FEATURES
BROKEN SKY (EL CIELO DIVIDIDO) Dir: Julián Hernández, Mexico, 2006, 35mm, 140 min
Spanish with English subtitles Mexican Director Julián Hernández’s exquisite arthouse film follows the sex-fuelled romance between two stunning young Latino students, Gerardo and Jonas who meet on the steps of the college campus. Their fateful steamy world of first love unfolds blissfully before us. Their love seems perfect, until a chance encounter at a nightclub casts the two men adrift into an unchartered world of tension and temptation. The impetuous Jonas tires of his new love and becomes infatuated with another young hunk under the flashing pulsating disco lights. Jonas experiences a torrid sexual awakening as his dejected lover Gerardo spirals into the oblivion of despair, heartbreak and uncertainty. Meanwhile, in another twist, a dark stranger, Sergio has been observing the alienated Gerardo over time and seduces him. The sensual arms of Sergio soothe Gerardo’s pain and loss. With minimal dialogue, hypnotic-almost choreographed acting, languid cinematography this allegorical film portrays the slow dance of love, rejection, sex and constant craving that engages two people on the awkward threshold of first love. (PA)
SESSION 32 MAR
2007
Sunday 18 March ACMI Cinemas
9pm
CUT SLEEVE BOYS Dir: Ray Yeung, Hong Kong, 2005, video, 87 min
English language Cut Sleeve Boys is quirky new feature about two Chinese Brits - Mel and Ash, who start examining the crow’s feet on their faces and questioning the meaning of the labels in their wardrobes after the death of their close, closeted college friend Gavin. Mel soon faces the realisation that he is a fading party boy and whilst considering Botox, diets, body bronzing, and engaging in fashionista small talk he miraculously finds true love in Todd - gorgeous, intelligent, happy, enthusiastic, modest, and to die for. Mel is too paranoid and filled with self-loathing to really know true love when it’s revealed- with hilarious and tragic effect. While best friend Ash has a less overblown ego than his Norma Desmond friend does, he too is none the wiser. With time, lashings of ribald sex and witty one-liners Mel and Ash face their own fears, their own self-fulfilling prophecies, and true love finds a way. Funny, touching, feel-good highlight of this year’s festival. (PA) Winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature at LA Outfest Fusion Festival 2006. The film’s co-star Chowee Leow will be in attendance. SESSION 30 MAR
2007
30
Sunday 18 March ACMI Cinemas
6.15pm