Films!Films!Films!

Here’s a roundup of some interesting film specials going on in Nippertown this week:

Megunica @ EMPAC at RPI, Troy. A prize-winning documentary of the film fest circuit, “Megunica” follows the Italian graffiti artist Blu through Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Argentina. Directed by Lorenzo Fonda, the result is an ebullient and unscripted film, mixing animation and cinema verité, which asks broad questions about art in the urban landscape and its transformative powers. Friday, May 13, 7:30pm. $5.

Reservoir Dogs @ Revolution Hall, Troy. Quentin Taratino’s 1992 gem of a jewelry heist flick with a colorful cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi and the ever-psychotic Michael Madson. You’ll never hear “Stuck in the Middle with You” the same way again. Friday, May 13, 8pm. $5.

Addicted to Plastic @ The Sanctuary for Independent Media, Troy. A documentary offering a a visually compelling, entertaining, ultimately frightening explanation of what happens to all the plastic found in contemporary product packaging. The event includes a reception at 7pm with representatives from local plastic-alternative groups sharing information and demonstrating plastic-reduction strategies. The film will be presented at 8pm followed by a group discussion on plastic reduction and reuse facilitated by Steve Davis. Saturday, May 15. Admission by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income).

The Long Way Down @ Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. A documentary that follows film actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Booman on as they travel by motorcycle from Northernmost Scotland to the the southern-most tip of Africa. Shown as a fundraiser benefiting the Schenectady Cancer Foundation. Sunday, May 16. $10

A Prophet @ Saratoga Film Forum, Saratoga Springs. An illiterate young man uses his wits to survive life behind bars and gain the trust of the Corsican gang currently ruling the prison. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In French, Arabic and Corsican with English subtitles.
Thurs.-Fri., May 13th-14th, 8 p.m.
Sun., May 16th, 7 p.m.
General Admission Tickets $7.00
Film Forum Member Tickets $5.00
NEW! Tickets only $5.00 with Valid Student ID

Phish 3D @ The Madison Theatre, Albany. If you got shut out of their show at SPAC next month, perhaps you can shoehorn your way into this highly-anticipated film that continues at Various times through Sunday, May 16.

The movie features never before seen cover songs, and intimate footage of the band backstage and in rehearsals. Filmed in October 2009 at the band’s Festival 8, more than 40,000 devoted fans watched as Phish combined two of their most beloved traditions – the multi-day festival and the Halloween album “costume.” The band’s highly anticipated “musical costumes” are concerts involving the performance of an entire album by another artist-in this case, Phish covered the Rolling Stones’ album Exile on Main St. Phish 3D also features songs from the band’s first ever full-length acoustic set, as well as performances taken from the six additional sets.

Mid-August Lunch @ Time + Space Limited, Hudson. Middle-aged, debt-ridden Gianni must look after his landlord’s mother over Ferragosto, the Italian August holiday. Before he knows it, he is caring for four elderly women, in what the New York Times characterized as a “slender Chekhovian vignette about the joys and regrets of old age and the pleasures of sociability. All four women emerge as vital, quirky, independent spirits who eventually bond, after some initial friction.”
Thursday, May 13th: 7:30
Friday, May 14th: 7:30
Saturday, May 15th: 7:30
Sunday, May 16th: 5:30
Thursday, May 20th: 5:30
Friday, May 21st: 5:30
Saturday, May 22nd: 5:30
Sunday, May 23rd: 3:30
Member: $5, General: $7, Student: $5

The Sun Behind the Clouds @ Time + Space Limited, Hudson. A 2009 film documenting the the struggle for Tibetan independence with extensive interviews with the Dalai Lama as well as more radical views.
Thursday, May 13: 5:30pm
Friday, May 14: 5:30pm
Saturday, May 15: 5:30pm
Sunday, May 16: 3:30pm
Member: $5, General: $7, Student: $5

Two Short Movies: Agnes Martin & Maurice Sendak @ Time + Space Limited, Hudson:
Agnes Martin: With My Back Against The World. A documentary directed by Mary Lance about the artist noted for her subtle monochromatic paintings. 2002, 57 minutes.
Maurice Sendak: Tell Them Anything You Want. A documentary directed by Lance Bangs and Spike Jonze about the noted children’s book author. 2009, 40 minutes.
Saturday, May 15: 3:30pm
Saturday, May 22: 3:30pm
Saturday, May 29: 3:30pm
Member: $5, General: $7, Student: $5

Ajami @ Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. A crime drama set on the streets of Jaffa’s Ajami neighborhood, told through the eyes of a cross-section of the city’s inhabitants: a young Israeli, a Palestinian refugee, a Jewish police detective and an affluent Palestinian. In Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles. $6
Monday, May 17, 5pm and 7:15pm
Tuesday, May 18, 5pm and 7:15pm
Wednesday, May 19, 2:45pm, 5pm, 7:15pm