40 ACRES
SHOWTIME
Other movies
STATE OF SILENCE
Director: Santiago Maza
Four Mexican journalists who risk their lives to report on their country’s violent “narco-politics” talk in depth about their experiences, the dangers they face and the crucial importance of independent journalism. Mexico has been the frontline of the so-called “war on drugs” for two decades, where the line between law and crime is blurred – the continuing threats against journalists have effectively created dangerous zones of silence. Jesús Medina, Juan de Dios García Davish, María de Jesús Peters and March Vizcarra are committed to breaking that silence, reporting on local corruption, the theft of water from farmers by the drug lords and cartel-related shootings. Medina describes his job as being an “amplifier” for ordinary people who, without a free and committed press, have no voice.
LOST WORLDS WITH BETTANY HUGHES: THE NABATAEANS
Director: Jim Greayer
Having studied the Classical world for 30 years, English historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes has repeatedly come across references to the enigmatic lands of Nabataea. World-famous Petra was the Nabataean capital, but many visitors are unaware it was just one city in a vast trading empire. Now Bettany is on a mission to discover their world and answer the question: who are the Nabataeans? Her journey takes her to AlUla in Saudi Arabia, known for its monumental tombs and fascinating rock formations; she also traces the Nabataeans' global trade network through Jordan, Greece, and Oman. With exclusive access to astonishing new archaeological research and a network of renowned specialists revealing new finds, Bettany uncovers the Nabataeans' sensational story.
NAPOLI - NEW YORK
Director: Gabriele Salvatores
The Italian city of Naples, devastated by World War II, lies in ruins; orphaned children Carmine and Celestina survive life in the rubble-strewn streets by helping each other. Like so many others, they dream of going to America, where Celestina’s sister went two years earlier. One night, they stow away on a ship with an eccentric captain bound for New York, where they join hordes of Italian emigrants hoping for a better life in this strange new country. Oscar-winning director Gabriele Salvatores shoots a rediscovered script by the Italian maestro Federico Fellini and scriptwriter Tullio Pinelli, who wrote it together 80 years ago as young aspiring film-makers before they collaborated on such classics as La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2. A story by Federico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli
HEAT
Director: Michael Mann
Michael Mann directs one of the greatest police thrillers in movie history. A slow-burn cat and mouse criminal chase masterpiece featuring memorable turns from movie legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Taking place in the aftermath of a truck robbery, an obsessive detective (Pacino) hunts down the crew of Neil McCauley (De Niro), a ruthless professional thief, through the Los Angeles labyrinth. Both men are battling their own domestic demons forcing them to take stock of their lives and despite being on opposite sides of the law, their lives have uncanny parallels. The battle between the men ramps up as McCauley’s crew embarks on a new heist. Mann’s tension-inducing reserved approach, the spectacular cinematography and incredible action scenes keeps the suspense levels high throughout.