Silent Light / Made in L.A. January 15, 2009

"Silent Light provokes awe...[and] approaches grace. It also makes us believe in miracles."—Time Out New York

Carlos Reygadas, Mexico’s most uncompromising young filmmaker, has garnered rapturous critical attention for Silent Light, his third film, since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The tender story unfolds in an isolated modern-day Mennonite community in rural Mexico, where a devout farmer is torn between his love for two women and tries to decipher God’s role in these relationships. The director earns his frequent comparisons to such masters as Carl Dreyer, Andre Tarkovsky, Ingmar Bergman, and Robert Bresson by carefully balancing the earth-bound with the metaphysical. (The majestic opening and closing shots capturing extended, cosmic scenes of sunrise and sunset are already famous.) Silent Light is believed to be the first film made in Plautdietsch, a variation of German spoken by the Mennonite community. (135 mins., 35mm)

"A rousing true story of solidarity, perseverance, and triumph."—Variety

The valuable and moving documentary Made in L.A. follows the remarkable journey of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles' garment sweatshops and their struggle for self-empowerment as they wage a three-year battle to bring the clothing retailer Forever 21 to the negotiating table. As Salon.com points out, "as the women gain confidence and hope for the future, the power of activism becomes clear." (70 mins., video)

Made in L.A. will begin at 9:25 PM.

Official Website: http://www.wexarts.org/fv/index.php?eventid=3493