AFI Film Fest Sampling

This weekend, we're going to console ourselves at the movies. We think the following films screening at the AFI Film Festival will give us some much needed global perspective on what it's like to live within other countries and political systems.

SEOUL TRAIN

Fri, Nov 5 7:30 pm
Sun, Nov 7 2:30 pm ArcLight Theatre 12
ArcLight Theatre 12 $11.00

DIR: Jim Butterworth, Aaron Lubarsky, Lisa Sleeth,

For five million North Koreans living in deplorable conditions and facing the threat of starvation and disease, an underground railroad to China may be the only hope for a better life…although getting out of North Korea is only half the battle.
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SEOUL TRAIN profiles a handful of families as they plan and execute their escape from the oppressive North Korean caste system, which affords the lower third class no means to better their living situation and condemns them to rely on the Korean government for the most basic of needs. A secret group of activists, known as “the underground railroad,” facilitate their escape to China. But once there, they are considered refugees. And if caught, they are sent back to North Korea where they face imprisonment, torture and/or execution.

REVOLUTION OF PIGS

Sun, Nov 7 9:45 pm ArcLight Theatre 11 $11.00
Tue, Nov 9 1:00 pm ArcLight Theatre 13

DIR/SCR: Jaak Kilmi, Rene Reinumagi

Fueled by a great soundtrack of classic ‘80s pop, the revolution is brewing. Set in the summer of 1986, hundreds of teenagers have gathered in the woods for Estonian student summer camp—three days full of adventures, falling in love and partying. But, when the teens are forced to comply with rules of proper behavior, camp in a totalitarian system isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The political metaphor of the counselors’ control leads to an uprising of the students. The main character is 16-year-old Tanel, who initially is as focused on losing his virginity and getting drunk as overthrowing the system. But taking part in the revolt, he discovers himself.
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Combine Estonia’s version of MEATBALLS with the radical awareness of a MEDIUM COOL, and you might have an idea of what’s going on in this summer camp.
- Shaz Bennett