film combines the political changes occurring in Spain in the early '80s with the nascent punk scene. On the eve of a military coup in 1981, Las Sioux are preparing for a showcase for a music company they hope will produce their first album. This film is being screened as part of UCI's Latin American Film Festival. UC Irvine, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Sat., 7 p.m. $3-$5.
China—Beyond the Clouds. The first of two National Geographic Society films that takes the viewer to the small town of Lijiang to learn about life in China. An intense journey into the dreams, anxieties and joys of ordinary people living in an extraordinary time. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org. Fri., 1:30 p.m. Free with admission ($12-$17).
The Iron Wall. This powerful documentary reviews the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the failed peace agreements, the Israeli occupation and settlements, and the disruptive impact of the wall on the Palestinian economy and the peoples' lives. Hosted by the Cousins Club of Orange County, a discussion will follow. Irvine Ranch Water District Headquarters, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, (949) 642-5767; www.cousinscluboc.org. Tues., 7:30 p.m. Free.
Love in the Afternoon. Billy Wilder directs Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn in this comedy about the mutual attraction between an older playboy and the daughter of the private investigator who has been hired to spy on him. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
A Maquina. In Nordestina, a godforsaken little town lost in the wilderness, young Karina dreams of becoming an actress and wants to see the world. A story in which dreams contradict reality, geographic and political conditions threaten to restrain life, and love plays the ultimate transformative role, this film is being screened as part of UCI's Latin American Film Festival. UC Irvine, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., May 10, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
Shanghai Kiss. Directed by Kern Konwiser, Shanghai Kiss concerns a struggling Chinese-American actor who inherits his grandmother's home in Shanghai and moves to the electrifying city where he falls for a sophisticated Chinese woman.Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-1122; www.ocma.net. Thurs., May 10, 8:30 p.m. Free.
Shower. A successful businessman who lives in a distant city returns home temporarily to the fold of the closed world of his father's bathhouse. The experiences of this Chinese man caught between two worlds provide a delightful and comedic portrayal of everyday life that is both observant and sentimental. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org. Thurs., May 10, 7:30 p.m. $8-$10. For reservations to the pre-film dinner, call Tangata Restaurant at (714) 550-0906. The dinner costs $30.
Student Thesis Films. This showcase of features from graduate students in the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University includes The Line, directed by Kent Bassett; Nothing but the Best, directed by Roger Ramer; The Passing, directed by Saqib Siddik; and Tragedy, directed by Doug Meyer. Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater, Chapman University, 283 N. Cypress, Orange, (714) 997-9700. Fri., 7 p.m. Free.
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.
