Zone opens up to special screenings

Showcase sets pix primed for discussion
By JOHN HOPEWELL

Posted: Wed., Aug. 27, 2003, 3:00pm PT

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MADRID -- In an initiative that is sure to stir political debate, the San Sebastian Intl. Film Festival has skedded five political or social-themed special screenings in its Open Zone sidebar.

One will be close to the heart of local auds: the latest film from cineaste Julio Medem ("Sex and Lucia"), a feature-length docu analyzing the past, present and future of the Basque country, "La pelota vasca, la piel contra la piedra."

The Open Zone will also showcase Joaquin Oristrell's "Los abajo firmantes," a fiction film about the stand taken by Spanish actors against the war in Iraq.

Also receiving a special screening are Jean-Pierre Lledo's docu-take on modern-day Algeria, "Un reve Algerien," and two documentaries on alleged pedophilia: the Sundance docu grand jury prize winner, "Capturing the Friedmans," and Joaquin Jorda's "Juego de ninos." Fest runs Sept. 18 to 27.

Links posted in this story:

Body of Lies,

Boy A,

Cannes Film Festival,

Capturing the Friedmans,

Julio Medem,

Mirovision,

Tulpan,

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