I've always been intrigued by this DVD/theatrical combo distribution model and was pleased to receive a membership as a gift over the holidays. My first member DVD, the French/Algerian film VIVA LALDJÉRIE, arrived last week. I notice I've already seen next month's selection, ALEXANDRA'S PROJECT, via the 2004 Austin Film Festival (I suppose being a regular festival attendee is a disadvantage for membership). If anyone else is a member, I'm curious about your thoughts on your membership to date and the films selected. If there's interest, I'd be glad to post thoughts every month on the series (non-members can purchase DVDs from the series, although at prices higher than what members pay. Past films I can enthusiastically recommend from festival screenings iinclude OT: OUR TOWN and MANITO).

I've been a member since approx. Feb. of last year, and I've now seen 15 of them (haven't gotten around to Viva Laldjerie yet). I basically subscribed when I saw they had Manito, as I'd heard so much about it.

LOVE:
Manito
Ali Zaoua
Rage in Placid Lake.

Am really glad I saw:
OT: Our Town
Wolves in the Snow
Republic of Love
Buddy
Witnesses

Liked:
Man of the Year
Falling Angels.

Pretty Good, (maybe a little dull):
Raja
The Party's Over
Middle of the World
Ginger & Cinnamon
Carol's Journey

Overall, I'm pretty happy with it and I'll keep subscribing. Basically, it fills a gap for me -- directors/films that are hot at film festivals that I would probably never hear about. And the collector in me loves that these are only really available through these guys. A couple of my close movie-buddies are very skeptical (including one guy who subscribes to filmmovement), but having seen 15 now, I'm confident this is a good thing (for me).

charlie

>Pretty Good, (maybe a little dull):
>Middle of the World

Is this Tanner's "Le milieu du monde"? This is actually my favorite Tanner film overall -- quite "slow", but very intelligent, beautiful and moving.

MEK
Boston

For Middle of the World, here's the imdb link:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379199/?fr=c2...;fc=1;ft=7;fm=1

Director is Vincente Amorim. It's not a bad story, I just wasn't moved by it the way I have been by other dramatic Brazilian movies (like Central Station). It's a heavy movie -- poverty, marital problems etc. The dad kinda reminds me of Benecio Del Toro's character in 21 Grams (although with a much smaller character arc). It has its moments, but it's a bit underwhelming I thought.

charlie

So, it IS a different "Middle of the World".

;~}

For those interested , Tanner's film is available (as part of a decent-looking set, which also contains "Jonah who will be 2000 in the year 2000"):

http://www.alapage.com/mx/?id=81811103576872

The films are subtitled, but I don't think he extras (interview with Tanner, etc.) are.

Tanner's "Les années lumière" (Light Years Away) is also available -- no English subs needed, as it was shot in Ireland in English.

MEK

Is there a homepage for this FILM MOVEMENT service? Is it available to Europeans?

Official Web Site is: http://www.filmmovement.com/

From their FAQ
Q: Can I order a subscription for delivery outside the United States and its territories?
A: Subscriptions are not available outside of the U.S. However, Canadian residents may purchase select individual titles (click on the Canadian Subscriptions box on the bottom of the Subscribe page on http://www.filmmovement.com). We do not offer the sale of any movies outside of the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S., Virgin Islands.

Q: How much does a subscription cost?
A: The cost of an annual subscription, one film per month for 12 months, is an upfront payment of $199 ($16.58 per film). The cost of a monthly subscription is $19.95 per month, billed prior to the shipment of that month’s film. Film Movement also offers 3-month gift subscriptions for $59.85 and annual gift subscriptions for $199. Standard mail shipping is included in the subscription price. For an additional cost expedited shipping of the first subscription film is available (please see shipping section). Sales tax is applicable to NY residents only.

Q: What are my payment options?
A: Film Movement accepts most major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We also accept check and money order payments for Annual, 3 Month Gift, and Annual Gift subscriptions. Monthly subscriptions must be paid by credit card. Check and money order payments also accepted.

Todd, it'll be great if you post your thoughts on the films every month. There's so little review out there on these movies. Though they say they would have theatrical runs of their films, they've done only a few in NY (only OT: OUR TOWN, RAJA, and MANITO)...