La Cinémathèque Film Club

Explore the origins of modern film, discover influential filmmakers, and discuss the styles and philosophical messages of the films when you become a Film Club Member. La Cinémathèque Film Club screenings feature classic films by renowned foreign filmmakers in the SOPAC Loft.

La Cinémathèque Film Club screenings are curated and hosted by educator, artist, and filmmaker Gerard Amsellem.

Please note: Film Club Memberships are available for sale in advance of a series and through the second film screening of a series as the discussions around each film build upon prior events.

Memberships can be purchased online here, by calling (973) 313-2787 or by visiting the SOPAC Box Office. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 12-6PM.

Spring 2019 Chinese Film Series
Membership: $60 (4 films)

La Cinémathèque Film Club introduces a new series that explores four important films from China. After each film screening, there will be discussions about the the culture and politics of the country as presented in the films, as well as conversations about the artistic content and human stories.

Guest speakers for two of the films are to be announced.

SUN, FEB 3 at 2PM | A Simple Life (2011)
directed by Ann Hui, China
A film producer helps care for his family’s lifelong servant after she suffers a stroke and must move into a nursing home.

SUN, MAR 3 at 2PM | The King of Masks (1996)
directed by Tian-Ming Wu, China
In 1930s China, aging street performer Wang yearns for a male heir to inherit the secrets of his renowned magical act. Though he refuses an offer to join the opera, he heeds the advice of female-impersonating opera star Liang to find an heir. Wang soon buys an 8-year-old orphan named Doggie. When his new heir reveals a desperate secret, Wang must choose between following the structures of society and the fatherly love he feels for his new protégé.

SUN, APR 7 at 2PM | Farewell My Concubine (1993)
directed by Kaige Chen, China
In 1924, young Cheng Dieyi begins training at the Beijing Opera House at the same time as Duan Xiaolou. Cheng specializes in playing female parts, often against Duan’s commanding male leads. While pretending to be in love with Duan onstage, Cheng begins to develop actual romantic feelings for his co-star, which are not reciprocated. Over the next 50 years, the two men maintain a complicated friendship as China undergoes turbulent changes.

SUN, MAY 5 at 2PM | In The Mood For Love (2000)
directed by Kar Wai Wong, China
In 1962, journalist Chow Mo-wan and his wife move into a Hong Kong apartment, but Chow’s spouse is often away on business. Before long, the lonely Chow makes the acquaintance of the alluring Su Li-zhen, whose own significant other also seems preoccupied with work. As the two friends realize their respective partners are cheating on them, they begin to fall for one another; however, neither wants to stoop to the level of the unfaithful spouses.

Gerard Amsellem

Gerard Amsellem is a French and American citizen. He spent the first 25 years of his life in Paris, France where he studied painting at the University of Paris and earned his Masters Degree in French Literature and Art History. In 1982, Gerard moved to the U.S. and continued to paint and develop his interest in film. His paintings have been exhibited in abroad in Paris and locally at GAS Gallery & Studio and at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center. Gerard has been studying film throughout his life. He currently teaches World Film at Livingston High School and has directed several short films. Gerard’s special interests lie in foreign and independent films from all over the world.

Questions about La Cinémathèque Film Club can be directed to Gerard Amsellem at linguavision@gmail.com.