This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Melnitz Movies at UCLA
What I miss most about college (besides treatises on gender in the Friday the 13th films) is low/no-cost special events. Live theatre, indie bands, speakers, and movies, movies, movies. UCLA keeps this latter tradition alive through its free Melnitz Movies Series. A mixture of advance screenings, foreign affairs, classics and forgotten gems, the series featured indie darling Synecdoche, New York, global genre cuts Let The Right One In and Timecrimes, and prestigious previews of Benjamin Button and The Class last season.
Midway through the Winter 2009 season, Melnitz Movies just featured all the Oscar-Nominated Shorts, Best Documentary nominee (and Sundance winner) Trouble The Water, and a focus on the Francophile. With a couple weeks left in the season, there's still plenty to enjoy.
Tonight, see just what those naked guys with guns really have to do with gangsters in Italian crime-drama Gomorrah. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Oscar, winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes, and Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and Actor at the 2008 European Film Awards. LAist Staff Writer Farley Elliott reviewed the film, noting that it was "shot quite beautifully".
This Thursday, February 12th, stay in Italy but take a trip back in time to Post-WWII reconstruction for Roberto Rossellini's Paisan. A cornerstone of Italian Neo-Realism (which also included The Bicycle Thief, Umberto D. & Ossessione), this rare theatrical presentation is perfect for those kicking off a well-worn Valentine's weekend.
Next Tuesday, February 17th, join director Darius Marder for his documentary Loot. Treasure-hunter/used-car salesman Lance Larson and two fading WWII veterans confront demons old and new on a journey for treasure buried an ocean away. LAist Film Editor Josh Tate gave a glowing review during last year's LA Film Festival, calling it "equal parts stunned amusement and genuine joy and pain".
Sponsored message
Next Thursday, February 24th, the Winter season closes with 24 City. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the Chinese film melds fiction, documentary and generations over an apartment complex in pre-earthquake Chengdu.
Each screening is free, open to both the UCLA Community and the greater public. You don't have to be a student to get in. Just get in line. More details available at the Melnitz Movies website and Facebook page.
Compiled by the amazing and diligent Edward Yerke-Robins
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
