Now in its twelfth year, the week of short films presented by the Communidad de Madrid at Circulo de Bellas Artes begins March 9th and runs until March 14th. This year the event will showcase over 40 short films in competition, as well as two special event screenings during the culmination of the weeklong contest. The event is free until seating is filled, for all the info go here.
By Coleman File
A gritty and vivid film is coming to Madrid on February 26th: “A Prophet” narrates the story of a young illiterate Muslim who is sentenced to six years in a French prison. Once inside, his struggle for survival lands him an important and dangerous position inside the prison’s mafia. Part suspenseful thriller, drama and social commentary, the movie has won the Grand Prix at the Cannes film festival and currently represents France in this year’s Oscars. Directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Tahar Rahim, this is of the year’s must see movies. One of the first cinemas to show the film will be Cines Princesa.
By Daniel Sznajderman
If you thought Transformers was two and a half hours of metal parts clashing into each other and that Snakes on a plane was terrible even for an intentionally bad film, then Ficciones is the place for you. This small video rental store in Tirso de Molina is a sanctuary—no, the Mecca—for movie lovers. Here you will find an astounding variety of quality films from any period and country, and what’s more, they are categorized by their place of origin and director: cinema a la carte! Becoming a member is free and rentals are around 3.50 euros per movie. There is another Ficciones in Malasaña, for more information click here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
Enjoy Spanish cinema (or practice your second language) with “Nacidas para sufrir.” The bittersweet comedy, directed by Miguel Albaladejo starring Adriana Ozores and Petra Martinez, is entering its fourth month at the Spanish box office. Flora is a single woman entering her seventies that has dedicated her life to caring for her three orphaned nieces. Now that the tables have turned and its Flora’s turn to be taken care of she is afraid she will be chucked into abandonment—or in other words, an old people’s home. It seems her only chance is her friend Purita, a young woman whose company is of the few Flora receives. To watch the trailer and check out playing times in various cinemas go here.
By Daniel Sznajderman
La Casa Encendida is dedicating a film series to the city of Los Angeles all this month (February) in connection with its invitation to Madrid’s contemporary art festival, ARCO. The films will focus on the city itself and have been put together in collaboration with film maker and Professor Thom Andersen who will be present for the screening of his films: Los Angeles Plays Itself and Get Out of the Car. There are many interesting films in the line-up and at only 2 euros each you can’t go wrong. For a complete listing of the films and their schedule go here.
By Coleman File
MAP on Twitter