by

CICFF37 will be presented virtually November 13-22, 2020. To browse the Virtual Festival Catalog and purchase tickets and passes click  here.  Film provides a window into a parallel world where viewers can live vicariously through characters. Sometimes these stories are joyous or humorous, and at other times they teach difficult lessons. When the viewer exits this world of film and returns to their own, they carry knowledge and opinions. They can be enlightened, learn new perspectives, history and customs.  This past year, millions were confined to their homes due to COVID-19. As borders shut down, wanderlust sat at an all-time high for many

by

Taiwanese auteur Tsai Ming-liang’s 1998 film, The Hole, is an eerie analog to the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. It is available to watch until October 1 at the FACETS Virtual Cinema.  As we predicted not too long ago, the COVID-19 crisis is already beginning to produce a number of films directly inspired by the ongoing global pandemic. Hollywood is reopening and producers simply don’t know what to do with themselves. A heist film/romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway called Lockdown? Why not! What is perhaps more interesting and assuredly less depressing than observing the modern state of quarantine filmmaking is exploring what came before

by

Before the Fire is a tense and personal portrait of life during a pandemic for our heroine, Ava. It is currently available to rent from the FACETS Virtual Cinema until August 27.  In March, when the COVID-19 induced stay-at-home orders began, two distinct groups of people emerged: those who watched Contagion immediately, and those who avoided it like the plague (pun intended).  Other pandemic films came before it, sure, but Steven Soderbergh’s meticulous 2011 epic seems to have eerily predicted the coronavirus pandemic about a decade in advance, leading to its go-to status for many Americans. It explores the global political implications

by

Watching The Wolf House is a strange, singular experience, but film history is full of surreal animation. So we’ve put together a watchlist featuring films that influenced The Wolf House for you to check out after seeing the film. Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña’s feat of animation and political filmmaking, The Wolf House (2018), was shot entirely at art galleries and museums, allowing patrons to witness the creation of this surrealist masterpiece. The anti-colonialist allegory is fully realized by the young directors through its unique blend of artistic mediums. (Learn more about the filmmakers’ process in this free Q&A hosted by the

by

In honor of our 45th anniversary, David Edelberg and Randy Adamsick, current members of the Facets board of directors and colleagues of Milos Stehlik for more than 30 years each, share their watchlist.  The favorites listed are both emblematic of Milos’s vision and also represent some important milestones in cinema history that occurred at Facets. All films listed are available to rent from Facets. Become a Facets Member for only $10 /month and start renting today. (1) Intimate Lighting Directed by Ivan Passer, Czechoslovakia, 71 mins. Two old friends, Peter, a professional musician, and Bambas, a provincial one, reunite for a weekend in their small

by

Revenge is a dish best served cold…make it a feast with three hand picked recommendations from our rental catalog to check out after you stream A White, White Day at Facets Virtual Cinema, available now until May 28. The latest from Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason, follows a grief-stricken man desperate for answers about his late wife’s affair. As an off-duty police chief getting up there in age, nobody suspects Ingimundur to be someone corrupted by desire for revenge. Classic thriller tropes and a distinctly Nordic arthouse sensibility are used to beautifully illustrate this underdog tale of revenge and unconditional love. Watch now (1)

by

Watch five international, award-winning films for every age, hand selected by CICFF Festival Director, Ann Vikstrom.   Take a break and leave the curation to us. These films not only screened at a past festival, but they made such an impact on our expert jurors that they were awarded a top prize! Now you can watch them at home for free.   (1) Island AGES 2+ Directed by Max Mörtl and Robert Lobel, Germany, 3 mins.   Creatures gather to make music in Island (2017).  CICFF35 BEST PRODUCTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AWARD   On a colorful and exotic island, a quirky ensemble of creatures brings their plops, hoots, rattles and snaps together to create an imaginative musical masterpiece.   Watch

by

Check out a special list of films to watch over spring break from Facets’ Education Director, Kathleen Beckman.  Spring break is here, despite the COVID-19 pandemic keeping most of us sheltered in place.  To help families stay connected, creative, and engaged with thoughtful films and television, our Education Director, Kathleen Beckman, has put together a special list of films to watch and discuss with your kids.  Each selection includes Kathleen’s unique take on the film along with questions and activities designed to dig deeper into learning themes that address the personal, cultural, and production aspects of a film.  (1)  Sherlock Jr.  AGES 7+  Directed by Buster