Who is The Happiest Girl in the World?
Words: Irina Lascar
If you have a taste for perky realism and quirky satire you shouldn’t
miss the recent successes of one of last years’ up and coming film
industries.
Chapter will be screening two Romanian films this July,
which have had their share of fame and success for their minimalist
style and their knack for dark humor.
You’ll also have the chance to
see some other short films and sample some fine and free Romanian
delicacies, on the evening of Wednesday, July 7th, while being serenaded
by joyous national folk songs.
From the 2nd to the 8th July, Chapter will be screening The Happiest Girl in the World. A comedy at heart, the film tells the story of Delia, a young girl who wins a new car in a soft drinks competition. Before claiming her prize, she has to perform in a commercial proclaiming that she is, in fact, the happiest girl in the world. However, this is not so easy with increasing demands from the director, sponsors and the fading daylight. This film exposes all of the mechanisms of advertising and all though humorous, it points out some pretty harsh truths. The director Radu Jude based the film on a real situation that he had come across whilst filming an actual commercial. The film has everything a good advert should have: feelings, smiles and bright characters. Consumerism and the artificial world that the media can create are all part of the menu and it doesn't get more real than this!
On July 7th, at 20.30 you can watch Police, Adjective, by Corneliu Porumboiu. Winner of “Un Certain Regard” at Cannes in 2009, this film is a cop story indeed, but one with a refreshingly intelligent plot, rather than the usual testosterone driven drama. The action follows the ethical dilemmas of Cristi, a policeman who refuses to arrest a young man who offers hash to two of his schoolmates. It makes some interesting points about the meaning of words and the power of those who use them. It makes you think twice about all the things you're being told.
Screening Dates and Times:
Friday, 2 July 2010 18:15
Saturday, 3 July 2010 20:30
Sunday, 4 July 2010 18:00
Tuesday, 6 July 2010 18:15
Wednesday, 7 July 2010 18:15
Thursday, 8 July 2010 14:30
Thursday, 8 July 2010 18:15
Check out Chapter’s website for more details.
For more information on getting involved with performing arts, click here.
