Constraints and possibilities: Lima Film Festival, politics and cultural formation in Peru

The Festival de Cine de Lima (Lima Film Festival) launched in 1997 and, from humble beginnings, each year now introduces around 300 films to diverse audiences across the Peruvian capital and beyond. In 2014, for the first time in its history, four of the nineteen films selected for the feature competition were made by Peruvian directors, signalling a growing recognition of national talent by programming panels and critics that had tended to look beyond national borders for inspiration and challenge. Despite the relative paucity of co-ordinated film production activity in Peru, it is argued here that the flourishing of Lima Film Festival provides evidence of a deep sense of film appreciation that conveys a commitment to all forms of cinema. This essay reflects critically on the local, national and international impact of this Festival, its influence on the development of film policy in Peru, and explores its role as a ‘key building block of film culture’ (Iordanova, 2013) across a complex national framework

Theatre Arts presents Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado’ in April; get tickets now

Miscommunication, mayhem and merriment combine to offer an evening of light-hearted comedy in the Theatre Arts\u27 production of Shakespeare\u27s Much Ado About Nothing. Performances are April 11, 12, 13, and 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Burtness Theatre. Set in a lush Italian villa in the 16th century, designed by Brad Reissig, the play opens with soldiers returning from the battlefield ready to leave war behind them and turn to the pursuit of love. In classic romantic comedy style Shakespeare presents two pair of lovers with a host of conflicts and complications. A sumptuous masquerade ball provides ample opportunity for mistaken identity that together with the evil Don John\u27s conniving machinations throw the entire world into chaos. He is not the only person trying to control what happens. Everyone seems to have a hand in plotting some action that backfires. A wedding ends with the groom hightailing it, a funeral turns out to be staged, celebrations lead to jail time, and spying results in misinformation. Not to worry, the great Detective Dogberry will sort things out but only after he and his inept band of watchmen arrest the right people for the wrong reason. This rapid paced comedy is filled with slapstick comedy, sharp-tongued wit and beguiling young lovers tossed about in the tumultuous hilarity. Director Ali Angelone says, the actions may be foolish, but the characters all must be played with complete realism in the belief that each is doing the right thing. Michelle Davidson created diaphanous gowns and strikingly handsome uniforms to add to the rom-com mood of the play. Emily Elizabeth created ornate masks for the costume ball and Marilyn Gregoire designed and made jewelry for the women. Ticket information: Tickets are $10 for adults and$5 for students. Please call the Burtness Box Office at 701.777.2587 to reserve your tickets. The cast and crew includes the following: Stage Manager: Heidi Mann Assistant Stage Managers: Casey Smith and Rachel Perry Don Pedro: Philip Muehe, Rochester, Minn. Don John: Daniel Dutot, Grand Forks Claudio: Brian Dempcy, Louisburg, Minn. Benedick: Brett Olson, Glenburn, N.D. Leonato: Darin Kerr, Grand Forks Antonio: Anthony Albright, Browns Valley, Minn. Balthasar: Jackie O\u27Neil, Grand Forks Borachio: Nick McConnell, GrandForks Conrade: Ryan King, Grand Forks Dogberry: Jordan Wolfe, Grand Forks Verges: Patrick Kloeckner, Fairmont, Mont. Hero: Daniella Lima, Grand Forks Beatrice: Emily Wirkus, Albert Lea, Minn. Margaret: Emily Elisabeth, St. Cloud, Minn. Ursula: Abby Schoenborn, East Grand Forks Friar Francis: Lucas Skjaret, Long Lake, Minn. Messenger/Maid: Chelsie Pollert, Carrington, N.D. Boy & Sexton: Dane Nielsen, Grand Forks Dogberry\u27s watchman 1: Jacqueline DeGraff, Bismarck Dogberry\u27s watchman 2: Crysta Robinson, Havre, Mont