Date:15/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/15/stories/2006041503330200.htm

New Delhi

Cinematic wonders from Europe

Lakshmi B. Ghosh

Alliance Francaise de Delhi kicks off a festival of Franco-Spanish co-productions

NEW DELHI: As the mercury soars in the Capital, promising to offer a cool respite this April are some European cinematic wonders as Alliance Francaise de Delhi kicks off a festival of Franco-Spanish co-productions.

Being organised by the embassies of Spain and France, the festival will feature four outstanding films from each country.

To be held at Alliance Francaise de Delhi in Lodhi Estate, the festival will open with Bernard Rapp's "Pas si grave" (Nothings Serious) on April 28 tracking the story of three brothers who are out to fulfil their father's last wish. Travelling through Valencia, the three discover new aspects of their father's past as they make unexpected encounters with his friends and comrades.

Also shown on the same evening will be "Los amantes del circulo polar" (The lovers of the arctic circle), a 1998 release made by Julio Medem. On April 29 it will be time for some French flavour with the screening of "Belle de jour". Directed by Luis Bunuel, the film revolves around Severine, the fragile and unsatisfied wife of a doctor who gives free rein to fantasies haunting her.

Fans of Penelope Cruz can use the opportunity to see her in a Spanish flick as her 1997 release "Abre Los ojos" (Open your eyes) is shown on April 30. Also to be shown on the same day will be "Le journal d'une femme de chamber" (The diary of a chambermaid), a 1963 release directed by Luis Bunuel and an adaptation of Octave Mirbeau's novel. On May 1, it will be time for the story of three friends who can't keep out of trouble in "Barrio" even as "Habana Blues" follows the dreams and aspirations of two Cuban musicians who are out to conquer Spain.