(SOLNTSE, Alexander Sokurov, Russia 2005, 110 min. English & Japanese/subtitles)

August 15, 1945: A shocked Japan hears the voice of divine leader Emperor Hirohito (Issey Ogata) for the first time, as he implores his people to cease all military activity, initiating a formal end to WWII and the beginning of a new period of American Occupation, led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur (Robert Dawson). Acclaimed Russian filmmaker Alexander Sokurov (Russian Ark) creates an incisive, eerie portrait of the enigmatic Hirohito during the twilight of the war. Co-presented by George Eastman House and the M.K. Gandhi Institute at the University of Rochester in conjunction with the Season of Nonviolence (January 30-April 4). The first 100 attendees will receive either a free M.K. Gandhi Institute t-shirt or poster.

(Joe Winston, US 2009, 90 min., Digital Projection)

Inspired by the book by journalist Thomas Frank, this new documentary seeks to discover why conservatives in the former staunchly left-wing heartland state of Kansas persuade themselves to vote against their own economic and social well-being. Focusing attention on a number of Kansans, the film examines how political positions frequently dovetail with evangelical Christian doctrine, leading to the acceptance of hardships as the will of God. “What’s interesting is that every single person in this film is seen as themselves, is allowed to speak and seems to have a good heart. I’ve rarely seen a documentary quite like it. It has a point to make but no ax to grind.” (Roger Ebert)

(LES VACANCES DE MONSIEUR HULOT, Jacques Tati, France 1953, 88 min., French/subtitles)

In the classic, much-loved movie that revealed his multi-layered comedic style, Tati first appears as the clumsy rain-coated, pipe-smoking title character. Taking a beach holiday in the South of France, Hulot gets caught up in a parade of slapstick sequences that provide us the vicarious enjoyment of his (mis)adventures. Tati’s unique visual gags and ingenious sound design reinforce the delights of the cinema as they remind us of the piquant absurdities of modern life. This new 35mm restoration allows viewing of Tati’s definitive version.

(Bill Forsyth, UK 1981, 91 min.)

then at 8:45 p.m. GREGORY’S 2GIRLS

(Bill Forsyth, UK 1999, 111 min., Digital Projection)

The affably understated actor John Gordon Sinclair grows up before our eyes as Gregory Underwood, the charming central character in this pair of romantic comedies made 18 years apart by Scottish filmmaker Bill Forsyth. In Gregory’s Girl, our teenage hero is driven to distraction by the first female to join his school’s football team. Gregory’s 2Girls finds the now 35-year old Gregory teaching English at his old school and torn between a sexy young pupil and an equally enticing woman his own age. Two films for one admission price.

New Year’s Eve and Day Specials:
-Crab cakes served over mixed greens with spicy remulade
-Smoked salmon on rye toast with cream cheese, tomato, cucumbers and fresh dill
-Vegetable lasagna served with a side green salad
-Chicken parmesan over penne pasta

Soups:
-Lobster bisque
-Mushroom barley

Café will be open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. New Year’s Day with a full menu as well as these specials.