SHALOM PUTTI, Directed by Tamas Wormser***

           

                                

In 1919, Semei Kekungulo, a tribal leader from Uganda founded a Jewish community, defying both Christina and Islam missionaries. They call themselves: Abajudya the People of Judah. They read the Tora in their small community, wear Jewish worship clothes; the menorah and Star of David are on their clothes and house facades. These devout poor people make up 250 Jews living in Putti out of 2000 strong in Uganda. It isn’t until Shlomo Riskin, an enthusiastic, revered rabi from Israel visits them along with his bossy assistant that they learn more and one of them. Moshe Madoi Yashiirah, wishes to go back to Israel with them to become a rabi himself. Both his uncle and father practiced Judaism, and even his great grandfather did. Without giving away the entire story, suffice it to say, after some conflicts and much effort, his dream comes true. He studies two years in Israel, and when the rabi returns to the community, he converts them all the people in a truly formal manner.

This documentary film is touching in many ways. In 1919, Semei Kekungulo, a tribal leader from Uganda founded a Jewish community, defying both Chri er brings to life the true story of a determined people intent on becoming Jews and learning so much from the Zionist rabi. The synagogue they build is an enduring testament to the spirit and religion of the people of Putti.

TOO COOL TO KILL, directed by Xing Wenxiong *

 A film within a film, this gangster spoof has unique funny scenes within an implausible confusing plot. A Chinese comedy, its true star is Wei Xiang, is cast in the role as Killer Karl whose name becomes synonymous with gangster rough and tough action. The actor has spent years dreaming to become a film star and when he meets and stars opposite his female idol, Milan – played by Ma Li - his wish comes true (though his acting is less than desirable).  he gets entangled in danger with duplicitous characters. This actor could well compete for a Charlie Chaplin award. He’s very funny. His slap stick movements and facial expression a steal the whole show. Who cares if this plot is hard to follow, it’s pure fun at its silliest.

STRONG FEMALE LEAD, directed by Tosca Looby *****

 

Australia is right at the top when it comes to misogyny. In fact, so wide spread is it, it has reached the country's highest echelons of government. Of course, when most of the leaders are men; but then along came Julia Gillard who ran for Prime Minister in 2010, and won, putting the Labor Party at the helm. The insidious hatred of women was overtly up front and center. No shame at all.

A tirade of outrageous attacks on Ms. Gillard were not about her policies, but her gender. She was called a liar, a witch bitch, the leader with a huge behind and more. Upon the death of her father and her two-week absence, she was accused of having her father die in shame with her leading the country. She lashed out with a venomous attack against Tony Abbott, leader of the opposition party who spearheaded the humiliating campaign against her while she was in power

 Her speech became “I was offended when this man said this; I was offended when this man said that". And so on and so on. It was surely the most powerful speech every voiced against a misogynist leader. She called an election after being in power for only 3 years and she lost. But she forever changed the perceptions and attitudes that profoundly affected her country. She went on to lecture around the world for education, women’s rights and for the physically and mentally challenged. This is a brilliant documentary about a very brave and strong person.

VERA DREAMS OF THE SEA (Directed by Kaltrinia Ktasniqui) ****

 

 A stark glimpse into men controlling inheritance laws in Kosovo. But this is  really a film about a strong woman who signs for a living. Her husband, a judge has just committed suicide. This is covered up in the news, as is his gambling problem. Vera is pressured to sign away a little home to her brother-in-law and his posse of manipulators. Vera is magnificently played with stoic focus by the brilliant actress Teuta Adjini. The film is dark yet heroic.

BREAD AND TULIPS, directed by Silvio Saldino*****

 I loved this charming Italian film about a woman who finds love and her own freedom - by not staying behind for the bus to pick her up at a stop during a tour of Italy. The bus driver has forgotten her and  the bus returns to get her, but she is nowhere to be found. Her husband is mean and furious. She decides to go to Venice and this is where her authentic self begins. Moving from room to room, she meets a mysterious and very kind man named Fernando. He gives up his room for her as well. Fernando runs a restaurant with no cook. This is how Rosalba and him meets. The relationship grows ever so subtly but genuinely into a love. But Rosalba is shamed into returning to her dull house wife work back home to an angry ungrateful husband. How it ends is so heartwarming. This romantic gem shows that love can happen at any age with the least suspecting suitor at the most unsuspecting times. 

SISTERHOOD, Directed by Dina Duma ****

 

An extraordinary plot featuring two inseparable friends - both excellent swimmers. Jana is a daredevil and manipulates Maya, the introvert of the two, who always gives in to Jana. Out of control drunken teenage boys party with the girls and others – one in particular that everyone calls a slut. Her name is Helena. Her sexual act with one of the boys meant to be private is caught by the two girls and they post the act.

Things get very bad for the girls and between them when a catastrophe happens. Jana makes sure that the secret they have is never told. But Maya struggles with this terrible secret, and guilt eats her up. Conflicts between Jana and Maya reach their apex. This is a marvellously acted film in which the  Macedonian director, Dina Duva plays Helena. A great take on how even the closest of friendships can rupture.

Dina Duva

Here are famous quotes from Socrates

• When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.
• The easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others, but to be improving yourselves.
• Be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.
• The unexamined life is not worth living.
• We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
• I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.
• The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.
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