The Williams Lake Film Club will show its next film Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, Gibraltar Room.
The Wind Journeys is a very special treat indeed. It is the first Columbian film in our repertoire, shot in the Northern part of Columbia, which is very beautiful and sparsely populated by native Columbians. And as we were told, this is not a tourist area.
In the story we meet Ignacio Carrillo, who for most of his life travelled the villages of Northern Columbia, playing traditional songs on his accordion. His accordion is not just any accordion; this is a legendary instrument said to have once belonged to the devil. As we gather, Ignacio has made a pact with him to become the best player, but he realizes that in turn his personal life is being destroyed. After the traumatic death of his wife, he vows to never play the cursed accordion again. He embarks on one last journey to return the instrument to its rightful owner. On the way Ignacio is followed by a spirited boy determined to become his apprentice. Together they travel the vast Colombian terrain discovering the musical diversity of Caribbean culture. And they will find that destiny has different plans for them.
The Wind Journeys is a Columbian German coproduction and had been nominated for an Oscar for best Foreign Film. Language is Spanish, with English subtitles. I will tell you a bit more about the young production team from Berlin before the screening. They also produced Paradise Now and Waltz with Bashir.
The Wind Journeys is not just a film, it is an experience. The cinematography is stunning as is the landscape itself. There is a competition for accordion players which is unforgettable. The music might make you want to dance in the aisles, it is so passionate and beautiful.
Remember, all of our proceeds go to the LDA, the Williams Lake Chapter for Students with Learning Disabilities. About $600 pays for one student for one-on-one tutoring for one school year. You will enjoy great films and your membership and admission will help students right here in our community. And true to community spirit, Caroline Derksen of the Cariboo Regional District Library will have a table at the Gibraltar Room offering you a glimpse of what the library has to offer in travelling books and films.
Screening starts at 7 p.m., back doors to the Gibraltar Room open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $9, $8 for Film Club members, $6 seniors/elders, students. Memberships are $10 and are available at the back door.