Holidays can often mean a dearth of interesting, edgy films in theatres, a time when studios inundate us with bad comedies and kids fare, or set up the latest overblown vanity projects in time for Oscar nominations. What's an open-minded, adventurous indie-film fan to do with extra time on his/her hands and so few movies to go to?

One enticing option for those in the NYC area is the "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You" screenings taking place at the Museum of Modern Art over Thanksgiving weekend: 5 different feature films, all nominated for a prestigious Gotham award in the category of the same name. Chosen by Filmmaker Magazine and MoMA from recommendations by a host of prestigious festival programmers, the movies represent the cream of projects not yet acquired for distribution, but which will you'll undoubtedly hear more about in 2007. Why not get the edge over all your highbrow friends, and see them now?

This year's nominees are: Choking Man by Steve Barron, Colma: The Musical by Richard Wong, The Great Happiness Space by Jake Clennell, In Between Days by So Yong Kim, and Wristcutters: A Love Story by Goran Dukic.

Personally, I am most intrigued by Clennell's documentary about the after-hours industry of Japanese "host boys", dashing young men who entertain women at bars and clubs... hey, it beats leftover turkey!

Friday night's admission to the films is free with Museum entry.

The Schedule

Friday, November 24
6:00 In Between Days
8:00 Colma: The Musical

Saturday, November 25
2:00 Choking Man
4:00 Wristcutters: A Love Story
6:00 The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief

Sunday, November 26
2:00 In Between Days
4:00 Colma: The Musical
6:15 Choking Man

Monday, November 27
6:00 Wristcutters: A Love Story
8:00 The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief


For more information on the films and these screenings, visit the MoMA site.

# posted by André Salas @ 11/22/2006 05:47:00 PM

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