Editor’s Note: Two festivals begin on Dec. 7 in Kyiv cinema. “Different Colors of Love” brings love tales from around the world to keep you warm through Dec. 14.
“Ellefest” on Dec. 8-12 will make a fashion statement of its own with a bright collection of documentaries and features about shoes, models, world-famous designers and wardrobes full of clothes.
Full schedules on www.kievkino.com.ua.
LOVE AND RAGE
Psychological Drama
Denmark 2009, 98′
Language: Danish with Ukr subtitles
Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
When you love somebody, set him free and you will get a tenfold of love and commitment in return. Young promising piano student Daniel knows this universal truth but cannot practice it no matter what. His girlfriend Sofie is more than his object of admiration, she becomes subject to Daniel’s fits of jealousy, anger and doubt.
Music used to be his only love and he could control it; but Sofie presents a difficult case to his complicated mind. Haunted by paranoia, claustrophobia and chronic fits of anger, he has a family history to blame. His father, also a talented pianist, committed a suicide a year ago as a result of suffering from neurological disorders. To go up the next level in his music career, Daniel must tame his fears, but would Sofie still be there to help him?
LIBERATED ZONE
Comedy
Germany 2009, 92′
Language: German with Ukr and Eng subtitles
Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
If you think that only in Ukraine football can add glamor to the struggling East, this comedy will prove you wrong. An economically-depressed town in East Germany adds an expensive Nigerian footballer to their perennially losing football team to not only help sports but also attract tourists and investment.
Hothead called Blondi is an instant hit on the field, with the women and for the city coffers. To make him stay in the city forever, residents want to marry him off and he doesn’t seem to mind as long as this knot wouldn’t be too tight around his neck and allows him to play on the side. A potential bride, however, also has her secrets in the closet.
BROTHERHOOD
Drama
Denmark 2009, 97′
Language: Danish with Ukr subtitles
Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.
Clad with a couple of festival awards and nominations, this film presents an unusual romance between two gay men in the violent and racist neo-Nazi camp. Unable to receive a promotion in the army, Lars is drawn into another military grouping and not least to his mentor Jimmy.
They go from hatred to friendship and eventually love against the setting of racism and brutality. The screenplay is as clandestine as you would expect this couple to be – the lead characters reveal each other only in certain gestures, looks and long silences.
LOVE IS ALL
Comedy
Netherlands 2009, 116′
Language: Dutch with Rus dubbing
Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Sinterklaas is how Dutch call their Santa Claus who arrives on Dec. 5 with many surprises and presents. On the streets of modern Amsterdam, a gazillion of couples in this romantic movie only want love from this white-bearded wizard. Think "Love Actually" when you buy a ticket to see this kaleidoscope of relationships change sides, partners, colors and dreams.
He loves him and she doesn’t; she wants to marry a prince but doesn’t recognize one standing right in front of her; the child helps estranged parents fall in love again – well, you get the plot. Starring best Dutch actors, this love saga has been warmly received in the Netherlands.
THE EMIGRE, EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT
Drama
Hungary 2007, 100′
Language: Hungarian with Ukr and Eng subtitles
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.
Born in 1900, Sandor Varai was a prominent Hungarian journalist who authored 46 books and countless articles and was considered by literary critics as one of the most important voices between the two world wars. "The Emigre" is a look back at the life of an intellectual who emigrated, or fled the Communist regime in Hungary, in 1948 first to Italy and then the United States.
Settling in San Diego, California he continued writing in his own language reminiscing for multicultural, old-fashioned Hungary he loved before the Soviets took over. Scorned in his native land, his only audience became his wife, his true companion and the love of his whole life.
ELLEFEST
The fashion film festival has five films in its wardrobe but you have to check with the Kyiv theater for exact time schedules. French documentary "God Save my Shoes" is a historical and psychological portrait of a woman’s relationship with her shoes. "Veruschka: A Life for the Camera" is a German biographical portrait of one of the world’s most famous models Vera Lehndorff who climbed the very top of a fashion ladder only to turn her back on it.
For an intricate biography in English, head to "Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston" — a wild ride through decadent Manhattan in the 1970s with the help of its prime fashion designer Roy Halston. "Absolument Fabuleux" is a French take on British comedy series "Absolutely Fabulous" about a well-behaved daughter of the leopard-print, rock-n-roll and champagne-loving parents.
An intimate portrait of the icon of the 20th-century fashion Yves Saint Laurent is painted in French documentary "L’amour Fou."
