Athlone Film Club’s next film, showing on Tuesday November 3, will be The Forgotten Kingdom, directed by Andrew Mudge.
The mountainous scenery of Lesotho provides the canvas for this profoundly visual story, which tells the tale of Atang, a young man obliged to make a pilgrimage from the bustle of Johannesburg to his native Lesotho upon learning that his father has passed away. There, Atang is reunited with childhood friend Dineo, with whom he discovers a romantic spark. But her disapproving father whisks Dineo away and sends Atang back to Jo’burg. Resolving to win her back, Atang enlists the help of a young orphan boy to guide him through the arresting rural terrain. The first film ever to be produced in Lesotho, The Forgotten Kingdom (certificate 18 ) is a beguiling quest steeped in the history and culture of the Basotho people.
On Tuesday, November 17, there will be a screening of The Tribe, a film that is unashamedly challenging, and viewer discretion is advised. A young deaf-mute newcomer at a specialised boarding school is forced to accept the harsh ‘tribal’ rules of the other boarders. Unexpected romantic leanings toward one of the gang leader’s concubines, however, puts him in a situation from which there is no escape. The director, Miroslav Slaboshpitsky, communicates with the viewer exclusively through sign language in a way both fascinating and new, even for experienced audiences. It contains violent and explicit scenes and is certificate 18.
There’s more to come on December 1, with the screening of Wild Tales.
For sheer entertainment value, you’ll be hard pressed to beat this outrageous, aptly named anthology film. Wild Tales is a collection of six crazy, absurd and hilarious stories of people who are stressed out or depressed by the drive for success, competition and the inequality of the world we live in. With its underlying theme of violence and vengeance, this Argentinean black comedy-drama boasts an eclectic ensemble cast.
Co-produced by Pedro Almodóvar, Wild Tales was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015.
All films start at 8pm at The Dean Crowe Theatre, with membership €10 and subsequent films €8. For more information contact the Dean Crowe Theatre on (090 ) 6492129 or see www.athlonefilmclub.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.
