PIFF 2009

King of Ping Pong

Here are some suggestions for the 32nd annual Portland International Film Festival. Nearly every showing sells out so buy your tickets in advance.

Thursday, Feb 5, 7:30p CORALINE (USA) If you didn't make it to the big premiere see it later at the regular theater.

Friday, Feb 6, 6:30p GOMORRAH (Italy) Story about the effects of the mob on everyday life in small town Italy. Looks like one of the better films this year.

Saturday, Feb 7, 8:30p REVANCHE (Austria) This one looks like one of the better films as well. I couldn't make it in cause it was sold out.

Sunday, Feb 8, 8p ELDORADO (Belgium) Two strangers meet while one is robbing the others house. A very unusual road trip follows. Once this one gets going there are some great laugh out loud scenes.

Monday, Feb 9, 6p GOMORRAH (Italy), 9p REVANCHE (Austria)

Tuesday, Feb 10, 8:45p MERMAID (Russia) An urban fairytale set in contemporary Moscow and compared to Amelie.

Wednesday, Feb 11, 6:15p KING OF PING PONG (Sweden) The only time a little boy feels good about his life is when he's dominating on the ping pong table.

Thursday, Feb 12, 8:30p UNDER THE BOMBS (Lebanon) A fictional tale told with actual footage from the 2006 war between Hezbolla and Israel.

Friday, Feb 13, NIGHTWATCHING (Netherlands) If you've never seen a Peter Greenaway movie now is your chance! Billed as a suspence thriller set in the dutch Golden Age.

Saturday, Feb 14, 4p THE CHICKEN, THE FISH AND THE KING CRAB (Spain) Documentary about the Bocuse d'Or cooking competition in Lyon.

Sunday, Feb 15, SHORT CUTS IV Sketched in Time Looks like this will be a good group of animated films from Japan, the US, and more.