Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Punishment Park screening 5/2/06

[john (john]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Koch, Owner - Cinema Revolution

Cinema Revolution Presents "Cinema des Artistes" at the Varsity Theater Tuesday May 2nd, 7 PM.  Admission $5.

THIS MONTH'S FILM is Peter Watkins' politically charged pseudo-documentary "PUNISHMENT PARK".

Film Description:
"Punishment Park" is a pseudo-documentary purporting to be a film crews's news coverage of the team of soldiers escorting a group of hippies, draft dodgers, and anti-establishment types across the desert in a type of capture the flag game. The soldiers vow not to interfere with the rebels' progress and merely shepherd them along to their destination. At that point, having obtained their goal, they will be released. The film crew's coverage is meant to insure that the military's intentions are honorable. As the representatives of the 60's counter-culture get nearer to passing this arbitrary test, the soldiers become increasingly hostile, attempting to force the hippies out of their pacifist behavior. A lot of this film appears improvised and in several scene real tempers seem to flare as some of the "acting" got overaggressive. This is a interesting exercise in situational ethics. The cinema-veritie style, hand-held camera, and ambiguous demands of the director - would the actors be able to maintain their roles given the hazing they were taking - pushed some to the brink. The cast's emotions are clearly on the surface. Unfortunately this film has gone completely underground and is next to impossible to find. It would offer a captivating document of the distrust that existed between soldiers willfully serving in the military and those persons who opposed the war peacefully.

Critical Acclaim:
"Intense, outrageous and still relevant? a cult hit waiting to happen." ?The Boston Phoenix

"Paralyzing. A devastating indictment and a chilling prognosis." ?The San Francisco Chronicle

Cinema Revolution presents a new kind of moviegoing experience with its new monthly film and discussion series "Cinema Des Artistes".  Combining food, drink and discussion, "Cinema des Artistes" is a cinematic experience like none other for those who appreciate film as art.  Admission is $5. 
 
Screening the first Tuesday of each month, you can catch thought provoking films introduced by various guest speakers, followed by an informal discussion.  Food and beverages are available with a full bar and dinner menu from the Varsity's Café des Artistes.  The screenings are programmed by John Koch of Cinema Revolution, Kitty Aal, who curated the Starlight Cinema and BlowUpCinema series at the Wisconsin Union Directorate, and Kathie Smith, formerly of the Monday Underground Film Series.
 
The Varsity Theater is located at:  1308 4th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 | Phone: 612-604-0222
Cinema Revolution is a locally owned DVD rental store is south Minneapolis that specializes in foreign, independent, classic and cult films.

For more information contact: John Koch  612-879-5579, john [at] cinemarevolution.com
web site:  http://www.cinemarevolution.com/artistes.html