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NAPLES '44
A film by Francisco Patierno
85 minutes, color, 2016
In 1943 a young British officer, Norman Lewis,
entered a war-torn Naples with the American Fifth Army. Lewis began writing in his notepad everything that happened to him during his one-year stay, observing the complex social cauldron of a city that contrived every day the most incredible ways of fighting to survive. These notes turned into his masterpiece, a memoir titled Naples '44.
With narration by Benedict Cumberbatch, this new documentary based on Lewis's memoir imagines him returning many years later to the city that charmed and seduced him.
Combining archival war footage with clips from movies set in Naples from the 1950s and 60s (featuring Marcello Mastroianni and Ernest Borgnine among others) we see a thrilling and unpredictable parade of unforgettable stories and characters: women in feather hats milking cows in the rubble, statues of saints carried by hysterical crowds attempting to stop Vesuvius erupting and impoverished citizens impersonating aristocrats. But this unusual and riveting evocation of a timeless city is also a powerful condemnation of the horrors of war, whether just or unjust.
"A journey through a city turned upside down and inside out – overflowing with sex and death, violence and ingenuity. Horrifying and thrilling."
- The Guardian
"A feat of editing and research.
Lewis served as a remarkable chronicler of life in the occupied city.
His plain-spoken yet poetic sentences are read by Benedict Cumberbatch,
and the fluid editing skillfully illustrates his words."
- The New York Times
"A highly unusual documentary...this is a film that must be seen more than once."
- Film Journal International
"Atmospheric, involving. Benedict Cumberbatch reads the author's words beautifully."
- The Hollywood Reporter
"A riveting film, a complex portrait of the mystery of Naples."
- Corriere della Sera
On iTunes March 6 | On DVD March 20
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EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY PEOPLE
A film by Alan Govenar
84 minutes, color, 2017
Extraordinary Ordinary People is a music-fueled journey through folk and traditional arts in America.
At a time when the existence of the National Endowment for the Arts has never been more threatened, this new documentary focuses on one
of its least known and most enduring programs:
the National Heritage Fellowship, awarded annually since 1982.
Featuring a breathtaking array of award-winners including musicians, dancers, quilters, woodcarvers and more, the film demonstrates the importance of the folk and traditional arts in shaping the fabric of America. From Bill Monroe and B.B. King to Passamaquoddy basket weavers and Peking Opera singers; from Appalachia and the mountains of New Mexico to the inner city neighborhoods of New York, the suburbs of Dallas, and the isolated Native American reservations of Northern California – each of the artists share exceptional talent, ingenuity, and perseverance.
"Inspiring...a vision of sweeping cultural breadth. The film is sure to spark further exploration:
Many viewers will be more than eager to follow these folk heroes off the beaten path."
- Los Angeles Times
"A celebration of art, survival, and the riches of human experience. This exuberant film makes each art sampled, from oud playing to basket weaving to bobbin lace making, feel indispensable."
- Regina Weinreich, Huffington Post
"Enjoyable and enticing!
Director Alan Govenar's knowledge and affection are contagious."
- The Village Voice
"Includes footage of some of the most significant artists of the past century,
from bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe to bluesman B.B. King."
- Film Journal International
"A must-see documentary! There were so many great artists/craftsmen featured...I was mesmerized by their stories. I found myself in tears by the end and wanting to hear more."
- Tara Low, Guitar Girl Magazine
On iTunes March 13 | On DVD March 20
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