World Film Fest at Skokie Public Library
Winter 2011-2012

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This winter the Library will present another series of critically acclaimed world films, reflective of the diverse culture of Skokie. A short discussion will follow each movie, unless otherwise noted.

Monday, December 12	The Illusionist
Monday, January 9	The Human Resources Manager
Monday, February 6	Incendies

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Monday, December 12 at 7:00pm

The Illusionist (United Kingdom and France)

Released 2010 – 80 minutes – PG for thematic elements, and smoking
In English (with some foreign phrases with English subtitles)

This British-French animated comedy-drama directed by Sylvain Chomet is based on an unproduced script written by Jacques Tati. The story revolves around an aging illusionist named Tatischeff. Out of work, he travels to an isolated village in Scotland to perform in a pub. There, Tatischeff meets Alice, an innocent girl who thinks he possesses magic powers

Acclaim:
	Academy Awards – nominated – Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

Annie Awards – nominated – Best Animated Feature, Best Writing in an Animated Feature Production, Directing in a Feature Production, Music in an Animated Feature Production

	British Independent Film Awards – nominated – Best Technical Achievement
	Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards – nominated – Best Technical Achievement
	Chicago Film Critics Association Awards – nominated – Best Animated Feature
	European Film Awards – winner – Best Animated Feature
	Evening Standard British Film Awards – nominated – Best Film
	Golden Globes Award – nominated – Best Animated Feature
	Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards – nominated – Best Animated Feature
	Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards – winner 2nd place – Best Animation
	Mar del Plata Film Festival – nominated – Best Film
	National Board of Review, USA – winner – Spotlight Award
	New York Film Critics Circle Awards – winner – Best Animated Film
	Online Film Critics Society Awards – nominated – Best Animated Feature
	San Diego Film Critics Society Awards – nominated – Best Animated Film
	Satellite Awards – nominated – Best Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media

Monday, January 9 at 7:00pm

The Human Resources Manager (Israel)

Released 2010 – 105 minutes – Not rated
In Hebrew, Romanian and English, with English subtitles

The HR manager of Jerusalem’s largest bakery has a few problems. He is separated from his wife, has a troubled relationship with his daughter, and doesn’t like his job very much. When a foreign employee is killed in a suicide bombing and the bakery is accused of indifference, he is compelled to accompany the body back to Romania to make amends and restore the bakery’s reputation. Along the way, as he grows to respect the woman he did not know and begins to see his own life in a different light.

Acclaim:

Asia Pacific Screen Award – nominated – Best Performance by an Actor

	Awards of the Israeli Film Academy – winner – Best Director, Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Supporting Actress
	Awards of the Israeli Film Academy – nominated – Best Actor, Best Editing, Best supporting Actor
	Hong Kong International Film Festival – winner – SIGNIS Award - Special Mention
	Locarno International Film – winner – Audience Award
	Haifa Film Festival – winner – Best Actor
	Selected as the Israeli entry for the Best Foreign Language at the 83rd Academy Awards
	Film Festival screenings: Official Selection – Toronto International Film Festival, AFI Film Festival, Israeli Film Festival

Monday, February 6 at 6:30pm (note early start time)

Incendies (Canada)

Released 2010 – 130 minutes – R for some strong violence and language
In French with English subtitles

In accordance with their mother’s last wishes, a twin brother and sister are sent on a journey to the Middle-East, searching for the truth about the father they believed was long dead and a brother they never knew existed. They make startling discoveries, piecing together the tragic past of the woman who brought them into the world.

Acclaim:

Academy Awards – nominated – Best Foreign Language Film

	Adelaide Film Festival – winner – 10 awards including Best Feature Film
	Atlantic Film Festival – winner – Best Foreign Language Film
	David di Donatello Awards – nominated – Best Foreign Film
	Genie Awards – winner – Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Direction, Best Achievement in Overall Sound, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Motion Picture, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Best Adapted Screenplay
	Genie Awards – nominated – Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design, Best Achievement in Make-Up
	Jutra Awards – winner - Best Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Film, Best Screenplay
	Rotterdam International Film Festival – winner – Audience Award
	Toronto Film Critics Association Awards – winner – Best Screenplay
	Toronto International Film Festival – winner – Best Canadian Film
	Valladolid International Film Festival – winner – Audience Award, Best Screenplay
	Vancouver Film Critics Circle – winner – Best Actress in a Canadian Film, Best Canadian Film, Best Director in a Canadian Film
	Film Festival screenings: Official Selection – Venice Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival