Special events and two exceptional new releases are worth checking out this week.
“Films of Remembrance,” commemorating the forced incarceration by the United States of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II, is presenting its 15th edition. Screenings are at the AMC Kabuki 8 in San Francisco on Saturday and the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex in San Jose on Sunday. Presented by the Nichi Bei Foundation, the event features 10 films relating to the wartime camps. “Third Act” is the showcase attraction. Filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura explores the life and legacy of his father — Asian American artist and activist Robert A. Nakamura — in the documentary feature, which covers Robert’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and wartime experience.
Nine short films complete the bill. Proceeds benefit the Wayne Maeda Educational Fund. Tickets are $12 to $25. Visit filmsofremembrance.org.
Two documentaries about people working to improve the world screen at the inaugural 836M Fest, presented by the 836M arts organization, at the Roxie Theater on Sunday. Showing at noon is “Porcelain War” (2024), the Oscar-nominated film about three Ukrainian artists who, through their porcelain art, find purpose and beauty during Russia’s brutal incursion in 2022. Showing at 2:30 p.m. is “Prime Minister” (2025), which follows Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister (2017-2023), as she handles crises, receives global attention for her compassionate approach to governing, and becomes only the second head of state in history to give birth while in office. Visit 836m.org for more information.
“Right in the Eye,” a touring “live movie concert” celebrating the cinema of pioneering French filmmaker Georges Melies (1861-1938), is coming to San Francisco’s Marina Theatre Saturday. Shows are set for 3 and 7 p.m. Presented by Alcolea & Cie and created by Jean-Francois Alcolea, the presentation combines a montage of Melies’ silent films with music, sound and lighting. The show’s title refers to the iconic image from Melies’ 1902 “A Trip to the Moon.” Visit lntsf.com.
Those interested in a sexy steamy love story that isn’t “Wuthering Heights” should be aware of “Pillion,” British filmmaker Harry Lighton’s very explicit, very funny, very gay and unexpectedly heart-tugging erotic comedy screening at the AMC Kabuki in San Francisco. Adapting and sweetening an Adam Mars-Jones novel, Lighton applies a kinky twist to the opposites-attract romcom formula in this feature debut, which involves a BDSM relationship. Colin (Harry Melling), a shy barbershop-quartet singer, lives with his parents in Greater London. His mother (Lesley Sharp), in particular, who is terminally ill, wants Colin to meet Mr. Right. Enter Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), a leather-clad Adonis and biker who is a dominant seeking a submissive.
In an outrageously presented alley encounter that includes a pivotal unzipping, Colin, inexperienced and awkward, is enraptured by Ray and his method of operation. A relationship forms, with Ray in control and Colin displaying an “aptitude for devotion.” Ray expects Colin to cook dinner (even on Colin’s birthday), to do chores, and, when sharing Ray’s bedroom, to sleep on a rug on the floor. Colin shaves his head to please Ray. He becomes enamored with Ray’s world of BDSM and bikers. When what begins as an entirely sexual deal — a provocative wrestling match demonstrates its power dynamics — starts feeling romantic, Ray’s emotional unavailability prompts Colin to rebel.
While the film is lusty and funny enough to satisfy as a kinky romcom, Lighton and his actors go deeper, delivering three-dimensional characters and emotional complexity. Melling is sweetly moving and exciting to watch as Colin transforms from wide-eyed beginner-hood to self-awareness. As the enigmatic, impassive Ray, Skarsgard is droll perfection when in stoic mode, and sympathetic when displaying a softer side. Nothing too endearing. Lighton is too sharp a filmmaker for that. “Pillion” is an edgy and exhilarating film about realizing and embracing your true desires.
Writer-director Hasan Hadi depicts life in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq through the story of a 9-year-old girl in “The President’s Cake,” a powerful little drama illustrating how war and repression affect children. Hadi draws on his childhood experience in this debut feature, which suggests postwar Italian neorealism and Iranian films like “The White Balloon” and “Children of Heaven.” It transpires in 1990s Iraq, where international sanctions have led to destitution, bombers are flying overhead, and posters of dictator Saddam Hussein appear everywhere.
Nine-year-old Lamia (Baneen Ahmad Nayyef), who lives with her grandmother, Bibi (Waheed Thabet Khreibat), in the cinegenic Mesopotamian marshlands, is selected at school to bake a cake honoring Saddam on his birthday. If she doesn’t, she’ll be severely punished, her teacher warns. The cake ingredients are scarce and expensive, and, to obtain them, Lamia, accompanied by Bibi and a pet rooster, travels to the big city. Lamia teams up with her friend Saeed (Sajad Mohamad Qasem) to find eggs, flour, and sugar. Their adventure includes scary scrapes and encounters with corrupt and predatory sorts. We see the tragedy of children forced into survival mode. At one point, Hadi juxtaposes scenes of schoolkids experiencing a bombing with footage of Saddam Hussein celebrating his birthday and reveling in himself. There is also playfulness and humor.
Nayyef is thoroughly natural and in-character. Her scenes with Qasem have a spontaneous energy and down-to-earth charm, whether their characters are running for their lives or engaging in a silly staring contest. Hindi the rooster, too, has his moments, as when he pecks at Lumia’s cake recipe. “The President’s Cake” is at the AMC Metreon in San Francisco.
The post Movies: ‘Films of Remembrance,’ ‘Porcelain War,’ ‘Prime Minister,’ Melies’ movies, ‘Pillion,’ ‘President’s Cake’ appeared first on Local News Matters.