The Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will continue its tradition of showing contemporary and independent films through its 2011 fall film series from Monday, Sept. 12, through Friday, Nov. 12.
The series will feature a total of four films, beginning with "Rebirth," a film focusing on the aftermath of 9/11. The other three films in the series are "Midnight in Paris," "Mozart's Sister," and "Life Above All Else." All films will be shown at 7:30p.m.
"Rebirth" will run Monday-Friday, Sept. 12-16. From early 2002 through 2009, the "Rebirth" film crew chronicled the lives of five people directly affected by 9/11. The participants include a survivor from an impact floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center (WTC); a firefighter who survived the collapse of the WTC but lost his best friend; a high school student who lost his mother; a young woman who lost her fiancé; and a construction worker who lost his brother, assisted with recovery efforts, and is presently helping to build the Freedom Tower. Their narratives are the thread of recovery and resiliency from grief, loss and trauma that comprise the unique message of the film. "Rebirth" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January of 2011.
"Midnight in Paris" will show from Monday-Saturday, Sept. 19-24, as the film series switches genres to this romantic comedy. Set in Paris, the Woody Allen film focuses on two young people who are engaged to be married in the fall and have experiences while visiting the city that change their lives. The film is about a young man's great love for a city, Paris, and the illusion people have that a life different from theirs would be much better. It stars Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, and Carla Bruni, among others.
"Mozart's Sister" will show on Monday-Saturday, Oct. 10-15. The film is a speculative account of Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart (Marie Feret), five years older than Wolfgang (David Moreau) and a musical prodigy in her own right. Originally the featured performer, she has given way to Wolfgang as the main attraction, as their strict but loving father Leopold (Marc Barbe) tours his talented offspring in front of the royal courts of pre-French Revolution Europe. Approaching marriageable age and now forbidden to play the violin or compose, Nannerl chafes at the limitations imposed on her gender, but a friendship with the son and daughter of Louis XV offers an alternative.
The series will end with "Life, Above All" running Monday-Saturday, Nov. 7-12. Just after the death of her newly-born sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and the truth. "Life, Above All" is an emotional and universal drama about a young girl who fights the fear and shame that have poisoned her community. The film captures the enduring strength of loyalty and a courage powered by the heart. Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz, it is based on the international award-winning novel "Chanda's Secrets" by Allan Stratton.
Tickets for all of the films are $6 for regular admission and $5 for senior citizens, students, faculty and children. Updated information may be obtained by visiting www.hope.edu/arts/knick. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St.