Free Movie Night
7:00 pm
Marketplace 3rd Floor, St John

CASABLANCA by Michael Curtiz (102 min) 1942

They had a date with fate in Casablanca!

This classic romantic melodrama, set in the Vichy controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca, is a masterful tale of two men vying for the same woman’s love. Rick, played by Humphrey Bogart, must choose between his love for Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and doing the right thing by helping her and her Resistance leader husband escape from Casablanca.

This story of political and romantic espionage is set against the backdrop of the wartime conflict between democracy and totalitarianism. The film, wrapped in a rich, smoky atmosphere and accompanied by  a superb musical score, is filled with suspense, unforgettable characters and memorable lines of dialogue.

One of the most popular, magical and flawless films of all time – focused on the themes of lost love, honor and duty, self-sacrifice and romance within a chaotic world.

PRE SHOW DINNER 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Our friends at La Plancha del Mar will be serving a Moroccan-inspired Buffet Dinner in the 3rd floor courtyard before the show. The buffet will feature scrumptious braised beef and preserved lemon chicken, a variety of vegetarian items and a special dessert. Seating will be limited, so please make your reservation today!

$30 pp OR $25 for Film Society Members. (Memberships sold at the door) CALL 777-7333

Click the La Plancha del Mar logo (above) to visit their website and view their menu.

THE BLACK CANDLE: A Kwanzaa Celebration by M.K. Asante, Jr. (71 min) 2008

2009 Winner, Best Documentary, Africa World Documentary Film Festival

“More than a film about a holiday, this is the celebration of a people.” ~ Maya Angelou

Click the image at left to visit the film’s website.

The Black Candle uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience. Narrated by world renowned poet Maya Angelou and directed by award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante, Jr., The Black Candle is about the struggle and triumph of the African-American family, community, and culture.

The first feature film on Kwanzaa, The Black Candle traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by millions of celebrants.

“A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.”

Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26th to January 1st.

Click the image at left for more information about this important holiday.

ALSO FEATURING: Master Drummer Eddie Bruce!

Don’t miss the Live Drumming demonstration at 6:30 PM. Bring a drum and join in the fun before the movie!

One man’s fight for a fair price in the coffee trade

BLACK GOLD by Marc and Nick Francis (74 min) 2006

“As westerners revel in designer lattes and cappuccinos, impoverished Ethiopian coffee growers suffer the bitter taste of injustice.”

While the wealthy parts of the world delight in exotic coffees, Ethiopian coffee farmers aren’t paid enough to feed their families and send their children to school. This riveting film tells the story of one man’s fight to obtain a fair price for his farmers’ coffee on the world market. As Tadesse Meskela travels to London and Seattle, the unfair trade practices of the multi-nationals and the World Trade Organization become obvious.

The film is guaranteed to raise your awareness about the coffee you drink and will hopefully lead you to decide to buy only freely traded coffee.

An entertaining look at a fading subculture…

THE RECYCLERGY by Jeremy Kaller (33 min) 2006

The history of the recycling movement in the San Francisco area, starting with the first Earth Day celebration in 1970.

“The Bay area is still home to a unique community of recyclers who push the envelope of possibilities.”

Additional Feature:

THE STORY OF STUFF by Annie Leonard (20 min) 2007

The way you look at all the stuff you accumulate may change forever. Lighthearted and educational.

A special thanks to our guest speakers from St John’s Recycling Forum!

Calypso Dreams

“The best film ever made about Calypso”

CALYPSO DREAMS - a documentary by Geoffrey Dunn & Michael Horne (85 min) 2004

Winner of the Best Caribbean Documentary Film at the 2002 Jamerican Film Festival; also screened at the 2003 Mill Valley Film Festival.

This award-winning film documents the history of Calypso in Trinidad and Tobago. Features performances by Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Lord Superior, Brother Valentino, Regeneration Now, and Mystic Prowler.

“…brings the amazing history of this music and its culture to life, showing us the roots of modern day reggae, hip hop and rap. Fantastic!” – Bonnie Raitt