SFFS Screen presents: Days and Clouds August 29, 2008

Cinema doesn’t get much more timely than Silvio Soldini’s latest drama from the noted Italian director of The Acrobats (SFIFF 1998) and Bread and Tulips (SFIFF 2001). In the current era of looming economic catastrophes, this story of a stable middle-aged couple facing a sudden financial crisis is especially pertinent and moving. Elsa (Margherita Buy) and Michele (Antonio Albanese) have reached a place of financial security. Their 20-year-old daughter no longer lives at home, allowing Elsa to leave her job and pursue her dream of studying art history. As she completes her studies, working on a challenging restoration project, her husband reveals that he has been fired from the company he helped found. Their reactions to this crisis—Elsa rolls up her sleeves and reenters the work force while Michele sinks into depression—and how it affects their long and loving relationship with each other and their daughter make up the powerful emotional impact of the film. Nominated for 15 David di Donatello Awards (Italy’s Oscars), Days and Clouds took home two including a Best Actress prize. Days and Clouds offers a dignified, resonant and beautifully performed portrait of the afflictions of life in middle age. Written by Doriana Leondeff, Francesco Piccolo, Federica Pontremoli and Soldini. Photographed by Ramiro Civita. With Margherita Buy, Antonio Albanese and Giuseppe Battiston. In Italian with English subtitles. (115 min.) Distributed by Film Movement.

At the Sundance Kabuki all seats are reserved and an amenities fee is in effect for most shows. Tickets will be available through the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas box office, at kiosks in the lobby and online at www.sundancecinemas.com with print-at-home capability. San Francisco Film Society members will receive discounted admission to SFFS Screen programs at the box office only (not online or at the lobby kiosks).

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