Friday 28 October 2011

Image + Nation, 24th Edition / 24e édition

Canada’s most senior LGBT film festival / Le doyen des festivals de film LGBT au Canada.

From October 26th till November 6th / Du 26 Octobre au 6 Novembre 2011

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For more information consult program or visit / Pour plus d'informations, consulter le programme ou visitez: http://www.image-nation.org/2011/

Chronicle of Films seen / Chronique de Films vus:

Below find a run-down of all the films seen at this year’s festival. As time permits a more elaborate critique (features only) will appear under the label “Film Box-Office.” They will be identified with the 'I + N 2011' logo. Updates will appear on a frequent basis (hopefully once a day) so please visit frequently.
Un aperçu de tous les films vus au festival de cette année. Si le temps le permet une critique plus élabore (long-métrages seulement) apparaîtra sous l’étiquette «Film Box-office.» Ils seront identifiés avec le logo du I + N 2011. Les mises à jour apparaîtra fréquent (j’espère une fois par jour), donc veuillez visiter fréquemment.

(Last updated /Dernière mis-a-jour: May 30 Mai 2012 – Added / Ajouté ‘Tomboy’
Films are listed in ascending order – the most recently seen on the top
Films sont énumérés par ordre – le plus récemment vu sur le haut de la page)

After / Âpres :

Tomboy, France 2011, 84m, Céline Sciamma
Ten-year-old Laure moves to a new neighborhood with her parents and little sister Jeanne. She meets Lisa. She lies, says her name is Michaël. When she joins in play with the local children she must go to great lengths to keep up the facade that she is a boy. The subject of transgender identity is handled without judgement in a way that reflects the innocence and natural tendencies of children; strongly emphasised in the casting of the children. The audience is left to make its own conclusion as to why Laure decided to pretend she was a boy.
Tomboy, France 2011, 84 m, Céline Sciamma
Laure, âgée de dix ans, arrive dans un nouveau quartier avec ses parents et sa petite sœur Jeanne. Elle rencontre Lisa. Elle ment et dit que son nom est Michaël. Quand elle rejoint a jouer avec les enfants de la région, elle doit passer à de grandes efforts pour maintenir la façade qu'elle est un garçon. Le sujet de l'identité transgenre est géré sans jugement, d'une manière qui reflète l'innocence et la tendance naturelle de l'enfant; fortement souligné dans le casting des enfants. Le public est laissé à sa propre conclusion quant à pourquoi Laure a décidé de prétendre qu'elle était un garçon.

Ausente (Absent), Argentine 2011, 90m, Marco Berger

Martin has just joined the high school swim team, coached by Sebastian. He begins to weave a web of lies in the hope that he could sleepover at Sebastian’s condo. When he succeeds, Sebastian warns him not to tell anyone as just the fact that a teacher allowed a student to sleepover could cause a lot of trouble. When Sebastian overhears gossip in the teacher’s lounge the next day, he becomes acutely aware of the delicacy that Martin has put him through. A powerful drama exposing the fragilities with regards to teacher – student relations.
Ausente (Absent), Argentine 2011, 90m, Marco Berger
Martin vient de rejoindre l'équipe de natation de l'école secondaire, entraînée par Sebastian. Il commence à tisser une toile de mensonges dans l'espoir qu'il pouvait avoir une soirée-pyjama au condo de Sébastian. Lorsqu'il réussit, Sébastian l’avertit ne pas en parler à personne, juste le fait qu'un professeur à laisser un étudiant d’avoir une soirée-pyjama chez lui pourrait causer beaucoup de problèmes. Lorsque Sebastian entendre par hasard du bavardage dans le salon des enseignants le lendemain, il devient très conscient de la délicatesse de la situation que Martin lui met à travers. Un drame puissant, exposent les fragilités selon les relations entre un enseignant et un étudiant.

Thong, Canada 2010, Dayna McLeod
Pseudo-consumer report on g-string panty liners, New York City and wine coolers.
Rapport pseudo-consommateur axé sur les protège-dessous pour g-string, la ville de New York et les vins panachés.

During / au cours du:


Circumstance, Iran / United States 2011, 105m, Maryam Keshavarz
This powerful drama deals with the related issues of sexuality and repression. Atafeh and her best friend Shireen are desirous of expressing their love for each other. Atafeh’s brother, Mehran returns from a drug rehab program. He vehemently renounces his former life and joins the morality police. He denounces his sister Atafeh’s ‘evil’ influence and becomes obsessed with ‘saving’ Shireen. He installs surveillance cameras in the family home and even marries Shireen. The two siblings who were once close become embroiled in a struggle between liberty and control.
Circonstance, Iran / États-Unis 2011, 105m, Maryam Keshavarz
Ce drame puissant traite les questions relie de la sexualité et de la répression. Atafeh et sa meilleure amie Shireen sont désireuses d'exprimer leur amour pour les uns des autres. Mehran, le frère d’Atafeh,   retourne d’une clinique de réadaptation pour toxicomanes. Il renonce son ancienne vie  avec véhémence et se joint à la police de la moralité. Il dénonce l'influence « malveillante » d’Atafeh, sa sœur, et devient obsédé pour «sauver» Shireen. Il installe des caméras de surveillance dans le foyer familial et même prend Shireen comme sons épouse. Le frère et sœur qui ont été une fois à proximité devient impliqués dans une lutte entre liberté et contrôle.

Tough Girls Don’t Dream, Hungary 2011, 10m, Zsófia Zsemberi
In humanity’s search to increase productivity, sleeping has become a luxury and is even considered illegal, unless you have been registered as an official ‘dreamer’. Your dreams are recorded and the general public can watch them in ‘sleeping bars.’ We follow our hero as she struggles with her feelings of loneliness, seeking companionship, yet unsure whether she is in reality or is she dreaming?
Tough Girls Don't Dream, Hongrie 2011, 10m, Zsófia Zsemberi
A la recherche de l'humanité pour augmenter sa productivité, le sommeil est devenu un luxe et il est même considérée illégal, à moins que vous ayez été enregistrés comme un  «rêveur» officiel. Vos rêves sont enregistrées et le grand public peuvent les visionnée  dans des bars prévu a ceci. Nous suivons notre héro comme elle se bat avec ses sentiments de solitude, cherchant le compagnonnage, mais incertain si elle est en réalité ou elle rêve?

Judas Kiss, United States 2011, 102m, J.T. Tepnapa
Fantasy tinged light-hearted comedy about second chances. 15 years ago Zachary Wells was a promising student filmmaker. He had won an award at a prestigious festival for one of his earlier films. Due to personal demons he never lived up to the promise.  His best friend asks him to substitute for him at the same festival. Zachary reluctantly agrees. Irate when he assigned a freshman dormitory, he finds solace in a passionate one night stand with a student. Yet this is short-lived as the next day he finds out that the student is submitting his film “Judas Kiss.”
Judas Kiss, États-Unis 2011, 102m, J.T. Tepnapa
Une comédie légère avec une teinte fantastique qui parle d’une seconde chance. Il y a 15 ans, que Zachary Wells était un cinéaste étudiant prometteur. Il avait gagné un prix à un festival prestigieux pour l'un de ses films précédents. En raison de démons personnels il n’a jamais vécu la promesse. Son meilleur ami lui demande de lui substituer au même festival. Zachary accepte à contrecœur. Il devient furieux lorsqu'il est assigner à un cité universitaire de la première année, il trouve du réconfort  dans une nuit passionné stand avec un étudiant. C'est pourtant une courte durée comme le lendemain, il découvre que l'étudiant présente son film intitule «Judas Kiss.»

 Black Field, Greece 2009, 104m, Vardis Marinakis
Surreal period drama set circa 1654, high in the forested mountains of Greece. A deserter from the Turkish army is taken in by the nuns in a remote mountain monastery. He is badly wounded and unconscious. Anthi, a novice, is asked by the Mother Superior to nurse him back to health. The Mother Superior intends to give him up to the Turkish authorities when he fully recovers. Anthi decides to help him escape into the forest. Then she reveals to him her terrible secret. An astounding debut feature about androgyny.
Black Field, Grèce 2009, 104 m, Vardis Marinakis
Drame historique et surréaliste qui ce passe en 1654, haut dans les montagnes boisées de la Grèce. Un déserteur de l'armée Turque est recueilli par les religieuses dans un monastère de montagne reculée. Il est gravement blessé et inconscient. Anthi, un novice, est demandé par la Mère Supérieure de lui soigner à la santé. La Mère Supérieure à l’ intention de lui donné aux autorités Turques quand il récupère intégralement. Anthi décide de l'aider à s'échapper dans la forêt. Ensuite, elle révèle à lui son terrible secret. Un étonnant premier long métrage sur l’androgynie.

Paris is Burning, United States 1991, 78m, Jennie Livingston
Documentary portrait of the little understood subculture of drag queens in New York City between 1987 and 1989. Through interviews and demonstrations of their performances we learn of various aspects of this culture and thus add credence to the concept that knowledge breeds understanding which in turn breeds tolerance. This is a visually stunning and profound statement that will be of value for many generations.
Paris is Burning, États-Unis 1991, 78m, Jennie Livingston
Portrait documentaire de la subculture peu compris des travestis à New York entre 1987 et 1989. Grâce à des entrevues et des démonstrations de leurs performances, nous apprenons de divers aspects de cette culture et donc ajouter foi à la notion que la connaissance engendre la compréhension qui à son tour se reproduit la tolérance. Ceci est une déclaration visuellement stupéfiante et profonde qui aura une grande valeur pour de nombreuses générations.

 Mary Lou, Israel 2011, 150m, Eytan Fox
This four-part T.V. miniseries is Israel’s answer to the American hit series “Glee.” The story is based on music of pop-legend Sviki Pick. On Meir’s 10th birthday, his mother Miriam ‘disappears’ and he cherishes the conviction that she abandoned the family to become a back-up singer for Svika Pick. As graduation from high school nears Meir’s heads to Tel Aviv to continue his search for his mother and ends up     becoming a famous drag queen. Director packs universal wisdom in dealing with controversial topics in such a light-hearted and entertaining fashion.
Mary Lou, Israël 2011, 150m, Eytan Fox
 Cette minisérie en quatre volets de T.V. est la réponse d'Israël à la série Américain à succès «Glee.» L'histoire est basée sur la musique du légendaire Sviki Pick. Au 10e anniversaire de Meir, sa mère Miriam « disparaît » et il caresse la conviction qu'elle a abandonné la famille pour devenir une chanteuse de backup pour Svika Pick. Comme l'obtention du diplôme d'études secondaires se rapproche, Meir se rends à Tel-Aviv pour continuer à chercher sa mère et  deviens une célèbre travesti. Le réalisateur insuffle une sagesse universelle en traitant de sujets controversés d'une façon ludique et amusante.

The Evening Dress, France 2009, 96m, Myriam Aziza
This powerful drama explores the tenuous and often tragic relationship between preadolescents and their teachers. 12-year-olds Juliette and Antoine compete for the attention of their teacher, Hélène Solenska. This film deftly points out the awkwardness inherent during this tender age when one is reaching childhood’s end and becoming an adult.
La Robe du Soir, France 2009, 96m, Myriam Aziza
Ce drame puissant explore la relation ténue et souvent tragique entre les préadolescentes et leurs professeurs. Juliette et Antoine, âgée de 12 ans, se disputent en cherchant l'attention de leur professeur, Hélène Solenska. Ce film souligne adroitement la maladresse inhérente à cet âge tendre quand on atteint la fin de l'enfance et on devient un adulte.

The Girl from Montreal, Canada 2010, 92m, Jeanne Crépeau
Ariane, now 46, has become rooted in her Plateau Mont-Royal apartment that she occupied when she was a student. It is run-down, been through many owners but she loves the view from her balcony. She receives a notice from the current owner that he is taking possession of the apartment. Having six months to move, she is faced with the seemingly insurmountable task of finding a new apartment. With over 25 years of accumulated items, she needs to decide what to keep or throw away. This film is sure to hit a chord of familiarity among most of us.
La Fille de Montréal, Canada 2010, 92m, Jeanne Crépeau
Ariane, maintenant 46, s'est enracinée dans son appartement du Plateau Mont-Royal qu'elle occupait lorsqu'elle était un étudiant. Il est délabré, à eu plusieurs propriétaires mais elle adore le vue de son balcon. Elle reçoit un avis du propriétaire courant qu'il prend possession de l'appartement. Ayant six mois pour déménager, elle est confrontée à la tâche apparemment insurmontable de trouver un nouvel appartement. Avec plus de 25 ans d’éléments accumulés, elle a besoin de décider ce qu'il faut garder ou de jeter. Ce film est sûr de frapper une corde de familiarité parmi plupart d'entre nous.

 My Last Round (Mi Último Round), Chile / Argentina 2010, 87m, Julio Jorquera Arriagada
Hugo has just recently lost a loved one.  He had worked in a kitchen for minimal wages. Octavio is a middle-aged middleweight boxer. After mutually witnessing an accident they move in together. Octavio is diagnosed with a life threatening condition and is told to quit boxing. Hugo starts working in a pet shop and begins a flirtatious relationship with the boss’s daughter. The two men, total opposites in their nature, keep their respective secret from the other. When they are revealed the consequences are life-altering for both men.
Mon Dernier Round (Mi Último Round), Chili / Argentine 2010, 87m, Julio Jorquera Arriagada
Hugo vient de perdre un proche.  Il avait travaillé dans une cuisine pour le salaire minimal. Octavio est un boxeur de poids moyen à l'âge moyen. Après avoir être témoin à un accident, ils emménagent ensemble. Octavio est atteint d’une maladie potentiellement mortelle et on lui dit de quitter la boxe. Hugo commence à travailler dans une animalerie et commence une relation flirtant avec la fille du boss. Les deux hommes, totalement opposés dans leur nature, garder leur secret respectif de l'autre. Quand ils sont révèles les conséquences sont bouleversantes pour les deux hommes.

I Feel Guilty (Me Siento Culpable), Spain 2011, 11m, Roberto Castón
A man feels guilty about his bisexuality.
Je Me Sens Coupable (Me Siento Culpable), Espagne 2011, 11m, Roberto Castón
Un homme se sent coupable de sa bisexualité.

Reflections in a Golden Eye, United States 1967, 108m, John Huston
Tempestuous tale of desire versus repression that plays out as a torrential outpouring of a raging river breaking through all that is in its path. Major Penderton and his wife Leonora live on an American military base. He is impotent and a latent homosexual. She is unsatisfied and contemptuous. She loves horses and Private L.G. Williams is assigned to care for them.  Williams has a penchant for riding horse-back in the nude, creating in Penderton both disgust and seething desire. Williams also spies on Leonora as she sleeps.  
Reflets dans un Œil d'Or, États-Unis, 1967, 108m, John Huston
Conte orageuse du désir contre la répression qui se joue comme une effusion torrentielle d'une rivière en furie briser tout ce qui est dans son chemin. Le major Penderton et son épouse Leonora vivent sur une base militaire Américaine. Il est impuissant et un homosexuel refoulé. Elle est insatisfaite et méprisante. Elle aime les chevaux et le soldat L.G. Williams est assigné pour prendre soin d'eux.  Williams a un penchant pour la circonscription de cheval dans le nu, créant en Penderton a la fois un dégoût et désir bouillonnante. Williams également espionne sur Leonora pendent elle dort.

Four More Years, Sweden 2010, 90m, Tova Magnusson Norling
Satirical comedy about a prominent politician coming to terms with his discovery that he is gay. David Holst, Liberal Party chairman is devastated when he loses big at the elections to the Social Democrats. When David returns to his drab political routine he encounters Martin Kovac, young ambitious Social Democrat. One night David accepts Martin’s invitation for supper. A friendly debate leads to a kiss and ends with David spending the night. He must now make a life changing decision. The result is a delightful and humorous romp that plays out like a gay political Romeo and Juliet.
Quatre Ans de Plus, Suède 2010, 90m, Tova Magnusson Norling
Comédie satirique sur un homme politique à accepter sa découverte qu'il est homosexuel. David Holst, président du Parti libéral est dévastée lorsqu'il perd gros lors des élections les sociaux-démocrates. Lorsque David retourne à son terne politique courant il rencontre Martin Kovac, jeune ambitieux sociaux-démocrates. Une nuit, David accepte l’invitation de Martin à souper. Un débat amical mène à un baiser et se termine avec David de passer la nuit. Il doit maintenant faire face à un grand changement de vie. Le résultat est un charmant et humoristique ébats qui joue comme un Roméo et Juliette gay et politique.

I Still Love Them, Canada 2010, 13 m, Marie-Pierre Grenier / Philippe Dufaux
Octogenarian Michel Gagnon is a transsexual and has been attracted to women since the age of nine. In this charming little film he reflects upon his conquests, his past lovers, his sexual identity and growing old.  
Je les Aimes Encore, Canada 2010, 13m, Marie-Pierre Grenier / Philippe Dufaux
Octogénaire Michel Gagnon est un transsexuel et a été attirés par les femmes depuis l'âge de neuf ans. Dans ce charmant petit film, il reflète sur ses conquêtes, ses amoureux de son passé, son identité sexuelle et la vieillesse.

Canada Gay Marriage Heritage Minute, Canada 2011, 1m, Dominic Poliquin
Canada Gay Marriage: Minute du Patrimoine, Canada 2011, 1m, Dominic Poliquin


Saturday 22 October 2011

Der Brand / The Fire / Le Feu von / by / par Brigitte Maria Bertele

{Reviewed by Nancy Snipper} 
 
Probably one of the best films on rape and legal indifference to this often ignored crime. It brilliantly shows what happens when innocence comes up against covert evil intentions. A woman meets a dashing dancer at a tango club. He walks her home, but she never makes it there in one piece. She is raped. Despite lawyers' rejecting her accusation, she finds a way to eke out her own revenge. It entails purposely getting beaten up by her rapist so that the legal system will wake up and take seriously charges pressed against him by her. Even her boyfriend loses interest in the devastation she has suffered. Her spiral down into depression is dramatically portrayed and is most impressive. Her rapist is a doctor, and it is his wife she befriends to get under his skin.
 




The 2011 Montreal Stop-Motion Film Festival / Le Festival du Film de Stop-Motion de Montréal, 2011


October 21, 22 et 23 Octobre,  édition 2011

{Final version posted October 25th 2011} / {Version finale atteste 25 Octobre 2011}
The mission of this festival is to celebrate and encourage the efforts of young filmmakers who concentrate their creativity in this unique and fascinating art form. To paraphrase: "when your knowledge of the work involved increases, your appreciation increases." Eric Goulet. To achieve this, the 3rd edition of the festival invited two special guests to give a conference / presentation on their respective fields of expertise.
Peter Saunders (of United Kingdom's ‘Mackinnon - Ian - and Saunders’) opened the festival with a behind the scenes look at the development of the puppets used in the films: Mars Attacks, Corpse Bride and The Fantastic Mr Fox (http://mackinnonandsauders.com).
Saturday afternoon Australian Paul Howell gave a demonstration and overview of his animation software "stop motion pro" (http://www.stopmotionpro.com) which has been used in several productions including Wallace and Gromit, Mary and Max and the upcoming Pirates. His demonstration also showed the various techniques used to create compelling stories filled with endearing characters. These are often achieved with the simplest means and resulting in creating personalities capable of expressing the full range of emotions. Emotions can be expressed through the use of stereotypes, costumes, music, dialogue and voice.
This year the festival presented 11 films that were nominated for an Oscar at the academy awards -- in two programs (five on Saturday evening and six on Sunday afternoon). Co Hoedeman was present to introduce his 1977 award-winning film "The Sand Castle."
75 films were presented in four categories in competition: academic (21 films made by students), independent (17), professional (16 films – mainly advertisements under one minute long) and professional (21 films presented in two programs). As well an award was given to the film that was the public’s choice. For list of films and winners please go to: http://www.stopmotionmontreal.com/. Overall the quality, originality and the next generation’s vivid imagination shows that stop-motion animation has a bright future ahead and that the Stop-Motion Film Festival fills an important space in the cultural tapestry.
La mission de ce festival est de célébrer et d'encourager les efforts des jeunes cinéastes qui se concentrent leur créativité dans cette forme d'art unique et fascinante. Pour paraphraser: «quand votre connaissance de l’effort derrière l’œuvre augmente, votre satisfaction augmente. » Eric Goulet. Pour atteindre cet objectif, la 3e édition du festival a convié deux invités spéciaux pour donner une conférence / présentation sur leurs domaines respectifs d’expertise.
Peter Saunders (de ‘Mackinnon - Ian – et Saunders’ du Royaume-Uni) a ouvert le festival avec un regard derrière les décors sur le développement des marionnettes utilisée dans les films: Mars Attacks, La Mariée Cadavérique et Le Fantastique Maitre Renard (http://mackinnonandsauders.com).
Samedi après-midi, l’Australien Paul Howell a donné une démonstration et un aperçu de son animation logiciel «stop motion pro» (http://www.stopmotionpro.com) qui a été utilisé dans plusieurs productions, y compris Wallace et Gromit, Mary et Max et, à venir, les Pirates. Sa démonstration a également montré les diverses techniques utilisé pour créer des histoires fascinante remplis avec des personnages attachants. Ce sont souvent atteint avec les moyens les plus simples et résultant dans la création de personnalités capable d'exprimer toute la gamme des émotions. Les émotions peuvent être exprimées par l’utilisation des stéréotypes, les costumes, la musique, le dialogue et la voix.  
The Sand Castle / Le Chateau de Sable
Cette année, le festival présenté 11 films qui ont été nominés aux Oscars à la cérémonie des Oscars--dans deux programmes (cinq le Samedi soir et six le Dimanche après-midi). Co Hoedeman était présent pour présenter son film primé en 1977 «Le Château de Sable».
75 films ont été présentés dans quatre catégories de compétitions: académique (21 films réalisés par des étudiants), indépendant (17), professionnel (16 films – principalement des publicités d’une durée moins d’une minute de longueur) et professionnel (21 films présentés dans deux programmes). Ainsi un prix du public a été attribué. Pour obtenir la liste des films et des gagnants, veuillez vous rendre à: http://www.stopmotionmontreal.com/. Dans l'ensemble la qualité, l'originalité et l’imagination vive de la prochaine génération montre que l’animation stop-motion a un bel avenir pour le future et que le Festival du Film de Stop-Motion remplit un espace important sur la tapisserie culturel.



Monday 17 October 2011

Miró Quartet... Magnifico!



San Miguel de Allende's Chamber Music Festival – from July 29th till August 14th 2011
               
                                                      Review by Nancy Snipper

On Thursday, August 4, inside the Angela Peralta Theatre, the Miró Quartet enthralled the audience with their virtuoso performance of works by Schubert, Glass and Brahms.  It was a daring program given the remarkable difference in compositional structure inherent in each piece.  The evening showcased the quartet's mastery of both the contemporary and classical.  Not even the rigorous demands of Phillip Glass' String Quartet #5 - the second piece in the program – caused even the slightest unevenness of execution. Never once did intricate technique overshadow the piece's dreamy expressiveness. It all seemed effortless. Yet only the most confident of chamber music ensembles would tackle such a piece.

"This piece requires great stamina and it lasts for over 30 minutes without a break during the playing," said cellist, Joshua Gindele who anchored the entire piece with consistently repetitive legato note bowing with miniscule melody variation. Like a metronome, Gindele perfectly anchored the rest of the ensemble, allowing the two violins and viola to play out a melodic line that magically created a myriad of moods.  We embarked on an exciting emotional journey, despite the subtle hints of harmony within the progressive bar modulations.
"Glass is a minimalist. The melody doesn't change dramatically, yet he is able to take us through feelings of sadness, joy, hope, angst and more. We'll let you decide what the final answer is to the first question Glass asks through his music at the beginning of this piece," said violist, John Largess, who has been a member of the Miró Quartet for 14 years.
Noting that his favourite piece to perform in the program was Schubert's, Quarttsatz in C minor, D 703, and Largess likened the lively number to a salad: "I love playing the Schubert. It's like a spicy salad, nutty, refreshing and full of lots of different ingredients."
 First violinist, Daniel Ching agreed: "It really is fun and it's a great piece to open up with as it is not long, and it has so many variations of rhythms and melody. In fact, it so successfully started the night off that the audience seemed to want another movement played in the composition - given the thunderous applause that followed the short piece.
"Schubert didn't continue composing more of the piece because he didn't like what he had written, so he just didn't finish it," explained second violinist, Teresa Stanislav adding she had little rehearsal time with the quartet, as she was asked  to join them for the Chamber Music Festival  quite recently.
Her playing was flawless. With astounding precision and exquisite expressiveness, she joined Ching, masterfully supporting his powerful playing throughout the entire program.

Their synchronicity was vividly and impressively illustrated in the Brahms' number: String Quartet in C minor Op. 51, No.1. A rich potpourri of polyphonic rhythms and melodies were beautifully sustained as both violinists intertwined the elements. Largess admitted the piece was thick with a lot going on. "Still, it is one of my favourites, but there is a lot of musical meandering and we all want to make sure on how to interpret this."
Revealing that there is no real leader of the ensemble, Largess revealed: "We discuss the piece and often pass the ball over to the other to hear what each of us has to say. We just want to make sure the story in the music comes through. Sometimes, we don’t always agree, but that's what makes it dynamic - to hear another way of interpreting a line of music. "Laughing with great gusto Largess added, "We use our egos for the good."
The audience was in love with the evening's performance; the applause wouldn't stop until the quartet reappeared for an encore. They chose Beethoven's Opus 135 Assai lento Cantantes tranquilo. It was Beethoven's final quartet, in fact, his last piece ever. So moving in its calmness at the beginning, yet interjected by a sudden rise of forte notes expressing  pain and anguish, this utterly profound piece left the audience speechless for a second or two after the last note found its soulful finish.  The ensuing applause reached its own crescendo.
The Miró Quartet has garnered several prestigious prizes, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the only ensemble ever to be awarded such as honour. Founded in 1995, one can only imagine how many of us have been inspired by their performances. After all, they have played in all the world's concert halls. One can only imagine how many of us have been inspired by their incomparable performances.  No wonder, they took their name from the Spanish painter, who according to Largess was, "Fresh, inventive, colourful and wonderful!"


Sunday 2 October 2011

Friday Night Tights, directed by Joonki Park


reviewed by Nancy Snipper

‘Friday Night Tights’ is an animation delight!

This short is totally enchanting. You have two guys living together. One is fat and a jock; the other is as skinny and nerdy as beanpole with a brain. The big guy wants the rake thin roommate to go out with him to have some fun. After all, it’s Friday night. He refuses to, so the big boy leaves.
The door closes and everything about the nerd comes to life. He changes his slouch-in-the-chair position to an upright one, and as he regally walks towards his room, he immediately appears in a pair of very tight tights. It’s very funny, as his legs are outrageously thin, He loves dancing – ballet dancing, jumping, pirouetting, stretching up to the ceiling – so far he ends up in space, dancing in the dark blue sky sparkling with stars.

As he dances he sings a song about how he loves to dance. He finally lands on the ground inside his apartment. Quickly trying to remove his tights, he is taken by surprise by his roommate who obviously stayed behind the door in the hall. Fat fellow opens the door abruptly and says: “I knew it!” What he knew, is left to our imagination, but if I had a roommate like that, I’d ask him to dance for me every night. Joonki Park from the USA was the director. The dancer looked slightly Asian, and in fact as the credits roll, there’s a line that states: almost everything was created by Park. He’s a genius! “Friday Night Tights’ is remarkably humorous four-minute short, but you wanted it to last much longer.