BAFICI

Hola todos,

I've done a lot of running around these last weeks! I studied, did homework, and went to class, did gift-shopping and errands, saw 8 movies at the film festival, and got together with lots of different friends. I also gave my first English lesson here in Argentina: I'm teaching pronunciation, vocabulary, and a bit about American culture. I'm excited to have another job!

I've been walking around like crazy. Yesterday I went to the doctor (June was nice enough to come with me). We got off the bus too early and walked about 20 blocks to get there. Afterwards we walked ten more blocks to the famous Recoleta Cemetery and craft fair and walked around some more. Then I decided to go to Fede's house to wish him a happy birthday on the day of his party, but underestimated the distance to his house, and ended up walking another 20 blocks. All this walking is keeping me in shape despite all the pizza and empanadas I've been eating. It's been harder to keep up my usual diet of salads and stir-fry because Microcentro is famous for its pizza, and there isn't a vegetable store in sight! haha.

My friend Leo (from my house in San Telmo) got back from Colombia last week, and we've been getting together to drink mate and talk sociology. I miss San Telmo! The air is cleaner and the architecture more picturesque. But I am getting used to Microcentro, and the advantages of this neighborhood are that it's close to everything and that I've found an awesome roommate in June.

 The Buenos Aires Film Festival, BAFICI, went on from April 6th to April 17th. I was excited about it from the start: I spent two hours one morning reading the short descriptions of all the 200 or so movies featured at the festival and deciding which ones I wanted to see. Here's are some brief reactions to what I saw:

"La Pivellina," Italy: An elderly woman finds an abandoned two-year-old at a playground and decides to take her in. The little girl is resistant at first, and the woman and her family run into practical problems taking care of her, but in just a week they become a loving little family. I loved the movie's realistic portrayal of everyday, unexpected struggles and family life.

"American Passages," Austria: A documentary about a road trip through America, the movie does a great job portraying the cultural diversity of America in a realistic way and highlights some of the effects that the economic depression has had. Featured Americans included the attendants of a military funeral, waitresses at a southern Waffle House restaurant, a woman moving out of her house after its foreclosure, women at a wedding, a 4th of July boat party, a southern Baptist church, black people living in poverty at the projects, and a man who used his government proof of Native American descent for better health care, among others.

"Le Fleurs du Mal," France: An Iranian girl travels to Paris and falls in love with a French dancer. The Iranian girl watches youtube videos of the revolution in Iran every chance she gets, scrutinizing the faces of the wounded to make sure that her family and friends aren't among the featured dead. The movie is a very realistic portrayal of the effects of war on civilians.

"Agnus Dei, Cordero de Dios," Mexico: A documentary about an altar boy who was raped by the priest he worked for over a period of years. The boy (now in his thirties) continues to struggle with the abuse. He confronts the priest, who has been allowed to continue preaching, protected by the Church and completely unpunished, despite numerous incriminating photos and complaints from the families of the boys abused.

"Poetry," Korea: A grandmother in the early stages of Alzheimer's cares for her adolescent grandson, a participant in the gang rape of a middle school classmate who subsequently committed suicide. In the midst of her struggles, the grandma works towards her dream of writing a poem. This movie was probably the most accessible that I saw: it has appeal for anyone who loves movies.

"Katka," Russia: A documentary that follows a Russian first-time mother through her struggles with drug addiction, homelessness, and abusive boyfriends over a period of years. This was the saddest documentary I've seen in my life. The scene selection was amazing.

"Too Much Pussy!," France and Germany: Lesbian actresses travel France, performing  at shows and discussing sexuality and feminism. The movie is great: more down-to-earth than sensationalist.

"Il Gattopardo," France and Italy: A 1963 movie about the fall of the Italian aristocracy. I chose this one because it was compared to "La Terra Trema," one of my favorite movies of all time. It portrays all the change that take place in one aristocratic family's lives during the Italian Revolution. A great drama with lots of interesting subplots.

Here are some photos I've taken recently. Hope you enjoy!

These poor children work on the street. When the cars stop for a red light, the kids go to the middle of the crosswalk, dance or juggle, and ask for money.

This is the little boy juggling.

I love all the trees in Palermo.

Besos!
Kaeli