Séraphine (France ~ subtitled)

Director: Martin Provost Cast: Yolande Moreau, Ulrich Tukur, Anne Bennent, Geneviève Mnich PG

Based on a true story, Séraphine recounts the tale of a simple and profoundly devout cleaning lady whose canvasses now hang in some of the most famous galleries in the world. Séraphine de Senlis is a poor, furtive recluse who feels rapture in nature and is inspired by visions to express her feelings on canvas. Wilhelm Uhde, a German collector and art critic who moves to France just prior to WWI, discovers a discarded canvas and immediately perceives a wonderous, näive talent. Uhde offers Séraphine money for supplies, an exhibition and most of all, praise. At first reluctant and disbelieving, Séraphine distrusts him but eventually a moving and unexpected relationship develops between them. This film is a sensory epiphany — a celebration of art and nature and an acknowledgement of the costs of creativity.

An Education (United Kingdom)
Director: Lone Scherfig Cast: Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper PG

Set in England in the early 60s, An Education is a deceptively charming, nuanced coming-of-age tale. Carey Mulligan turns in a luminous performance as Jenny, a 16-year-old student with great ambitions to graduate from her lower-middle-class background into a world of intellectual and sensual freedom. A chance encounter with suave, sophisticated David jump starts her education and she is soon utterly entranced by the life he shows her. Despite some misgivings and ignoring the advice of her teachers, Jenny learns that life doesn’t work out as smoothly and as perfectly as imagined. With sparkling dialogue, superb performances and a truly impeccable evocation of an era, An Education goes beyond textbook lessons in its flawless exploration of sensitive emotional and moral equations.

The Last Station (Germany/ Russia/ UK))
Director: Michael Hoffman Cast: Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, James McAvoy, Paul Giamatti 14A

This sumptuous historical drama focuses on the last days of the revered Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy and the combative interplay between his public and private life. The film opens when Valentin Bulgakov, an earnest, young intellectual joins the household as Tolstoy’s secretary. Valentin soon finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between Tolstoy’s wife, Countess Sofya and Vladimir C Chertkov, his manager and leader of a utopian movement based on Tolstoy’s principles. The naïve Valentin is startled by the tempestuous marriage and his loyalties are tested more than once as he navigates the emotional and financial storms that swirl around the celebrated author. Splendid production design and Oscar worthy performances by a stellar ensemble cast create a riveting cinematic portrait.

Cooking with Stella (Canada/ India ~ some subtitles)
Director: Dilip Mehta Cast: Don McKellar, Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, Vansh Bhardwaj PG

A contemporary, globalized version of the upstairs/ downstairs genre, Cooking with Stella dishes up some frothy fun. As head housekeeper at a diplomatic residence in New Delhi, Stella serves a succession of Canadian civil servants. While she sets a divine table, some of her other activities are less above board — i.e. a “duty free” business stocked with supplies from her employer’s pantry. The arrival of Maya and Michael initially disrupts Stella’s perceptions and her routine — the wife is the diplomat while the husband stays home to look after their baby girl. Even more upsetting, he’s a chef who has designs on her kitchen! A light clever satire, Cooking with Stella is a comedic confection.

( Subject to availability)

J’ai Tué Ma Mère (Canada ~ subtitled)
Director: Xavier Dolan Cast: Anne Dorval, Xavier Dolan, Suzanne Clément, François Arnaud 14A

Montreal actor/ director Xavier Dolan delivers an astonishing critically acclaimed directorial debut. J’ai Tué Ma Mère is the semi-autobiographical tale of a young gay man coming-of-age and struggling in an intense love/ hate relationship with his divorced mother. By turns hilarious and horrifying, this is a debut that cannot be ignored.

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MicMacs à Tire-Larigot (France ~ subtitled)
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet Cast: Dany Boon, André Dussollier, Nicolas Marie, Jean-Pierre Marielle 14A

Set against the storm clouds of warring arms dealers, this film tells the story of Bazil, a man orphaned as a youngster when his soldier father was killed by a roadside bomb. Bazil is shot in a freak accident and on emerging from hospital is befriended an ingenious salvage artist. Together they eke out a marginal existence while plotting sweet revenge. Filled with kinetic invention and comedy, Micmacs is a highly original mix of message and charm.

The Kitchen Stove Film Series is an income development initiative of the Penticton Art Gallery. Broadening the definition of the visual arts to include the medium of film, the series aims to inspire, challenge, educate and entertain while showcasing excellence in the cinematic arts. The series is affiliated with the Toronto International Film Festival Circuit Group and supported locally by the Penticton Western News.

The Toronto International Film Festival Group is a charitable, cultural and educational organization devoted to celebrating excellence in film and the moving image.