While fall semester is winding down, UWM’s very own Union Cinema is in full swing on bringing the campus a diverse selection of narrative, documentary, and experimental films from all corners of the world. Fresh off their recognition as a Sundance Institute Art House Project theater (one of 23 in the country!), this month’s lineup is continued proof of their determination to provide a diverse, entertaining, and intellectually engaging film/video program for the Milwaukee community.
As part of their World Cinema program, the Union Theatre is bringing selections such as Entertainment, a darkly funny film about a comedian trying desperately to reconnect with his daughter. The other selection in this month’s World Cinema category is The Mend, featuring Josh Lucas and Stephen Plunkett as dysfunctional brothers who temporarily become roommates. What would normally be cliché is transformed into an engrossing film under the skilled hands of Josh Magary in his feature-length directorial debut. Both of these films are Milwaukee premieres, so don’t miss out on your chance to see these films before anyone else!
One of the showcases of the Union Cinema is their showcasing of classic films in 35mm, and this month is no exception. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show is beautiful coming-of-age tale set in Texas in the 1950’s, where kids must contend with their dying small town. This is not one to be missed. Another 35mm print that will be playing later in the month is Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers. Considered one of the greatest films of all time, Cries and Whispers is a tale of three sisters. When one realizes that she is dying, her two sisters come to visit, revealing hidden secrets and long-repressed conflict. In an era of digital filmmaking, to see a film presented on 35mm can be a rare occasion. Thankfully, the Union Cinema is dedicated to bringing as many prints as possible to the Milwaukee area for our viewing pleasure.
If narratives aren’t your thing, there are also a handful of powerful documentaries this month. One selection is A Murder in the Park, about a 1982 murder case, for which an innocent man was potentially sentenced instead of the true culprit. Documentarians Christopher S. Rech and Brandon Kimbe explore the case in search of the truth in this Milwaukee premiere. But if real-life murder mysteries aren’t your thing, and you’d prefer a more musical experience, look no further. The Union Cinema is also bringing the documentary Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll, following the history of one of the most popular genres of music as it rollercoasters along with Cambodian history. This film is sure to be a rocking good time (pardon the bad pun).
In honor of a beloved filmmaker last too soon, Chantal Akerman (who I’ve also profiled briefly in the start of my 52 Films by Women column), the Union Cinema is presenting a tribute to both her work and those who have been inspired by it. Akerman’s influence will long be remembered in cinema history, and this tribute screening is open to all members of the public.
Last but certainly not least, it is important to celebrate the work that our very own Film students create every semester. Be sure to come and attend both the Student Film and Video Festival and Senior Screenings to support the next generation of local Milwaukee filmmakers.
The UWM Union Cinema is located on the second floor of the Union next to the Wisconsin room. Full schedule:
ENTERTAINMENT: 2015, USA 110 minutes, dir. Rick Alverson. Playing on 12/4 at 7 PM, 12/5 at 9:30 PM, and 12/6 at 5 PM.
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW: 1971, USA 118 minutes, dir. Peter Bogdanovich. Playing on 12/4 at 9:30 PM, at 12/5 at 7 PM, and 12/6 at 7:30 PM.
CHANTAL AKERMAN, FROM HERE: IN REMEMBERANCE: Playing on 12/8 at 7 PM.
A MURDER IN THE PARK: 2015, USA 91 minutes, dir. Christopher S. Rech, Brandon Kimbe. Playing on 12/9 at 7 PM.
DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN: CAMBODIA’S LOST ROCK AND ROLL: 2015, USA 105 minutes, dir. John Pirozzi. Playing on 12/10 at 7 PM.
THE MEND: 2015, USA 111 minutes, dir. John Magary. Playing on 12/11 at 7 PM, 12/12 at 9 PM, and on 12/13 at 5 PM.
CRIES AND WHISPERS: 1972, Sweden 91 minutes, dir. Ingmar Bergman. Playing on 12/11 at 9:30 PM, 12/12 at 7 PM, and on 12/13 at 7:30 PM.
FORBIDDEN FRONTIERS: 2015, USA 94 minutes, dir. Felix Moeller. Playing on 12/16 at 7 PM.
LOCALLY GROWN: COVERING A TRAGEDY: AN INTIMATE LOOK AT FAMILIES AFFECTED BY POLICE VIOLENCE: 2015, USA 90 minutes, dir. Erik Ljung, Jenna Knapp. Playing on 12/17 at 7 PM. Directors in Attendance!
STUDENT FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL: Playing on 12/18 at 7 PM.
SENIOR SCREENINGS: Playing on 12/19 at 7 PM.