NEXT FILM: 'THE HOUR GLASS SANATORIUM' • January 19th, Wednesday

Set in pre- World War II era. A young man is on a strange train to see his dying father in a sanatorium. But the place is going to ruin and recalls a lot of memories from the past. He is beset by soldiers from the past, colonial black mercenaries, girls from his early life, and his parents. It is an interior adventure, with unusual atmospheric flair and extraordinary sets. Written by Polish Cinema Database

ATTENTION:  something is not working:  despite of a half a year presence in the Polish Home, Film Club OKO has not worked out its core audience.  We have somewhere between 8-15 people coming for each screening, but with the exception of 2-3 super-loyal fans the audience is changing constantly and I never know  if anybody will come at all (we have no membership).  I do not mind running the club for 3 people, but wondering if I should change the formula to better answer those 3 people wishes, or should I aim at the wider audience.  


Not sure if the problem is the day chosen (evening commute can be challenging in the middle of the work-week) or the films shown (completely understand that my own choices are not universal).  So, please comment below or come prepared to discuss what should be done with the OKO club:  change the day (Friday is often quoted as the 'best' day, problem how to compete with other activities that day in Polish Home), change the films (please, share your ideas) or close it.  Another thing which crossed my mind is to list films people could view in the comfort of their own homes, and discuss them HERE;  but it's truly not the same as real discussion club.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?


Posted 1/24/11:
The 16 of us who came to see the film last Wednesday had a great time and a delightful discussion:  how ahead of the time the movie was, its beautifully dazzling photography, the unforgettable themes of dreams conflated with wishes of preserving the passing life and passing memories, and reconstructing one's childhood through them.  


Several of us saw the movie for the second time, with more, ahem, mature outlook on life than the first time around, so we talked about that, too. Several people were there intrigued more by the persona of Bruno Schulz- the artist (the film was based on his stories) than the film itself, so we talked about his life and death, about his writing and art, as well as the times he lived and created (1930s and 40s).  


Teresa brought a wonderful complimentary written material from her past research on Bruno Schultz, which people appreciated to take home and read, and Wanda brought along two young Americans who seemed quite interested in the film and the discussion about it and said that it was one of the weirdest films they saw (probably ever), but also one which is likely not leave their imagination soon.  Thanks Rysiu, for choosing the film and making sure it plays! (it was PAL version, even though Rysiu bought it here, through Amazon.com...  )


The movie was 2 hours long + discussion, so we had not much of a chance to talk about the future of OKO.  So, my dictatorial rule marches on from lack of alternatives - see the next post (above)...