An exquisite Chinese period piece, and three hour monumental Italian epic, are the delectable twin delights awaiting film aficionados June 18 and 19 at Suchitra Film Society.  Simple, beauteous and evocative masterpiece that gives a glimple into lost world of 30s’ China, Wu Tianming’s The King of Masks, with Dickensesque appeal draws viewers into a universe filled with tragedy and delight.
   A tale of disguise and alienation, it revolves around a solitary old master of an ancient and revered form of mask making and venerated street performer, who, at life’s fag end seeks to pass on his craft. Tradition has it that he can only teach it to a male heir. Desperate to preserve his art, and himself, he purchases a destitute child on the flea market. He discovers an angelic 8-year-old, Doggie, who endears calls him “Grandpa.” Wang is serene in his happiness and security of his purchase, until he discovers, by accident and horror, the truth about Doggie. The King is torn between filial affection and ancient customs. With its focus  on impoverished street life, abuse of children, and unique means of survival, the film, whose emotional fulcrum is the relationship between caring Doggie and crusty King, is a moving movie.
Winner of Cannes’ Palme D'Or Ermanno Olmi’s The Tree of Wooden Clogs is a three-hour epic about lives of peasants. It not only attacks an outmoded social system where peasants have to beg land and wherewithal for basic education from local landlord but is an almost mystical affirmation of relationship of man to nature. Stunning in its depiction of changing seasons of Lombardy, its human sympathies, and measured, cumulative approach to hard life of those close to penury and exploited by powerful, Ermanno Olmi’s film concerns generations of four families working as sharecroppers on an estate. Filled with moving moments and fascinating acting from non-professionals, it weaves several stories including that of young boy deemed extraordinarily intelligent, and church orders his family to let him attend school, even though it’s six-mile walk. After trudging to school for a time, the boy's shoes wear out. His father sneaks into landowner's prize grove and chops down a tree to make new shoes, knowing that the punishment will be severe if caught. Tad long, it’s worthy watching.
Screening 6.45 pm, Suchitra Auditorium, Banashankari II Stage. For details call 26711785.