The Circle
Jafar Panahi, Iran, 2000.
1:00 pm.

“The Circle” won top honors at the 2000 Venice Film Festival. Jafar Panahi, who made the memorable “White Balloon” in 1995, guides the viewers to an intimate observation of Iranian society where the women are both oppressed and getting the short end. Many of the shots look like taken from a handheld camera and a number of scenes move in circular motion, both are signs of a place where there is not yet a high tolerance for change.

Stressful X
Nerissa Picadizo, Philippines, 2003.
3:15 pm.

"Stressful X" is a short feature by Nerissa Picadizo. It tells the story of Tommy (Yul Servo), as he waits in futility to gain work at a profession he dreams of. Discouraged by his loving Father (Mat Ranillo III) of the impracticality of what he wants, unsettled by his friend's revelation and ignoring his faith in God, the film concludes in a way some people's lives and dreams end.

Muriel's Wedding
P.J. Hogan, Australia, 1994.
3:45 pm.

Australian cinema churned out many outstanding features during the previous decade and “Muriel’s Wedding” can be arguably called the best among them. It’s about a young woman who is depressed from being overweight, unemployed and not getting some support from her dysfunctional family and good-for-nothing gal pals. She seeks comfort in ABBA tunes, notably “Dancing Queen” where her self-esteem swells for a few minutes.

Muriel thinks that getting hitched would be the only way to earn the respect of her loved ones and friends. That chance to make it real happens when someone she knows from her school years invites her to live in Sydney. Life isn’t the same for her afterwards. The movie brought international stardom to Toni