The Oscar® for Best Foreign Language Film became a competitive category in 1956, and subsequently the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited dozens of countries annually to submit what each considers its best film for consideration in that category. This year, a record 67 films have been accepted for competition, and for the sixth consecutive year, the Smith Rafael Film Center will be presenting a choice sampling of these inspired films. This is a rare opportunity to view some of the most distinguished works in international cinema, many of which are not yet slated for American distribution.
Included in the program is PLONING by Director/Writer Dante Nico Garcia. After being abandoned by her true love Tomas, PLONING, a woman known for her remarkable beauty, has spent the last fifteen years selflessly devoted to acting as dutiful daughter, devoted sister and surrogate mother to the people of her village: a woman so important that the town barely notices the absence of rain because of her presence. The quaint existence of the island is disrupted when a stranger arrives in search of the mysterious Ploning, but no one is prepared for the secrets that had been kept all these years. Shot on location on the picturesque island of Cuyo, Palawan, Ploning features Filipino star Judy Ann Santos in the title role. PLONING screens Sunday, January, 18 4:30 at the San Rafael Film Center.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
Jan 15 2009 – Jan 22 2009
1118 Fourth Street (Between A & B)
San Rafael, CA 94901
