On Thursdays and Sundays from November 10^th to December 4^th, the Smith Rafael Film Center will present the first major retrospective celebrating the work of John Korty, an American independent filmmaker. This year Korty turned 75 marking his 50^th year of his career in the film industry. From comedy and social drama to animation and documentary, Korty was a pioneer in forging a filmmaking career in the Bay Area. His early studio in Stinson Beach inspired the arrival of Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.

The retrospective will include seminal films in the independent feature movement of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as documentaries, animation, and short films. As one of the most successful directors of “made for television” movies, winner of an Academy Award and multiple Emmys, this retrospective event will prove to be an exciting one. For more information on John Korty, visit www.johnkorty.com.

The first program of the event, “Miracle in a Box: A Piano Reborn” with “John Allair Digs In!” [Premiere] is scheduled at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 10^th. John Korty will attend the programs and other special guests are anticipated as well.

(Source: cafilm.org)

“Le Havre”, directed and written by Aki Kaurismaki, is a film with well defined characters and a simplistic plot. Taking place in the inviting setting of a Fench port city called “Le Havre”, the story focuses in on an elderly, working class shoe-shiner named Marcel Marx (played by André Wilms) who lives with his loving wife, Arletty (Kati Outinen). Marcel finds warmth and joy in all the people in his life despite his profession giving him just enough to get by. His life takes a turn when his wife becomes and ill and he must send her to the hospital. He comes across a young African Boy named Idrissa (Blondin Miguel) one afternoon while eating lunch alone at the harbor. Marcel befriends the boy and soon learns that he is with other illegal immigrants hiding in a shipping container with hopes of making it to London to meet up with his aunt. Marcel voluntarily decides to help Idrissa stay out of sight from authorities but complications quickly arise.

Given a B+ grade from Indiewire and a 90 from Los Angeles Times, “Le Havre” is a great option for movie night. “Le Havre” is playing at the Chirstopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center this weekend, be sure to check it out!