Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Hi Everyone!
My name is Jais and I am a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania. I am interning at Menemsha Films this summer and am very excited to work with the films we are representing. One of the first films I watched was Nora’s Will, a refreshing and heartfelt dark comedy set in Mexico during Passover. I thought the movie was delightful. The film was beautifully shot and seamlessly edited. Beyond that, it managed to deliver a powerful message while still playfully scratching the surface of comedy. Although the film, as demonstrated by the title, is clearly about Nora’s tragic death and the subsequent misfortune which follows it, the overall message of the film went above and beyond the typical “death-in-the-family” story. Instead, the film evolved into a story about reintroducing and rekindling lost passions, whether they are of religion, family, or romance. The unique emotional discovery and reconciliation that occurs in Jose, Nora’s EX (as he never fails to remind us) husband, is an extremely touching example of how love truly stands the tests of tragedy, time, and whatever else might be thrown its way. In my opinion, the film is a must see. The elements of comedy, romance, family, and religion provide something that I think everyone can enjoy and relate to.
You should definitely see it if you get the chance!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nora's Will: Jewish Journal Article, Hot off the Presses

As expected the Florida Jewish Journal released their article on Nora's Will this morning, however, much to our pleasant surprise, it could not have been better.

The dark comedy that takes place during Passover began its local run with a positive turnout at the Tower Theater in Miami and as a result has since expanded to five other screens in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Mariana Chenillo, the film's director and screenwriter, said that even though the story takes place within the context of the Mexican Jewish community, it is not a story about religion or one meant to reach only a specific audience.


This article appeared in The Florida Jewish Journal as well as 6 other regional issues that will be going out in print on friday.

To read the whole article on the publication's website right now go here

Friday, May 21, 2010

Nora's Will - The Buzz is Beginning

For those of you who still haven't found out about "Nora's Will" (Winner of Mexico's Best Picture along with a bevy of other Ariel's) I am here to alert you that you are quickly running out of reasons as to why.

Just this last saturday The Sun Sentinel, Florida's most popular periodical, published an article that had this to say about Mexico's favorite art-house film:
"Nora's Will" is a dark comedy set in Mexico during Passover, but director and screenwriter Mariana Chenillo says the themes of the story are universal.
"This is a love story that could happen within any family," she said. "The film portrays contemporary Mexico in many ways by showing how we understand death and how we continue to make dead family members part of daily lives."

You can catch the rest of that article here: The Sun Sentinel


But wait theres more!

If you find yourself with some sort of an aversion to The Sun Sentinel (they insulted you and/or your mother, they kicked your dog, they spilled countless gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico etc.) and you can wait until next Tuesday then you can read an article about the film in the Florida Jewish Journal.

But for those of you who just can't wait for Tuesday (and believe me, we at Menemsha know all about impatience)then you can find all the information you need about the film at our website right here: Menemsha Films

So if you're looking for a good reason to get out of the sun for a bit, do yourself a favor and go see a film that is sure to satisfy.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"A Matter of Size", "Anita" Rock the LA Jewish Film Festival!!


Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor, directors of A Matter of Size, pose with two American Sumo wrestlers on the red carpet at the 2010 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival!

A Matter of Size was the Opening Night film for this year's festival, and was preceded by a gala event at the Writers Guild Theater. The directors stayed after the film for a Q&A moderdated by Rob Eshman, editor of the Jewish Journal.

Also playing at the LAJFF was Anita, from Argentinian director Marcos Carnevale. This incredible film, also released by Menemsha, was honored with the Audience Award for Best Drama!

Anita is the story of a young woman with Down syndrome who gets lost in Buenos Aires after the 1994 bomb attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center. The film is by renowned filmmaker Marcos Carnevale, director of Elsa and Fred, and stars Academy Award Nominee Norma Aleandro, the "Meryl Streep" of Argentina.

A Matter of Size is now playing in Boston theaters, and is coming soon to Washington, D.C!
Anita is currently playing at film festivals all over the country!

For more information about A Matter of Size and Anita, visit Menemsha Films!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

"Nora's Will" Expanding to Six Theaters in South Florida, Coming Soon to New York!


Nora's Will (Spanish title: Cinco Dias Sin Nora) is a Mexican comedy like nothing you've seen before, a truly unique tale about lost faith and eternal love from first time writer/director Mariana Chenillo. For weeks this award-winning film has been playing to big audiences and rave reviews in South Florida, and now even more people will be able to see this incredible film as Nora's Will expands to theaters in Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth, and continues to play in Miami, Boca Raton and Delray Beach!

Comments and rave reviews keep coming in from South Florida, such as this one from Dr. Alan Berger, Raddock Family Scholar Chair of Holocaust Studies at Florida Atlantic University:

"Nora's Will... combines humor and pathos in telling the story of Jose and Nora."

"The film, by turns poignant and irreverent, traces Jose's reconciling his frayed relationships...One of the many wonderful aspects of this beautiful film is the way it navigates between Jewish particularity and universal appeals. By telling a particular and very human story, Nora's Will addresses common human problems, emotions, and possibilities."


Jonathan Jacobs, author of "Hollywood Screen Spotlight" and editor of ScreenSpotlight.com recently posted his rave review of the film as well:

"For my part as a reviewer, I will emphatically tell you this is a film that will make you laugh, smile, cringe and cry, perhaps all at the same time. Jose’s flashbacks of his touching romantic moments with Nora will melt your heart and turn it sideways. This is one of the most true and wonderful love stories and as such it is also one riddled with guilt and betrayal. We are privy to a slice of real life that is unforgettable. Every character acts their part to perfection and causes this film to be nothing short of spectacular. It is an exposition of conflict in an age of religious and social change and one that we can learn unlimited lessons from. It provides no answers but it suggests so many truths. I offer Nora’s Will my highest recommendation for all audiences. I fell in love with Nora’s young character and she will break your heart like she did Jose’s."


Nora's Will was recently named Best Picture of the Year at Mexico's Academy Awards, and it won the Audience Award at the 2009 Miami International Film Festival. This heart-warming comedy is opening in September at the prestigious Paris Theater in New York City. Don't miss your chance to see this masterful film for yourself!

Opening This Weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Worth and Delray Beach!

Movies of Delray - Opens 5/7
7421 W. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33446
(561) 638-0020
Tickets & Showtimes

Movies of Lake Worth - Opens 5/7
7380 Lake Worth Rd.
Lake Worth, FL 33460
(561) 968-4545
Tickets & Showtimes

Cinema Paradiso - Opens 5/10
503 S.E.6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-FILM
Tickets & Showtimes

Now Playing in Miami, Boca Raton and Delray Beach!

Tower Theater (at Miami Dade College)
1508 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 643-8706
Website

Regal Shadowood 16
9889 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 482-2296
Tickets & Showtimes

Regal Delray Beach 18
1660 South Federal Highway
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 272-2900
Tickets & Showtimes

Watch the trailer for Nora's Will here.

For more information about Nora's Will, and many other quality art house films available from Menemsha Films, please visit our website!