Screenings of ‘Baraka,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Cinestudio
It wouldn’t be December in Hartford without a screening of “Baraka.” Cinestudio, on the campus of Trinity College, shows Ron Fricke’s 1992 documentary every year as an alternative holiday movie. Instead of celebrating Santa Claus, Christmas trees and getting stuff, “Baraka” celebrates the beauty of the Earth and all the people on it, of many different religions, and how man destroys nature and creates havoc with over-industrialization, hate crimes and income inequality.
Segments were filmed in Indonesia, Turkey, Nepal, Egypt, Cambodia, the United States, Poland, Ecuador, Iran, Brazil, Japan, Israel, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia, Thailand, China, France, Argentina, Tanzania and Italy.
Roger Ebert once said of the movie, it “has the power of a dream,” calling the film’s
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decade now. Each release features memorable singalongs, chunky riffs and enough fuzz and feedback to get just about anyone riled up in the best way.
This album sees Straight To VHS tone down the vitriol a bit and trade it in for something with a more eclectic and decidedly pop edge. It’s easily their most ambitious and experimental album to date and is executed with aplomb, proving that they are masters of their craft, no matter which direction they decide to take it.
New London rapper Suave-Ski, combined with producer Alcapella, comes out swinging on newest album “Speakeazy.” Leaning on a bevy of classic samples and boom bap drums, Suave-Ski deftly delivers lines with time-lapse photography “a visual demonstration of how fleeting life is.”
It will be shown Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Those who prefer a more traditional Christmas movie have “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the 1946 James Stewart-Donna Reed drama the best of the best on this album. Each track is a powerhouse on its own and could easily boost this rapper to that proverbial next level. New London has a long history of producing quality hip-hop artists and releases and Suave-Ski has done that legacy proud on this album.
You could easily argue that this act has been one of the criminally underrated Connecticut outfits of the last few years. Its newest album should hopefully obliterate that notion. “Shooting Star” is a collection of dreamy songs that are as mesmerizing and mysterious as its namesake. Using acoustic guitar in a way that few indie pop acts would dare, waveform* creates an inimitable sound that you’d have a hard time comparing to any of its contemporaries or influences. about a man in despair on Christmas Eve. It will be shown Dec. 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., with 2:30 and 5 p.m. matinees on Sunday.
Admission to movies at Cinestudio is $10, $8 seniors and students. The theater is at 300 Summit St. cinestudio.org.
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