Summer series focus on Latin America, architects

Advertiser Staff

The summer of would-be blockbusters and multiplex escapism is in full swing, but where do you go to escape the escapism? A couple of film series might be just the answer. One is a survey of the re-emerging Latin American cinema; the other, hosted by the American Institute of Architects, gives insight into the world of — guess who — architects.

Cinema Tropical

Continuing at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Academy of Arts. Tickets are $5 general, $3 museum members. 532-8768.

"Mundo Grua" (Crane World)

• The story of Rulo, a 50-year-old man who had brief success as a young rock musician. Now he works in heavy-metal construction to support his elderly mother and son.
• Directed by Pablo Trapero; Argentina, 1999, 90 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday; 4 p.m. Sunday

"Domésticas, O Filme" is a Brazilian film based on a stage play about five housemaids brought together by their work and by the bus they all ride. It begins its Doris Duke Theatre run Wednesday.

• Based on a modern stage play, this film follows the lives of five maids who are brought together by their work and the bus they ride.
• Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Nando Olival; Brazil, 2001, 90 minutes. In Portuguese, with English subtitles.
• 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. July 18; 4 p.m. July 20

"25 Watts," a comedy from Uruguay, will be screened beginning July 21 as part of the Doris Duke Theatre's Cinema Tropical series.

• A sly and funny slacker comedy follows three high school pals on a lazy Saturday in Montevideo.
• Directed by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll; Uruguay, 2001, 94 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 7:30 p.m. July 21-22, 25; 1 and 7:30 p.m. July 23-24

"Japón"

• A solitary man, intent on committing suicide, finds that desire fading away. The film takes its title from the Japanese symbol of the rising sun.
• Directed by Carlos Reygadas; Mexico/Spain, 2002, 122 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 7:30 p.m. July 26, 28-29; 4 p.m. July 27; 1 and 7:30 p.m. July 30

"El Crumple" (The Birthday)

• Pablo, a sports journalist, is celebrating his 38th birthday, which gives his guests the opportunity to reveal very personal stories.
• Directed by Gustavo Postiglione; Argentina, 2002, 80 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11-12; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13

"Bolivia"

• Freddy, an illegal immigrant, has left Bolivia for Argentina. Rolling Stone magazine praises "Bolivia" as "the most important Argentine film of the last twenty years."
• Directed by Adri‡n Caetano; Argentina, 2001, 75 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, 20; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15-16, 19; 4 p.m. Aug. 17

"La Pena Maxima" (Maximum Penalty)

• A comedy: A soccer-obsessed public-service employee places a ludicrous bet on a crucial game between the Colombia and Argentina teams.
• Directed by Jorge Echeverry; Colombia, 2001, 82 minutes. In Spanish, with English subtitles.
• 1 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27-28

'In the Mind of the Architect'

Three documentaries from Australia, directed by Tim Clark, screening at The Art House at Restaurant Row. Reservations are required by Monday for a $30 package that includes all three events; otherwise, $15 each film at the door. Each event includes a 5:30 p.m. pupu reception at the Row Bar and a post-film panel discussion. 545-4242.

"Keeping the Faith"

• A look at the relationship between architect and client, posing the fundamental question: Is the role of the architect to give clients what they want or to lead the way toward innovation?
• 7 p.m. Thursday

"The Public Good"

• How are architects balancing the desires of business clients with the obligation for the public good?
• 7 p.m. July 24

"Corrugated Dreams"

• An exploration into the artistic possibilities of contemporary architecture.
• 7 p.m. July 31