The Knickerbocker Theatre of Hope College will present its winter film series beginning Monday, Feb. 3, and running through Saturday, March 15.
The theatre will feature four films: "Rabbit Proof Fence," "The Business of Fancydancing," "Secret Ballot" and "Mostly Martha." The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. 8th St. in downtown Holland.
"Rabbit Proof Fence" will run Monday-Saturday, Feb. 3-8, and Monday-Thursday, Feb. 10-13, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The film is a scathing look at Australia's treatment of its Aboriginal population in the early 20th century, and is based on a true story. Three young girls, who have white fathers and aboriginal mothers, are removed from their homes and relocated to government settlements, dismal places intended to "prepare them for their new role in white society" as domestic help and laborers. They escape and begin their 1,500-mile journey home following Australia's famed "Rabbit Proof Fence." Chased by trackers and government officials, the girls are forced to use all of their skill, cunning, and determination to find their way home. The film is in English, and is rated PG.
The series will feature "The Business of Fancydancing" on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15, and Monday- Saturday, Feb. 17-22, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Written and directed by Sherman Alexie ("Smoke Signals"), the film tells the story of two men who were best friends and co- valedictorians in high school, but whose lives take very different paths when they move off of the Spokane Indian Reservation. Seymour becomes an accomplished poet, while Aristotle finds it difficult to adjust to the "white world," causing a rift to grow between the two. Sixteen years later the suicide of a mutual friend brings Seymour back to the reservation, where he must deal with his past and the present. Although the film is not rated, it is not recommended for younger audiences.
The Iranian comedy "Secret Ballot" will show Monday-Saturday, March 3-8, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly. It is Election Day in Iran, and a soldier at a lonely seaside post finds that it will not be the usual, uneventful day when he is ordered to help an election official with the balloting. To his surprise, the official he must assist is a woman, and the realization creates a rocky beginning to their relationship. Whether he likes it or not, the soldier is thrown into a comedic election adventure as he and the agent search for voters. Surprises abound, and by day's end both the election official and the soldier find that their views have changed. In Farsi with subtitles, the film is rated G.
The series will conclude with "Mostly Martha" on Monday-Saturday, March 10-15, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly. The film tells of the tempestuous relationship between Martha, a 30-something chef, and her sullen eight-year-old niece, Lina, who are forced together by circumstance. Martha, one of the best chefs in Germany, finds her ordered and regimented existence shattered when Lina comes to live with her and changes her life forever. The film tells of cross-generational affection, good food, and possibly a little romance. It is in German, with subtitles, and is rated PG.
Tickets for all movies are $5 for regular admission, and $4 for children and senior citizens, and may be purchased at the door. The Knickerbocker is closed on Sundays.