OUT
CINEMA
AUGUST
with Mike V. Derderian
CULTURE SHOCK
In light of the Holy Month of Ramadan, many art galleries across the city have chosen to display their permanent collections. However, on the music and theater front, live performances are going strong throughout the month. Go’s Mike V. Derderian tells us where and when to go UPCOMING & CURRENT ART EXHIBITIONS:
FILM SCREENINGS: The Royal Film Commission (RFC) will be screening a collection of films by Arab filmmakers this month
ORIENT GALLERY
The Orient Gallery’s permanent collection will be on display throughout the month of august. 92 Al Sweis St., Abdoun, (06) 593 1331
DAR AL ANDA
Dar Al Anda’s "Selective Collection" will be on display throughout the duration of august. Dhirar Bin Al Azwar St., Jabal Weibdeh, (06) 462 9599 www.daralanda.com
5 AUGUST
6 AUGUST
FROM JORDAN: WHEN MONALIZA SMILED
FROM ALGERIA: THE REPENTANT (EL TAAIB)
Director: fadi Haddad Cast: Tahani Salim, Shady khalaf, Haifa alagha This is a romantic comedy about Jordanian Monaliza, and egyptian Hamdi, set in present day amman.
Director: Merzak allouche Cast: nabil asli, adila Bendimered a franco-algerian drama about a young algerian terrorist who tries to reform.
7 AUGUST
8 AUGUST
FROM KUWAIT: TORA BORA
FROM EGYPT:
JACARANDA IMAGES
Visitors can check out Jacaranda’s artworks, prints, and posters during august. Oman Bin Al Khattab St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 4050, www jacarandaimages.com
Director: Walid al awadi Cast: Saad al faraj, khalid ameen, Yassin ahjam This is a story of the journey of abu and Um Tareq in their search for their youngest son.
NABAD
Join Nabad Gallery this month for their Floor to the Ceiling II summer show 2012. Othman bin Affan St., Jabal Amman, (06) 465 5084, www.nabadartgallery.com
NEED TO KNOW Also, be sure to check out Nabad Gallery's newly launched Design Salon, where they'll be displaying and selling particular items crafted by local artists.
Director: khaled Youssef Cast: Wafaa amer, Sabri fawaz and khaled Saleh The film revolves around a mother of five as she tries to contain her sons' problems. Check out www.film.jo for further updates and screening timings. Oman Bin Al Khattab St., 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, (06) 464 2266
9 AUGUST FROM LEBANON: MARCEDES
Director: Hady Zaccak This documentary explores 60 years of history seen through the Mercedes Ponton 180, an icon of pre-war Lebanon.
SCan Here fOr WeBSITe
RETURN TO OZ (1985) Director: Walter Murch Cast: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark Color: Color Genre: Adventure Don’t be mistaken: this is not a sequel to Victor fleming’s 1938 The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland. This is Walter Murch’s macabre interpretation of L. frank Baum’s fantastical world of Oz. It couldn’t be any further from the happy-go-lucky film from the 30s and couldn’t get any weirder or scarier, especially for young kids. although, I have to admit, it's not as scary today as it was upon its release in 1985! a little while ago, a good friend of mine gave me Return to Oz and I found myself returning 27 years in time. The first time I watched this 113-minute film was at a theater here in Jordan. It was sad and scary for someone so young, and I had no idea why our english teacher decided to take us to watch it! However, what I do remember is how much I loved watching Dorothy construct a flying creature from the head of a moose, a couch, palm tree branches, and some magic dust that she stole from the wardrobe of an evil witch. and that this evil witch could change her own head with the heads of young women she viciously collected with the help of an evil king! Looking at this film through today’s eyes isn’t easy. The magic of the moment is still there, but the film’s special effects don’t hold up compared to today’s CGI-filled movies. The director’s simplistic storytelling and lack of character development is compensated, however, by a strong message that reminds us to never undermine a child’s imagination. additionally, actress fairuza Balk gives a convincing performance as a tormented Dorothy whose aunt and uncle believe she's lost her mind and decide to take her to a mental institution. The most impressive parts of Return to Oz, though, are the vicious and ill mannered Wheelers — the witch’s minions whose hands and legs are substituted with roller skates — and Tik Tok — a military robot that Dorothy finds in an old room, which she has to keep winding so that it can move and talk. for their time, the effects this film boasts are amazing, so too are the macabre costumes that reflect the bizarre feel of the world of Oz. If you’re planning on catching Sam raimi’s Oz: The Great and Powerful set for release early next year, give this film a watch to understand how interpretations of the world of Oz have evolved. Return to Oz certainly pushes the notion that you should allow your children to imagine freely, which, despite the film's grim and grisly backdrop, isn’t a bad idea at all! Find the DVD at 16:9 Widescreen or alternatively peruse their great classic movies for films worth having. Call (06) 581 1627 or visit www.sixteen2nine. com for more information.
AMMAN FE RAMADAN
Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan Amman Fe Ramadan has an amazing line-up in store
From live musicians to cinema screenings to stalls selling knickknacks and food, Amman Re Ramadan has plenty to offer the residents of our capital. Happening every night, just off of Rainbow St. (take the first right) until the fourth day of Eid Al Fitr, you’re guaranteed a great time if you decide to check out this venue. Performance highlights include Macadi Nahhas, Akher Zapheer, Hani Mitwasi, Shoo Hal Ayam, El Morabba3, and Aziz Maraka! Check out the full schedule online at www.facebook.com/Amman.Fe.Ramadan. Admission is 3.5 JOD for adults, while children under the age of 12 enter for free (it’s 2 JOD to use the Kids’ Area). Call (06) 465 5224 or (079) 763 6797 for further details.
26 | AUG. 2012 | GOMAGJORDAN.COM