Twelfth Chch Festival Offers Film Feast (Press, 29 July 1988)

The 1988 Christchurch International Film Festival, commencing on 29 July, is set to showcase an impressive selection of 37 films from 14 countries, including several that have garnered international acclaim but will be screened in New Zealand for the first time. This twelfth edition of the festival, held at the Regent Theatre, features notable entries from China, where film restrictions have lightened. Among these is "King Of The Children," presented at the Cannes Film Festival, alongside the politically charged black comedy "The Black Cannon Incident." The festival's offerings include a diverse range of genres and styles. Highlights include Philip Kaufman's adaptation of Milan Kundera's “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” which explores themes of love and desire amidst the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia. Another anticipated film is Wim Wenders’s “Wings of Desire,” an imaginative tale about angels in contemporary society. Additionally, Claude Berri’s two-part drama “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des Sources” vividly depicts provincial life in France. The programming for the first week encompasses various films, appealing to different tastes. Spike Lee’s “She’s Got To Have It” premieres on the opening day, presenting a smart critique of societal stereotypes through the story of a woman navigating her relationships with three men. Tomorrow, the festival introduces “Bad Taste,” an over-the-top splatter film directed by New Zealand's Peter Jackson. Meanwhile, “Cannibal Tours” is a documentary highlighting the contrast between wealthy tourists and the indigenous culture in New Guinea. Other notable films include the award-winning “Babette's Feast,” a delicate exploration of art and food, and “The Time To Live and The Time To Die,” a poignant coming-of-age story from Chinese director Hou Hsiao-hsien. The festival also features “Angel Dust,” a thriller combining murder and supernatural elements, and “The Law Of Desire,” a tragicomedy from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar that delves into complex love dynamics. As the festival progresses, audiences can look forward to “Repentance,” a critical look at Stalinism from the Soviet perspective, alongside "Half Of Heaven," which underlines women's resilience within a restrictive culture. The week also features “The Belly Of An Architect,” starring Brian Dennehy as an architect facing personal turmoil in Rome, and concludes with the highly anticipated screening of “The Unbearable Lightness Of Being." The festival promises not just mainstream hits, but also a wealth of independent and international cinema, contributing to a rich cultural exchange for local audiences. With tickets now available for the screenings, attendees are encouraged to explore the full programme, available through local cinemas and libraries.

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