East Timor's first feature Beatriz's War opened for a limited season at Cinema Nova last Thursday, and based on the success – just under $9K for 5 sessions over the weekend – it's getting more sessions in the coming week.
Directed by Luigi Acquisto and Bety Reis, it is the haunting, passionate story of one woman’s conviction to remain true to the man she loves and the country for which she fought. A bold reworking of the 16th century French ‘Martin Guerre’ story, in this adaptation the original story is transposed to Portuguese Timor during the Indonesian occupation of the small colony. Beatriz’s young husband disappears during a brutal massacre by occupying Indonesian forces, sixteen years later she is troubled by his sudden return; is this man her husband or an impostor?
The mysterious stranger presents a chilling metaphor for the unresolved struggles and passions that challenge a new nation’s independence, and a woman’s heart.
Cinema Nova's General Manager Kristian Connelly said: “Despite only five screening events over the opening weekend, Beatriz’s War not only enjoyed many sold-out sessions but also ranked amongst the highest-grossing titles. Cinema Nova is proud to have brought Beatriz’s War to the moviegoers of Melbourne and is excited that this marks the start of what should be a long and successful season. Beatriz’s War will enjoy expanded sessions in the new cinema week ahead.”
Sydney's Dendy Newtown has just confirmed an event screening with Q&A on Wednesday August 20. Co-director & co-writer Luigi Acquisto will be in Sydney for the event.
Between now and the Sydney event Luigi Acquisto is presenting Q&A screenings around the country, with more currently being locked in:
Perth: Cinema Paradiso, Thursday July 31
Adelaide: Palace Nova Eastend, Tuesday August 5
VIC: Geelong, Thursday August 14
NSW: Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, Friday August 15
NSW: Newcastle Regal Cinema, Tuesday August 19
Sydney: Dendy Newtown, Wednesday August 20
In Melbourne, and at some of the events around the country Luigi will be joined by Producer Lurdes Pires
AWARDS & FESTIVALS:
WINNER: GOLDEN PEACOCK (BEST FILM), 44th INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA
IN COMPETITION: Adelaide International Film Festival, Byron Bay International Film Festival,Festroia International Film Festival of Portugal
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Big Picture Film Festival, Seoul Art Film Festival
WINNER: Australian Cinematography Awards Gold Award (Best Cinematography) & Judges' Choice Award
BEATRIZ’S WAR (A Guerra Da Beatriz)
Event screenings & limited seasons being announced nationally
The film was made guerrilla-style by the very men and women who fought in the armed resistance and the clandestine movement during the small country’s twenty-four year long war with Indonesia.
Following a sold-out season in Dili, Beatriz’s War has already seen by over 100,000 people across Timor-Leste during the dry season travelling outdoor cinema program of Cinema Lorosaé.
Beatriz’s War was made in a country with the smallest film industry in the world, East Timor, yet it shone in the country with the world’s biggest, winning the top prize at the prestigious International Film Festival of India!
Language: Tetun & Indonesian Running time: 101mins
DIRECTED BY Luigi Acquisto, Bety Reis
PRODUCER: Stella Zammataro, Lurdes Pires
SCREENWRITER: Irim Tolentino, Luigi Acquisto
CAST: Irim Tolentino, Jose Da Costa, Sandra Da Costa, Eugenio Soares, Doretea Soares, Augusta Soares, Osme Gonsalves, Commander Funu Lakan
KEY CREW: Cinematographer: Valeriu Campan, Film Editor: Nicholas Calpakdjian, Music: Osme Goncalves, Danny Da Silva Lopes, Jamie Saxe, Production Designer: Silvano Rodrigues