Art by Zee

Mamma Roma at NWFF

NW Film Forum presents two classic Italian films: Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1962 film Mamma Roma is possibly his best – with stunning imagery of the best and worst of Roma and genuine feeling for its characters, Mamma Roma tells the story of a prostitute trying to go straight for the sake of her teenaged son, but stymied by the return of her pimp who is definitely not interested in seeing Mamma achieve respectability.

Also at NWFF: Wheedle’s Groove, a look back at Seattle’s soul music scene in late 60s. “Rediscover that history with local collector DJ Mr. Supreme, who uncovered Seattle’s soulful past after finding a dusty Black on White Affair 45 called “Bold Soul Sister” in a 99-cent bin at a Seattle Center record show. By 2003, he had a rough impression of a once-thriving scene and a hefty collection of Seattle soul and funk 45s, some of which were fetching upwards of $5,000 on the collector circuit.” The movie plays with an exciting collection of special guests:

Friday, September 3 – Performance with Pastor Patrinell Staten Wright and members of Total Experience Gospel Choir

Sunday, September 5 (8pm show) – Drum seminar and Q&A with Robbie Hill (Family Affair, Black On White Affair)

Tuesday, September 7 – Q&A with members of Cookin’ Bag, along with King County Councilman Larry Gossett discussing the music, culture, and history of the Central District and the Seattle Black Power movement during the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Wednesday, September 8 – Performance with Overton Berry

Thursday, September 9 – Q&A with Wheedle’s Groove mastermind DJ Supreme La Rock and the film’s narrator Sir Mix-A-Lot, discussing Wheedle’s Groove and the resurgence through sampling and hip-hop

The Grand Illusion presents Battle League Horumo, a fantastic comedic love story from Japan about a bunch of college students who get involved in a competition involving battling ancient spirits.

Speaking of Japanese films, Midnight at the Egyptian is Hayao Miyazaki’s brilliant and breathaking animated adventure Spirited Away.

At the Harvard Exit see Mesrine: Killer Instinct and its sequel, Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1 starring Vincent Cassel as the title character, a French soldier returned from Algiers seduced by the glamour of 1960s Paris into a life of crime and notoriety.