The Port Townsend Film Institute Presents the Global Lens Film Series

The Global Lens films series was launched in 2003 to support the distribution of unique and critically acclaimed cinematic works from around the world. Since its founding, the series has provided a platform for exceptional storytelling and opened a window into the diverse world in which we live.

For complete information: http://catalogue.globalfilm.org or phone the PT Film Institute office at 360.379.1333.

Screenings take place at 10:00 A.M., Saturday mornings in the Rosebud Cinema. Admission: $5; students at no charge. These films are not rated, and some material may not be suitable for children.

AMNESTY (Amnistia)
Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m.
Director: Bujar Alimani Albania
Albania 2011 
83 minutes Albanian, with subtitles in English

Synopsis 
A new national law allowing conjugal visits for inmates brings together a man and woman visiting the same prison to meet their incarcerated spouses. Elsa's dutiful contact with her husband is part of a routine consumed with job searching, raising her two sons, and getting along with her father-in-law. When she meets Spetim, a quiet man visiting his imprisoned wife in equally passionless encounters, they slowly find the sympathy and companionship missing from their lives. A prisoner amnesty, however, soon threatens their fragile bond in this closely observed, sensual and contemplative drama highlighting a period of subtle but profound social transformation.

About the Director
 Bujar Alimani was born in Patos, Albania in 1969. He studied painting and stage directing at the University of Arts in Tirana, Albania, then worked as an assistant director in film after immigrating to Greece in 1992. His debut short film, The Kennel, won the Best Balkan Film Award at the International Short Film Festival in Drama, Greece in 2002, and the Best Albanian Short Film Award at the Tirana International Film Festival in 2003. Amnesty is his first feature film.

CRAFT (Riscado)
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 a.m.
Director: Gustavo Pizzi
Brazil 2010
85 minutes Portuguese and French, with subtitles in English

Synopsis
Bianca manages a precarious living as a talented but underemployed actress in Rio de Janeiro, performing for private events dressed as female movie icons. Troubled by the thought she has missed her chance at a "big break," she perseveres with single-minded dedication to her craft—until an audition leads to a rare opportunity, and possible redemption for years of social marginality. But her world may still prove too insecure, even for one as gifted and deserving as Bianca. Set against rich visuals and a down-to-earth tone, Karine Teles's remarkable lead performance drives an enveloping drama of everyday tragedy in the working world of an artist.

About the Director
Gustavo Pizzi was born in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1977. He studied cinema at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and has worked in film since 1996. He was Executive Producer for the short films 7 Minutes and Ivan's Distraction, the latter of which was presented at the Cannes Critics' Week in 2010. He also produced and edited the feature documentary L.A.P.A., and in 2006 had his directorial debut with the feature documentary Simple Past. Craft is his first narrative feature film.

FAT, BALD, SHORT MAN (Gordo, Calvo Y Bajito)
Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m.
Director: Carlos Osuna
Colombia 2011
91 minutes Spanish, with subtitles in English

Synopsis
Lonesome, middle-aged virgin Antonio Farfán is picked on and ridiculed as a matter of course, whether by coworkers or his bullying mooch of a brother (who only calls when he needs money). An employee of a notary's office, his status improves a bit when his new boss—and strangely affable doppelganger—takes an interest in him. But Farfán's deep-seated shyness and insecurity are only partly assuaged. And when he joins a self-improvement group, he slowly confirms what the undulating lines of this sly, involving rotoscope story suggest: everything is in motion, and change is inevitable. The question becomes what use one makes of it.

About the Director
Carlos Osuna was born in Bogotá, Colombia in 1980. He received a Masters in Visual Arts from Javeriana University and shortly after graduation was selected to participate in the Berlinale Talent Campus in 2004 for his short film, Analogue Loop. He was awarded a grant in 2009 from the Francisco Javier Fund for Social Projects for his documentary Giving Life to Life and in 2002, his short video, Watch TV, won the Pre-Columbian Gold Circle award from the Bogotá Film Festival. Fat, Bald, Short Man is his first feature film.

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