Pathos / Karunam (US Premiere)
Jayaraaj, India, 1999, 77m (35mm, drama)
Thoughtful compositions and lush cinematography beautifully frame this emotionally stirring drama by Indian director Jayaraaj, who takes a close look at an ever-increasing problem in India and elsewhere: aging parents abandoned by their children. An old couple live on their plantation in Kerala state, awaiting a visit from their sons who have gone away to America. They clean their house, prepare food, and put up a swing in the yard for the grandchildren. Then, news arrives: the children have canceled their trip in favor of a visit to Niagara Falls. Worse news soon follows: the sons have sold the house and the couple are shipped off to a center for the aged. In their new dwelling, the couple are out of place and deeply dejected by their abandonment. Filmmaker Jayaraaj masterfully explores the layers of emotions, following his characters through the complexity of loss and disillusionment, to emerge with a surprising modicum of happiness and sense of place in their changed world.
Thurs June 15, 9:15;
Sat June 17, 6:30;
Sun June 18, 8:15;
Mon June 19, 3:45