This year’s IU Cinema lineup provides students with distinct opportunities to hear acclaimed directors speak and to see independent, foreign and award-nominated films. From indie comedies to European thrillers, Weekend breaks down the can’t-miss events at the cinema this semester.
“The Eagle Huntress”— Jan. 21-22
A documentary team followed a 13-year-old girl in the Mongolian mountains as she trained to become the first female golden eagle hunter in 12 generations. The result is a beautifully visualized, inspiring story of girl power in changing times.
“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”— Feb. 23
Ana Lily Amirpour’s first film was billed by Sundance as “the first Iranian vampire Western.” Residents in a deteriorating urban area are stalked by an unnamed vampire, who mirrors their struggles with addiction, violence, despair and the desire to move on to something better — or less bad.
Ana Lily Amirpour Lecture— Feb. 24
Iranian-American director Amirpour will lecture and screen selected films, including shorts, at the IU Cinema later this year. Her debut “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” was a 2014 Sundance favorite, and she describes her newest film, “The Bad Batch,” as “‘Road Warrior’ meets ‘Pretty in Pink’ with a dope soundtrack.” What’s not to love?
“Fish Tank”— March 4 In Andrea Arnold’s 2009 coming-of-age film, 15-year-old Mia faces the struggle of growing up poor in London with a single mother. Upon realizing a love for hip hop and beginning a relationship with her mother’s boyfriend — played by then-newcomer Michael Fassbender — Mia enters into an adult world that she may not be prepared for.
“Julieta” — March 9, March 12
A woman, estranged from her daughter, attempts to reconnect by examining the circumstances in her past that led to their alienation. The Spanish film blends past and present storylines for a complete picture of love, loss and lineage.
“Toni Erdmann”— March 25, March 30
A prankster father attempts to reconnect with his corporate daughter by donning costumes and infiltrating her life. It’s a crazy opening, but the German-Austrian comedy has earned accolades for its commitment to storytelling and excellent performances. The teeth are false, but the emotion is real.
“The Red Turtle”— March 31- April 1
Studio Ghibli worked with German distribution company Wild Bunch to bring you the animated story of a castaway and the family he creates on an island populated with aquatic animals. Instead of dialogue, the movie uses lush visuals and an orchestral soundtrack to convey themes of survival, acceptance, and hope.
“The Man Who Knew Infinity” — April 17
Based on a written biography of Srinivasa Ramanujan, “The Man Who Knew Infinity” is one part biography and one part critique of educational prejudice. Dev Patel stars as the brilliant mathematician, who struggled to see his accomplishments recognized during World War I.
“The Lure”— April 24, April 29
This strange Polish musical blends old-school mythology and stories with a modern setting and soundtrack. Literal man-eating mermaid sisters Silver and Golden are recruited into a cabaret and are torn between issues of family and sexuality and their less-human appetites. Who needs “La La Land”?
