"Minuet for Our Father" chronicles the intense battle of classical and Mariachi guitarist Jorge Lopez against COVID-19, told through intimate footage and interviews with his daughters.
Set against the backdrop of Jorge's beautiful music, the film captures the emotional struggle and resilience of his family as they face uncertainty and fear. It’s a moving portrayal of survival, highlighting the strength of family bonds and the power of hope. Join us to celebrate the recovery and resilience of Jorge Lopez, who will be in the opening night with the film crew, answering your questions. |
Alegría’s life takes a profound shift upon discovering that her orthodox Jewish brother insists on holding his daughter’s wedding in Melilla. Guided by Dunia, her Arab housekeeper, and Marian, her Christian confidante, Alegría embarks on a journey to connect with her roots while assisting her niece, Yael, in navigating womanhood within a highly conservative male-dominated environment.
Renowned Mexican actress Cecilia Suárez (The House of Flowers, 3 Caminos) takes the lead, infusing the film with her charisma and impeccable comedic timing, amidst a backdrop of familial tumult and conflicting traditions. The film sensitively depicts her coming to terms with her roots and the cultural past she has rejected. She may not want these traditions for herself, but she comes to understand the value they have in her community. Alegría is also about Melilla, an autonomous, multicultural Spanish city on Africa’s north coast, where Jews, Muslims, and Christians mix and mingle and come together to make the wedding happen. It is a gorgeous evocation of a fascinating and beautiful corner of the world not often seen on-screen. Shaped entirely by women – from the director and screenwriters to the producer, director Violeta Salama follows in the footsteps of esteemed directors like Nadine Labaki in Lebanon (notably with Caramel), Mira Nadir in India, and Leila Marraki in Morocco. |
The story takes place in Santiago in 1973 in the days leading up to the military coup, and is based on a real experiment carried out during the socialist government of Salvador Allende at Saint George’s College (Saint Patrick’s College in the film). The college scenes were shot at the East Campus of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and at the Barros Arana National Boarding School.
Gonzalo Infante (Matías Quer), an eleven-year-old boy, studies at Saint Patrick’s, a reputable religious school whose students come from the upper middle class of Santiago. The headmaster, Father McEnroe (inspired by the rector of Saint George Gerardo Whelan and played by Ernesto Malbrán), brings a new group of children to the establishment, all of them from the popular class, in order to educate them without discrimination, in an attempt to promote mutual respect among students from different social classes. Among this group is Pedro Machuca (Ariel Mateluna). After some conflicts between the new classmates, a friendship is born between Gonzalo and Machuca. Both children visit each other’s homes on different occasions, and get to know their families and the internal realities they both live. At Pedro’s house, Gonzalo meets and falls in love with Silvana, a teenage girl neighboring Pedro. However, the political climate of the time progressively deteriorates their friendship. The coup d’état of September 11, 1973, led by General Augusto Pinochet to overthrow the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende, suddenly interrupts the relationship of these three friends. The direction of Saint Patrick passes into the hands of the Chilean Army, with the consequent dismissal of Father McEnroe, the expulsion of several students and the militarization of the school. |
Set in an upper-class neighborhood of the Dominican Republic, Babygirl is an unsettling portrait of a middle-aged woman, Dominique, and her relations with family, servants, and entourage.
From the very first scene, the film manages to astutely depict her privilege and buried longings. As a woman whose identity is deeply attached to her role, Dominique finds herself alone after the departure of her children. One day, the maid brings home her granddaughter and, shortly after, inexplicably disappears. The little girl re-awakens Dominique’s maternal instinct – but neither her relatives nor her friends seem to think it a good decision to keep her. With neat precision and calculated detachment, Babygirl paints a society of strong racial and class differences. Appearances and disappearances are shrouded in mystery; hints at corporate corruption are left unresolved; and nods to Lucrecia Martel’s The Headless Woman (2008) can be felt. |
San Miguel is a village built over indigenous tombs and Albertina (78) is its spiritual leader. She is in charge of communicating with the Ño, a deity whose physical form is a rag doll, which the inhabitants worship during carnival week. The old woman organizes the rituals in his honor with the help of her family and neighbors.
With this premise, César Borie captures the attention of everyone in a documentary that seems more like a mystery film. In several interviews, the main character tells the story of her life, full of magic, significant vulnerability, and a speech of empowerment worthy of any woman who knows she is a leader. While Albertina delivers her personal experience with this magical entity, Ño, her daughters, grandchildren, and neighbors tell how it is to live and witness this tradition, and at the same time reflect on their own beliefs and faith in what their beloved matriarch has told them for years. However, the protagonist’s old age hides the uncertainty of what will happen to these traditions at the moment of her death. |
An excitingly fresh take on some classic themes and ideas, The Second Mother dissects with both impeccable precision and humor such matters as class differences and family. The film centers around Val, a hard- working live-in housekeeper in modern day Sao Paulo.
Val (stunning performed by Regina Casé) is perfectly content to take care of every one of her wealthy employers’ needs, from cooking and cleaning to being a surrogate mother to their teenage son, who she has raised since he was a toddler. But when Val’s estranged daughter Jessica suddenly shows up, the unspoken but intrinsic class barriers that exist within the home are thrown into disarray. Jessica is smart, confident, and ambitious, and refuses to accept the upstairs/downstairs dynamic, testing relationships and loyalties and forcing everyone to reconsider what family really means. |
Latin Dinner GalaSaturday October 19
6:00PM Lions Community Centre
157 Elgin Street East, Cobourg ON NOTE:
Tickets on sale now! enjoy our early bird rates. This is a sit down dinner, please acquire your tickets in advance. There will be NOT selling of tickets at the entrance as we need to know in advance the amount of diners to be served. |
Gala - Children up to 16 y/o
This discounted rate is ONLY for Children up to 16y/o accompanied by a paid adult.
Gala Non MEMBERS Early Bird
This discounted rate is for NON MEMBERS of the NHCC. Deadline for the early bird discounted price is October 11.
Gala - Early Bird MEMBERS
This Early Bird rate per person for NHCC members in good standing. Deadline for the early bird discounted price is October 11.
Concert
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Hispania: Latin Jazz Edition
Victoria Concert Hall
55 King St W, Cobourg Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Hispania Latin Jazz Concert, featuring the incredible talents of Eliana Cuevas and Amanda Martinez. These two award-winning Latin music powerhouses will captivate you with their dynamic fusion of jazz, Afro-Latin rhythms, and soulful melodies. Cuevas, known for her rich vocals and Venezuelan flair, and Martinez, celebrated for her smooth blend of Mexican and South African influences, promise a vibrant and uplifting performance that celebrates the heart and soul of Latin jazz. Don't miss this unique musical journey!
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Hispania Concert - Early Bird Children
This early bird rate is for children up to 16 y/o accompanied by a paid adult. Deadline for the early bird price is October 7.
Hispania Concert - Regular Children
This rate is for children up to 16 y/o accompanied by a paid adult.
Hispania Concert - Early Bird Members
This early bird rate is ONLY for NHCC MEMBERS in good standing. Deadline for the early bird discounted price is October 7.
Hispania Concert - NHCC MEMBERS
This reduced reate is for NHCC Members in good standing ONLY.
Hispania Concert - Non MEMBER early Bird
This early bird rate is for Non NHCC MEMBERS. Deadline for the early bird discounted price is October 7.