• Lawrence Hall Rm 115| University of Oregon
• March 4, 2009
• 7pm

Queer Film Festival (Films 4 & 5)

The World Unseen: Directed by Shamin Sarif • UK/South Africa • 94 minutes

In 1950’s South Africa, apartheid is just beginning. Amina (Sheetal Sheth) has broken all the rules of her own conventional Indian community, and the new apartheid-led government by running a café with Jacob, her “colored” business partner. When she meets Miriam (Lisa Ray), a young traditional wife and mother, their unexpected attraction pushes Miriam to question the rules that bind her. As Amina helps Miriam’s sister-in-law to hide from the police, a chain of events is set in motion that changes both women forever. In a system that divides white from black and women from men, what chance is there for an unexpected love to survive?

La Leon: Directed by Santiago Otheguy • Argentina • 81 minutes

In the Parana Delta, surrounded by a labyrinth of waterways meandering through lush wilderness, Alvaro lives a simple, lonely life harvesting reeds and fishing. In this remote area of Argentina lost in time, Alvaro’s homosexuality and his love for books aggravates his isolation. The only link between this boundless territory and the city is the water-taxi “El Leon.” It’s captain, El Turu, is a violent and intolerant man. He feels threatened by Alvaro’s difference and embarks on a brutal campaign against him.