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August 2, 16 and 30: The DocYard August Screenings in Cambridge, MA

Celebrating documentary filmmaking’s past, present and future, The DocYard is a bi-weekly film and discussion series that will take place at the Brattle Theatre in the summer of 2010. Every other Monday through June, July, and August, we will gather together to be introduced to new films and new filmmakers, and connect with one another. We hope that each of these special events helps to grow a vibrant, creative community for Boston’s filmmakers, film students and film lovers.

August Screenings:

SPEAKING IN TONGUES - August 2 at 7pm
Directed by Marcia Jarmel & Ken Schneider (Q&A to follow)

What would it be like if your parents put you in a school where the teacher
spoke a foreign language?

SPEAKING IN TONGUES uses this scenario to explore the provocative notion that being bilingual can be a national asset. Taking us beyond rote arguments and stereotypes, this intimate film witnesses the joys and challenges of four diverse children on their journey to become global citizens. Enter their world and ask, today is knowing one language enough?

Official Selection: Audience Award 2009 San Francisco International Film Festival, Columbus International Film Festival, IFPwh

TODAY THE HAWK TAKES ONE CHICK - August 16 at 7pm
Directed by Jane Gillooly (Q&A to follow)

TODAY THE HAWK TAKES ON CHICK captures day-to-day life in a rural society on the threshold of simultaneous collapse and reinvention. The Lubombo region of Swaziland suffers from the world’s highest prevalence of HIV and the lowest life expectancy. This observational film is told from the poignant perspective of three grandmothers (gogos) who have become instrumental in defining a new world order in the fight against the spread of HIV.

Official Selection: Kinoteatr.doc Moscow Russia Award Special Jury Prize, 2010, Addis International Film Festival, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2010, Festival International de Films de Femmes, Créteil France, 2010

THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS - August 30 at 7pm
Directed by Patrick Shen (Q&A to follow)

In search of wisdom found in unlikely places, THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS takes us on a journey through the halls of the most prestigious colleges and universities in America to learn from the staff members who see it all and have been through it all: the custodians. This thought-provoking, feature-length documentary interweaves the untold stories of triumph and tragedy from the members of society who are often disregarded and ignored, and seeks out the kind of wisdom that gets you through the day and the lessons one learns from surviving hard times, lost loves, and shattered dreams. THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS gives us the opportunity to learn from eight incredible individuals whom we would never have otherwise taken a moment out of our day to acknowledge.

“A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study.” ~ Chinese Proverb

Official Selection: Emerging Cinematic Vision Award Camden International Film Festival 2009, Nominated Best Documentary Silvedocs 2009, San Francisco International Film Festival, Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival