LACIS Film Series

ZAMA

In March, our annual series co-sponsored by the UW’s Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies program presents two highly acclaimed new movies and two restorations. From Argentina, we are proud to present the first area theatrical showing of Lucrecia Martel’s film festival favorite Zama and a new 35mm print of the 1953 thriller Los Tallos Amargos (part of our UCLA preservation series). From Cuba comes a beautiful new 4K DCP of Humberto Solás’ classic Lucia and, from Brazil, Vazante, a 19th century slave story from first-time director Daniela Thomas. Special thanks to our colleagues at UW LACIS: Alberto Vargas, Sarah Wells.

  • Fri., Mar. 2 | 7:00 PM
    4070 Vilas Hall

One of the most beautifully photographed films in film history, Los Tallos Amargos cuts between dreams and a noirish reality to plumb the dark psyche of a journalist tortured by his conscience after he commits murder. Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive with funding provided by Film Noir Foundation.

  • Fri., Mar. 9 | 7:00 PM
    4070 Vilas Hall

Solás's landmark three-part epic depicts three women, each named Lucia, who live during three pivotal times of modern Cuban history. Filmed in wildly divergent styles, the episodes show how each of the women have their political consciousness raised after jolting personal experiences. New 4K version restored by Cineteca di Bologna in association with ICAIC at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory. Restoration funded by Turner Classic Movies and The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project. Special thanks to Bundesarchiv.

  • Fri., Mar. 16 | 7:00 PM
    4070 Vilas Hall

On an isolated estate in the densely overgrown mountains of 19th century Brazil, two young women live under the thumb of a slave trader. Photographed in stunning black-and-white, this atmospheric vision of colonialist rot recalls the work of Joseph Conrad. This consummate mood piece is the first solo feature by Daniela Thomas, a longtime collaborator of Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries). “As authentically immersive an experience of a harsh and loveless past as one could hope for, composed of the sensual details that can make the pleasures and horrors of 200 years ago feel like now” (Variety). (MK)

  • Fri., Mar. 23 | 7:00 PM
    4070 Vilas Hall

The long-awaited fourth feature from Martel (La Ciénaga) is a visionary rendering of 18th century colonialism. Trapped by bureaucrats in a provincial South American town, a Spanish officer longs for transfer to a more distinguished post. The longer he is forced to wait, the looser his grip on reality becomes. Adapting a seminal Argentine novel with incomparable cinematic style, Martel conjures a heady atmosphere that is at once cryptic and focused. “Extraordinary… this is going to be considered a classic” (Kristin Thompson). (MK)