This podcast focuses on Criterion’s Eclipse Series of DVDs. Hosts David Blakeslee and Trevor Berrett give an overview of each box and offer their perspectives on the unique treasures they find inside. In this episode, David and Trevor are joined by Aaron West to discuss Pleasures of the Flesh and Violence at Noon, the first two films in Eclipse Series 21: Oshima’s Outlaw Sixties.
About the films:
Often called the Godard of the East, Japanese director Nagisa Oshima was one of the most provocative film artists of the twentieth century, and his works challenged and shocked the cinematic world for decades. Following his rise to prominence at Shochiku, Oshima struck out to form his own production company, Sozo-sha, in the early sixties. That move ushered in the prolific period of his career that gave birth to the five films collected here. Unsurprisingly, this studio renegade was fascinated by stories of outsiders—serial killers,...
About the films:
Often called the Godard of the East, Japanese director Nagisa Oshima was one of the most provocative film artists of the twentieth century, and his works challenged and shocked the cinematic world for decades. Following his rise to prominence at Shochiku, Oshima struck out to form his own production company, Sozo-sha, in the early sixties. That move ushered in the prolific period of his career that gave birth to the five films collected here. Unsurprisingly, this studio renegade was fascinated by stories of outsiders—serial killers,...
- 2/22/2016
- by David Blakeslee
- CriterionCast
The next Austin Film Society Essential Cinema Series, "Liv and Ingmar," will run on Thursdays at 7:30 pm from July 3-31 at the Marchesa. The following column from programmer Chale Nafus provides some context for the films.
Marlene Dietrich and Josef von Sternberg, John Wayne and John Ford, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorsese, Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater. Throughout film history there have been directors who frequently work with one particular actor through whom they can realize their cinematic dreams. Familiarity with an actor's face, body, voice, mannerisms and psychological depths can provide a director a preview of how a movie might look and sound even before the cameras roll.
Such was the 12-year relationship between Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann and Swedish writer/director Ingmar Bergman. Together they made eight feature films and one television miniseries, beginning with Persona (1966) and ending with Autumn Sonata (1978). They...
Marlene Dietrich and Josef von Sternberg, John Wayne and John Ford, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorsese, Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater. Throughout film history there have been directors who frequently work with one particular actor through whom they can realize their cinematic dreams. Familiarity with an actor's face, body, voice, mannerisms and psychological depths can provide a director a preview of how a movie might look and sound even before the cameras roll.
Such was the 12-year relationship between Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann and Swedish writer/director Ingmar Bergman. Together they made eight feature films and one television miniseries, beginning with Persona (1966) and ending with Autumn Sonata (1978). They...
- 6/30/2014
- by Chale Nafus
- Slackerwood
The Austin Film Series is wrapping up its "Rebel Rebel" series this weekend with a 35mm print of Female Trouble, the raunchy 1974 comedy from enfant terrible John Waters. It screens tonight and Sunday afternoon at the Marchesa. That's also the place to be on Thursday night as a new Essential Cinema series launches featuring some of the best collaborations of Liv Ullman and Ingmar Bergman. The first film of the series is 1966's Persona, screening in a 35mm print. Look for an article about the series on Monday by programmer Chale Nafus.
The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz has another eclectic week ahead of specialty screenings. On Saturday afternoon, you can view the late-era Marx Bros. classic, 1946's A Night In Casablanca. Also this week, there's a Bill & Ted double feature on Sunday that will include two new Mondo posters available for purchase, Russ Meyer's Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls...
- 6/27/2014
- by Matt Shiverdecker
- Slackerwood
The latest Austin Film Society Essential Cinema series, "Films of World War I," runs on Thursdays at 7:30 pm, from June 5-24, at the Marchesa. The following column from programmer Chale Nafus offers some background on the movies selected to screen.
In August 1914, World War I broke out in Europe, ostensibly because of the assassination of the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But Germany and France had been itching for war, the former to extend her territories, the latter to regain Alsace-Lorraine, lost to the Prussians in 1870. A series of interlocking treaties pulled Great Britain, Italy and Russia into the maelstrom until the entire continent was up in flames and running red with the blood of millions. Each side thought it would win and be home for Christmas.
Four years later, when the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918 (because of American military power entering the war in 1917 and exhaustion...
In August 1914, World War I broke out in Europe, ostensibly because of the assassination of the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But Germany and France had been itching for war, the former to extend her territories, the latter to regain Alsace-Lorraine, lost to the Prussians in 1870. A series of interlocking treaties pulled Great Britain, Italy and Russia into the maelstrom until the entire continent was up in flames and running red with the blood of millions. Each side thought it would win and be home for Christmas.
Four years later, when the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918 (because of American military power entering the war in 1917 and exhaustion...
- 6/2/2014
- by Chale Nafus
- Slackerwood
Two films each from directors Akira Kurosawa, Yasujiro Ozu, and Kenji Misoguchi form the basis for Austin Film Society's new Essential Cinema series, "6 by 3 Japanese Master Filmmakers." Lesser-known selections from each director's oeuvre will be shown at Afs at the Marchesa, on Thursdays from October 10 through November 14. If you've only seen Ozu's Tokyo Story, Kurosawa's greatest hits, or you are not exactly familiar with Misoguchi's works, Austin Film Society is providing a perfect opportunity to discover more classics of Japanese cinema.
The six films include one of Ozu's early films (as well as his own technicolor remake), two films by Misoguchi reflecting on gender roles in Japan's history, and two crime dramas from Kurosawa. I asked Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus about his selections for this series.
Slackerwood: Why were these films and directors chosen?
Chale Nafus: I generally program fairly recent films from Asia each year, but...
The six films include one of Ozu's early films (as well as his own technicolor remake), two films by Misoguchi reflecting on gender roles in Japan's history, and two crime dramas from Kurosawa. I asked Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus about his selections for this series.
Slackerwood: Why were these films and directors chosen?
Chale Nafus: I generally program fairly recent films from Asia each year, but...
- 10/7/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
If you're interested in seeking out cinema known for stirring up controversy over the years, set aside your upcoming Thursday nights to attend the next Austin Film Society Essential Cinema Series. "A Darkened Screen: Films That Were Banned" will feature six films that, for various reasons and subject matter, aroused disapproval from authorities and were not allowed to reach regular theater audiences.
Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus offers this explanation: "The basis for the series is not just films that have shocked. Rather, they are films that have been banned in various countries for political, religious, social or sexual reasons."
Nafus and Afs programmer Lars Nilsen searched through available titles of once-banned films (censorship can't be enforced forever, after all) to put together a series presenting distinct moments in history spanning different styles, aesthetics, and world views. As Nafus says in his introduction, "We are happy with the six selections we have made,...
Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus offers this explanation: "The basis for the series is not just films that have shocked. Rather, they are films that have been banned in various countries for political, religious, social or sexual reasons."
Nafus and Afs programmer Lars Nilsen searched through available titles of once-banned films (censorship can't be enforced forever, after all) to put together a series presenting distinct moments in history spanning different styles, aesthetics, and world views. As Nafus says in his introduction, "We are happy with the six selections we have made,...
- 8/29/2013
- by Caitlin Moore
- Slackerwood
The Austin Film Society hosted a Moviemaker Dialogue last week with Austin film editor Sandra Adair. Chale Nafus moderated the conversation, interviewing Adair and teasing her about his being cut out of Waking Life.
Adair told us that as a kid she wanted to paint, but in high school, she became inspired by her older brother's student film. Her first film job was as apprentice editor on Memory of Us in 1974. She'd moved up to assistant editor for her next movie, The Swinging Cheerleaders* (heh). She lived in Austin for a period of time -- during which she synced dailies as assistant editor on Outlaw Blues -- but moved back to L.A. soon afterwards.
The 1991 recession brought Adair back to our fair city. A connection at Texas Motion Pictures Services (which she said used to be located in a building behind Capital Plaza in northeast Austin) told her about...
Adair told us that as a kid she wanted to paint, but in high school, she became inspired by her older brother's student film. Her first film job was as apprentice editor on Memory of Us in 1974. She'd moved up to assistant editor for her next movie, The Swinging Cheerleaders* (heh). She lived in Austin for a period of time -- during which she synced dailies as assistant editor on Outlaw Blues -- but moved back to L.A. soon afterwards.
The 1991 recession brought Adair back to our fair city. A connection at Texas Motion Pictures Services (which she said used to be located in a building behind Capital Plaza in northeast Austin) told her about...
- 3/27/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
I reported last week on the imminent departure of Alamo Drafthouse programmer Lars Nilsen, an event that drove many to reminisce and memorialize as if it were the death of a dear family member. All is well, however, as yesterday the Austin Film Society announced that Nilsen will be joining the organization as Film Programmer. "At Afs, Lars will curate repertory series in addition to midnight movies, new releases, independent films and classics," the press release read.
These new Afs series will take place at The Marchesa Hall & Theatre -- which longtime Austinites will remember is in the old Lincoln Theatre location near Highland Mall, and new Austinites might know as the Blue Genie venue. Afs has a new partnership with the theater, which will have a new Dolby sound system and 35mm changeover projection for "Afs Cinematheque at the Marchesa" programs. Lars is joining Chale Nafus and Ryan Long on the Afs programming team,...
These new Afs series will take place at The Marchesa Hall & Theatre -- which longtime Austinites will remember is in the old Lincoln Theatre location near Highland Mall, and new Austinites might know as the Blue Genie venue. Afs has a new partnership with the theater, which will have a new Dolby sound system and 35mm changeover projection for "Afs Cinematheque at the Marchesa" programs. Lars is joining Chale Nafus and Ryan Long on the Afs programming team,...
- 2/28/2013
- by Mike Saulters
- Slackerwood
The feature-film selections for the 2013 SXSW Film Festival were announced last week and boy, are there a lot of movies with Austin connections on the program -- so many that we had to split this article in two! We'll start with the narrative feature films, and the second half will highlight the documentaries and "festival favorites." These lists don't include the short films or the midnight movies, which will be announced later today.
Headliners:
When Angels Sing -- Austin director Tim McCanlies' new film is based on a novel by Turk Pipkin (who also appears in the movie), wherein the main character has a troubled relationship with Christmas. Sometimes-Austinite Connie Britton stars as the wife, and the cast also includes Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Heather Kafka (who appears in four SXSW feature films this year), and the Red Headed Stranger himself! Elizabeth Avellan of Troublemaker Studios is one of the producers on this film,...
Headliners:
When Angels Sing -- Austin director Tim McCanlies' new film is based on a novel by Turk Pipkin (who also appears in the movie), wherein the main character has a troubled relationship with Christmas. Sometimes-Austinite Connie Britton stars as the wife, and the cast also includes Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Heather Kafka (who appears in four SXSW feature films this year), and the Red Headed Stranger himself! Elizabeth Avellan of Troublemaker Studios is one of the producers on this film,...
- 2/6/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
There are so many reasons to love October in Austin. The weather can be lovely, you can bring out long sleeves and perhaps even jackets, there are film festivals galore, and at the end you get Halloween. For me, every year I look forward to the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema series in October. If you've read Slackerwood for awhile you know this article has nothing to do with our relationship with Afs ... I really do get giddy about the series every year around this time. This year, with a title like "Late I Have Loved Thee: Latter Lubitsch," you know I'm bouncing around the room.
Why? Because Afs brings out a bunch of glorious classic Hollywood movies that I've been longing to see, or see again, or see in a theater since my only experience with them has been on a worn-out VHS tape. The selections often include great...
Why? Because Afs brings out a bunch of glorious classic Hollywood movies that I've been longing to see, or see again, or see in a theater since my only experience with them has been on a worn-out VHS tape. The selections often include great...
- 10/8/2012
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
By Dillan Harris
Director Alexandru Maftei's 2010 film, Buna! Ce Faci? (Hello! How Are You?) screened recently as part of the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema series "SEEFest, Films of Southeast Europe." SEEFest Los Angeles founder and director of programming Vera Mijojlic was on hand to share some thoughts about the movie.
Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus gave a brief introduction to the film and guest curator before the microphone stopped working. A few awkward moments passed before the problem was solved. "I think God was telling me to shut the (bleep) up," Nafus explained.
Nafus' candidness was reflected in the film itself, which was refreshingly, awkwardly and sometimes comically honest. Mijojlic mentioned that the film is the first comedy to come out of Romania in the last 20 years, and it is not without a subtle sense of melancholy. The story of Gabriel and Gabriela’s passionless marriage and...
Director Alexandru Maftei's 2010 film, Buna! Ce Faci? (Hello! How Are You?) screened recently as part of the Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema series "SEEFest, Films of Southeast Europe." SEEFest Los Angeles founder and director of programming Vera Mijojlic was on hand to share some thoughts about the movie.
Afs Director of Programming Chale Nafus gave a brief introduction to the film and guest curator before the microphone stopped working. A few awkward moments passed before the problem was solved. "I think God was telling me to shut the (bleep) up," Nafus explained.
Nafus' candidness was reflected in the film itself, which was refreshingly, awkwardly and sometimes comically honest. Mijojlic mentioned that the film is the first comedy to come out of Romania in the last 20 years, and it is not without a subtle sense of melancholy. The story of Gabriel and Gabriela’s passionless marriage and...
- 6/4/2012
- by Contributors
- Slackerwood
Vera Mijojlic recently concluded the 7th annual SEEFest Los Angeles (Southeast European Film Festival), which she created and continues to direct. It is rightly called "the premiere cinematic showcase where films from 15 countries of South-East Europe are presented as an annual thematic snapshot of that turbulent region."
She also curated Austin Film Society's SEEFest Austin this spring, which includes seven films that have played at different times in SEEFest Los Angeles. Vera will be in Austin tonight (May 22) to present the Slovenian film Vesna (Frantisek Cáp, 1953) at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.
I visited with Vera in August 2010 in Los Angeles, and recently asked her some questions via email. This is the second part of our interview -- read the first part if you haven't already.
Chale Nafus: Among all your film and cultural writing, I understand that you have also written short stories and children's plays.
Vera Mijojlic:...
She also curated Austin Film Society's SEEFest Austin this spring, which includes seven films that have played at different times in SEEFest Los Angeles. Vera will be in Austin tonight (May 22) to present the Slovenian film Vesna (Frantisek Cáp, 1953) at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.
I visited with Vera in August 2010 in Los Angeles, and recently asked her some questions via email. This is the second part of our interview -- read the first part if you haven't already.
Chale Nafus: Among all your film and cultural writing, I understand that you have also written short stories and children's plays.
Vera Mijojlic:...
- 5/22/2012
- by Chale Nafus
- Slackerwood
Last week, Vera Mijojlic concluded the 7th annual SEEFest Los Angeles (Southeast European Film Festival), which she created and continues to direct. It is rightly called "the premiere cinematic showcase where films from 15 countries of South-East Europe are presented as an annual thematic snapshot of that turbulent region."
Vera Mijojlic curated Austin Film Society's SEEFest Austin this spring, which includes seven films that have played at different times in SEEFest Los Angeles. Vera will be in Austin tonight (May 15) to present the Romanian film Hello! How Are You? (Alexandru Maftei, 2010) and next Tuesday, May 22, to present the Slovenian film Vesna (Frantisek Cáp, 1953), both at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.
I visited with Vera in August 2010 in Los Angeles, and recently asked her some questions via email.
Chale Nafus: You were born in Bosnia Herzegovina, which at the time was part of Yugoslavia. Tell us about your family history.
Vera...
Vera Mijojlic curated Austin Film Society's SEEFest Austin this spring, which includes seven films that have played at different times in SEEFest Los Angeles. Vera will be in Austin tonight (May 15) to present the Romanian film Hello! How Are You? (Alexandru Maftei, 2010) and next Tuesday, May 22, to present the Slovenian film Vesna (Frantisek Cáp, 1953), both at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.
I visited with Vera in August 2010 in Los Angeles, and recently asked her some questions via email.
Chale Nafus: You were born in Bosnia Herzegovina, which at the time was part of Yugoslavia. Tell us about your family history.
Vera...
- 5/15/2012
- by Chale Nafus
- Slackerwood
Much to my regret, I haven't yet been able to get to Cine Las Americas this year. Fortunately, several other excellent online writers have been sharing previews, reviews and other interesting notes on the film festival.
Check out these websites, which will tempt you to head out to Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar and the Mexican American Cultural Center for the remaining films and events at Cine Las Americas this week. Feel free to share links to other coverage in the comments.
Austin Vida is publishing movie reviews from Cine Las Americas. Annar Verold was impressed with the Chilean documentary Nostalgia de la luz, and amused by opening-night film Las marimbas del infierno.Over at Austin Film Society's Persistence of Vision blog, Afs Programming Director Chale Nafus has been sharing his enjoyment of the festival and offering previews of many films. Here are his entries for Day One and Day...
Check out these websites, which will tempt you to head out to Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar and the Mexican American Cultural Center for the remaining films and events at Cine Las Americas this week. Feel free to share links to other coverage in the comments.
Austin Vida is publishing movie reviews from Cine Las Americas. Annar Verold was impressed with the Chilean documentary Nostalgia de la luz, and amused by opening-night film Las marimbas del infierno.Over at Austin Film Society's Persistence of Vision blog, Afs Programming Director Chale Nafus has been sharing his enjoyment of the festival and offering previews of many films. Here are his entries for Day One and Day...
- 4/25/2011
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
There is so much I love about being a member of Austin Film Society, but high on my list is the Essential Cinema film series, which often features films that haven't been made widely available in the United States. The latest series, "Children of Abraham/Ibrahim 4: Films of the Middle East and Beyond" provides insights into Middle Eastern history and culture. From Chale Nafus, Afs Director of Programming:
"Our fourth annual series will continue looking at films from the Middle East and beyond -- an area rich in tumultuous history, wonderful art and literature, but often mired in war and misunderstanding among the three religions which all trace their roots back to Abraham/Ibrahim. This is our local attempt to bring human faces and individual stories to the statistics and overwhelming images seen on TV and computer screens daily throughout the world.
"Our four contemporary films and two classics will take us to Egypt,...
"Our fourth annual series will continue looking at films from the Middle East and beyond -- an area rich in tumultuous history, wonderful art and literature, but often mired in war and misunderstanding among the three religions which all trace their roots back to Abraham/Ibrahim. This is our local attempt to bring human faces and individual stories to the statistics and overwhelming images seen on TV and computer screens daily throughout the world.
"Our four contemporary films and two classics will take us to Egypt,...
- 1/12/2010
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
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