October 27, 2009 - 3:07am
Bringing romance language cinema to a world stage will be discussed at a free public lecture Friday, October 30 by professors in Vancouver Island University’s Modern Language department.
Dr. Hope Leith and Dr. Ana Maria Donat will conduct a joint presentation on the work of film makers Denys Arcand and Pedro Almodóvar as part of the Arts and Humanities Colloquium.
“These film makers have succeeded in reaching a global audience with their work while remaining grounded in their specific cultural, historical and linguistic contexts of Quebec and Spain, respectively,” said Donat.
Leith’s presentation will focus on Denys Arcand, an unlikely candidate for mainstream success in the global cinema market. He trained as a historian, and learned his filmcraft as a documentary maker for the National Film Board in the 1960’s.
Prior to his breakout film, The Decline of the American Empire, he had not achieved commercial success in film, and most of his work had been on contemporary history (the Quebec textile industry, the aftermath of the FLQ crisis, and Maurice Duplessis).
Leith will examine how The Decline of the American Empire opened the door for Arcand’s work to reach a world audience, and how he has built on that initial success particularly with his Oscar-winning sequel, The Barbarian Invasions.
Dr. Donat will showcase the work of director Pedro Almodóvar who challenged traditional views and whose innovative films changed the panorama of Spanish and international cinema.
“His unique style simultaneously captivated and entertained his Spanish audience and attracted the attention of international audiences and media,” said Donat.
“Like Arcand, he brought the language and culture of his country of birth to the world stage, showcasing a country in transition that struggled to embrace new social concepts while maintaining its national identity. His movies range from controversial and racy to hilarious and tender, and often explore the complexity of relationships among women.”
Professor Donat will explore three of his most representative and award-winning films to sample his favorite topics, social intentionality, and aesthetic preferences: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, What Have I Done to Deserve This, and Volver.
The Arts and Humanities Colliquium presentation takes place Friday, October 30 in VIU’s main Library at the Nanaimo campus, Room 507 (the boardroom)from 10 to 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, contact Katharina Rout (katharina.rout@viu.ca) or Helen Brown (Helen.Brown@viu.ca)
Tags: In the Community
