It’s day five of the 8th annual Salem Film Fest! And as the Fest enters its back half, it’s back to mostly evening presentations, all of which are top notch and worth seeing!
Here’s today’s lineup – film descriptions are from the Salem Film Fest official site at http://salemfilmfest.com/2015!
Monday, March, 9, 2015
6:00 pm LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS
CinemaSalem One
After an encounter with two little people on a train ride, a Chinese millionaire had an epiphany. In a country with an estimated 85 million individuals living with disabilities, he wanted to create a utopia for little people in China. A land where they can live and work among themselves, away from the discrimination of mainstream society. The ‘Dwarves Empire’ is his multi-million-dollar baby – an unlikely theme park in Yunnan province where dozens of little people reside and perform for anyone who pays a $16 entrance fee. Tourists can enjoy a fantasy world where little people work in mushroom houses, dress in fairy tale costumes and put on a variety of performances. The controversial Chinese theme park has taken heat from international press for the exploitation of little people that is reminiscent of medieval freak shows. Its founder, however, is standing firm behind his vision – a platform that provides little people with ‘worth and dignity.’ The little people in the theme park are granted a stable livelihood, surrounded by people in the same shoes, and live in comfortable custom-made dormitories. But what is the price? This observational documentary chronicles the journeys of a few employees at a pivotal point in their lives. LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS explores the cost of prejudice and explores the shades of modern-day morality.
6:30 pm TOP SPIN
CinemaSalem Screening Room
And you thought you knew how to play ping pong? Watch and learn how the game is meant to be played as you follow the journey of these three teenagers in their quest to represent the US at the Olympics. Filled with excitement, athleticism, skill, and grace, this is definitely not the game you thought it was. ON-LINE TICKETING NO LONGER AVAILABLE. A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CINEMA SALEM.
8:00 pm MY BROTHER’S VOWS
CinemaSalem One
Stephanie’s brother Gregor is about to make the biggest decision of his life. He has joined the Catholic order of the Steyler Missionaries to become a monk. If he doesn’t have a change of heart, he will take his final vows in a year’s time and commit to a life of chastity, poverty, obedience and service to the Catholic Church. Stephanie is highly critical of his choice. They come from a Catholic background, but Stephanie had her own reasons to break with the family tradition. They haven’t spoken in ten years. MY BROTHER’S VOWS presents a candid and sensitive portrait of Gregor’s journey to become a monk – his trials, tribulations and triumphs during this intense time. As Gregor opens up his life and shares his innermost feelings the siblings grapple with their very different attitudes towards sex, family, faith and religion. Together they explore some of life’s bigger questions – of having a purpose in life, of the power and illusiveness of faith, of the meaning of sex, relationships and family life.
8:15 pm THE OPTIMISTS
CinemaSalem Screening Room
The Optimists are a volleyball team of women in Hamar, Norway, aged 66 to 98. They practice weekly, but have not played a match for 30 years. Now there is finally a match, but who is the other team? According to rumor, it’s a group of handsome Swedish gentlemen across the border. ON-LINE TICKETING NO LONGER AVAILABLE. A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CINEMA SALEM.