Arranged
February 20th, 2009
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Beaumont Hotel, Ouray, CO
Dinner at Bulow's Bistro will be available starting at 5 pm. More info. about dinner: (970) 325-7040.
BROOKLYN INT'L FILM FESTIVAL - WINNERSOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL - OFFICIAL SELECTION"CRITIC'S PICK: "[A] surprisingly winning indie drama ... the understated, natural performances by leads Zoe Lister-Jones and Francis Benhamou lend the film a sense of intimacy that serves it well.""New York Magazine
"The simple sweetness of this heartfelt effort arrives as both endearing and culturally provocative." - Toddy Burton - The Austin Chronicle
Synopsis: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. A young Orthodox woman, ROCHEL MESHENBERG, is about to begin her first year as a special education teacher at the local public school. She is also about to embark on what her father and mother call the "most exciting time of her life" – the process of finding a husband via the time-tested method of using a "shadchen," or matchmaker.
As the school year gets underway, Rochel meets NASIRA KHALDI, a Muslim woman of Syrian descent. Nasira is also a first-year teacher. The two young women – Rochel in long skirt and conservative blouse, Nasira in headscarf – stand out in this public school context. The principal, a secular Westchester Jew, is forever reminding them that although they are some of her smartest, most gifted teachers, they are also stunted by their outmoded customs, religions, and by their patriarchal worldviews. She tells them of her experiences in the women's movement and her desire to see them reach their full potentials.
As the school year progresses, Rochel and Nasira realize they share much in common, not least of which is that they are both going through what the outside world would call "arranged marriages." As their friendship deepens, they are exposed to their respective worlds. They prepare for school at one another's houses, meet one another's families, and discuss commonalities and differences.
[Official Site]
[Trailer]
Note: Everyone is welcome at $7.50 per ticket. 2009 Movie Club members may use their punch cards.
Community Sponsor:
Ouray Dental Clinic
Phone: (970) 325-4800
309 6th Ave., Ouray, CO, 81427
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