By Claudia Taller
We love great films in Cleveland. The Cleveland International Film Festival’s (CIFF) success speaks to that. But it’s a little-known fact that Lorain County Community College’s (LCCC) film series spotlights notable movies. The guy behind the scenes has been choosing great films for forty years, and he loves it.
Professor Emeritus Robert Dudash spends time watching films and shopping for the highest-quality films he can find. I recently saw the US-made Robot and Frank and was blown away by the story of a retired cat burglar who befriends the robot purchased to care for him as he ages—the film was edgy and dramatic, full of action but deep-hearted. The story stayed with me throughout the week after I saw it; it was that good. I felt the same about The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and it’s not just because I’m getting old.
Success box office films don’t move us quite as well as high quality boutique studio films. That’s why CIFF is so successful and why its themes reflect the quality of being changed by the stories told on the screen. Alternative cinema gives audiences an opportunity to sample prize-winning foreign and domestic independent films.
“The LCCC Film Society’s series focuses on human relationships, moral and social issues, cultural and religious diversity and universal human emotions and aspirations, including humor, disappointment and tragedy” (from the website).
Tonight, I’ll see The Big Picture, a film from France, which follows Paul, whose perfect life unexpectedly falls apart and finds himself with a new identity in isolated Montenegro. I know Robert Dudash will give me some background on the director and the reason he chose the movie, and I’ll be intrigued. While watching the film, I have total confidence that I will be changed by the wonderful cinematography, screenwriting, acting, and directing. And I’ll be transported into another world and culture.
Upcoming films include I Wish, to be shown on Fri 2/8 at 7:30PM, a film from Japan about the boy Koichi’s wish to reunite his parents by taking train rides, and Simon and the Oaks, which comes out of Sweden and is described as “a taut, absorbing tale of destiny and survival, Simon and the Oaks received a record 13 nominations for the Swedish equivalent of the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best director” to be shown on Fri 2/15 at 7:30PM.
Three things stand out about this venue: comfortable stadium-style seating, cheap tickets ($6 each) and easy and free parking. But it’s the guy behind the curtain, the man who brings the good films to us, who brings us to change. The Winter/Spring Film Series at Stocker Auditorium continues through 3/29. Find out more at 440-366-4070 for tickets. http://StockerArtsCenter.com.
Claudia Taller is the author of Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries and has been a Cool Cleveland contributor for many years. She helps writers and other creative people discover possibilities for their lives through Igniting Possibilities events, including Word Lovers retreats. She has written articles for numerous publications over the last decade and blogs at http://ClaudiaTallerMusings.blogspot.com. Her book can be purchased at http://OhioLakeErieWineries.blogspot.com and makes a perfect gift for history buffs and wine lovers.Elyria, OH 44035