The Key West Film Society, now in its second season, is to be praised for its success in bringing a fine selection of films to an island hungry for cinematic artistry. Possibly the best addition to island culture since the birth of Mario Sanchez, the film society has not only survived its first season, but is coming into its second season with contemporary releases such as "Being John Malkovich," "The Red Violin" and other films selected by means of membership request.
The film society founded by Java Lounge coffee house entrepreneur Michael Shields, will continue to please Key West film afficiandos with next week's showing of the highly-acclaimed and much sought after, "The Buena Vista Social Club."
A fascinating documentary that features the authentic music of yesterday's Cuba and intimate cameos of the super abuelos who perform it, the film will be shown, most appropriately, at the elegant San Carlos Institute this Friday, Jan. 21, premiere, which will include a soiree at Blue Heaven, is the society's annual fundraising event.
"The Buena Vista Social Club" called a "musicu-mentary" by director Wim Wenders, followed the successful production of the Grammy Award-winning recording by the same name, orchestrated by Wender's friend and colleague Ry Cooder. Having visited Cuba in the 70s, Cooder was moved by and never forgot the music he heard there.
More than 20 years later, he returned to recapture the experience in recordings. This powerful yet candid documentary is shot primarily in Havana where, but also incorporates scenes from concerts performed in Holland and at Carnegie Hall.
"The Buena Vista Social Club" is not a political film. Castro is hardly mentioned. No one complains of life under communism, nor praised the "Jefe" for his stand against imperialism. This film rises above the mangled din of nationalism and embargoes to speak to the audience in the universal language of music and romantic love.
"The Buena Vista Social Club" celebrates what has been left behind and nearly forgotten. It relishes in the simplicity of the talented, the unglamorous lives of the people who created and perpetuated the melange of Cuban music that has no borders.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $25, and are expected to go quickly. The Blue Heaven reception, to be known as "The Cayo Hueso Social Club," will feature the music of Skipper Kripitz, Buddy Chavez and Din Allen, who are appearing as the Cinema Orquesta.
There will be a cash bar and specially prepared Blue Heaven Caribbean cuisine will be served. A second showing of the film, to benefit the San Carlos Institute, will follow on Saturday night with $10 tickets; and a third presentation, a Sunday matinee, will also be offered for $7, $5 for KWFS members.
Info: 294-5857.