Second Week Of Festival (Press, 28 July 1983)

The Christchurch International Film Festival is set to enter its second week at the Carlton, starting with the film “Querelle,” directed by renowned German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder, who passed away recently. This sexually-themed movie, based on Jean Genet's novel "Querelle de Brest," offers a blend of art and intrigue, depicting a beautifully alluring sailor whose self-obsession leads to danger for those around him. Acknowledging the Canterbury Film Society's contributions to the festival, the screening times for "Querelle" are scheduled for 2, 5.15, and 8.15 p.m. on the opening day. On Saturday, audiences will be treated to “Moonlighting,” an English film starring Jeremy Irons, which critiques the military crackdown in Poland during the early 1980s and showcases a surreal take on leadership challenges. The day also features “The Grass is Singing,” a joint Swedish/Zambian production set in South Africa that critiques apartheid's more insidious aspects while highlighting racial tensions and the struggles of women. Sunday's line-up includes "The Great Chess Movie," a documentary exploring the intersection of chess with international politics, and the horror anthology "Creepshow," directed by George A. Romero. The latter consists of five distinct stories featuring bizarre and chilling scenarios, including a meteor-induced fungal outbreak and a wife's resurrection. Monday's films include “Laura,” a romantic tale about an obsessive affair between a young girl and a middle-aged sculptor set in Southern France, and “The Decline of Western Civilisation,” a documentary that provides a raw look at the punk rock movement through the lens of various Los Angeles bands. Tuesday features “My Dinner With Andrew," a minimalist film focusing on two friends' conversation over dinner, alongside “The Nest," a platonic yet sexually suggestive narrative about a widower and a young girl, and “Diner,” a nostalgic look at five friends navigating their youth in the 1950s. On Wednesday, the festival will screen “Mephisto,” an adaptation of Klaus Mann's anti-fascist novel about an actor's moral sacrifice during the Third Reich, followed by Francis Ford Coppola's “One From the Heart,” which blends romance, comedy, and musical elements. Thursday's offerings include “Taxi Zum Klo," an autobiographical narrative by Frank Ripploh that reflects his life as a homosexual school teacher in Berlin, and “Melvin and Howard,” a film based on Melvin Dummar's claim of giving a ride to Howard Hughes, who allegedly bequeathed a portion of his fortune to him. The festival provides a diverse selection of films that explore various themes, including sexuality, political commentary, and personal relationships, ensuring attendees experience a rich array of cinematic storytelling throughout the week.

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