The Metuchen Public Library will begin its annual Edna Newby International Film Festival on July 15, and it will continue for the next five Mondays. Each film will be shown twice — at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to all. Each film will be shown in its original language with English subtitles.
The festival opens with the French film “Intouchables” (2011). The aristocratic Philippe is a quadriplegic who is interviewing candidates for the position of his caregiver. When the rude African Driss cuts in the line of candidates and gives Philippe a document to sign, proving that he is seeking employment, Philippe challenges him, offering him a one-month trial period to gain experience helping him. Driss can then decide to stay or not. Driss accepts the challenge, changing the boring life of Philippe and his employees.
The festival continues on July 22 with the French film “Free Men” (2011). In occupied Paris in 1942, Younes, an Algerian immigrant ekes out a very modest living on the black market. When the police catch him, he is freed with the understanding that he will infiltrate the Paris mosque and spy on the rector. Younes proves a poor secret agent and, in fact, becomes more and more convinced of the tragedy-in-progress because of the Nazis. He also develops a deep friendship with a Jewish singer.
The Russian film, “Elena” (2011) will be shown July 29. The film is about Elena and Vladimir — an older couple, each with children from previous marriages. Vladimir is wealthy and cold; Elena is a docile wife. A heart attack puts Vladimir in the hospital, where he realizes his remaining time is short. A tender reunion with his daughter leads Vladimir to make her his sole heiress. If Elena is to provide anything for her unemployed and financially strapped son and his family, she must come up with a plan to thwart Vladimir’s decision.
The British film “Quartet” (2012) will be shown Aug. 5. The home for retired musicians will soon host a new resident. Word is it’s a star. But Reginald, Wilfred and Cecily are in for a shock when this “star” turns out to be none other than their former singing partner — and Reginald’s former wife — Jean. Will the famous quartet let old wounds keep them from making music together again, or will they be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House’s gala concert?
Aug. 12’s movie is the Danish film “A Royal Affair” (2012). This film is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen’s heart and starts a revolution. It centers on the love triangle between the insane Danish King Christian VII; the royal physician Struensee, who is a man of enlightenment and idealism; and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda. A “Royal Affair” is a tale of brave idealists who risk everything in the pursuit of freedom for their people.
The festival concludes on Aug. 19 with the Chinese film “A Simple Life” (2011). Roger is a successful movie producer. Ah Tao has worked for Roger’s family as a nanny and maid over the course of many years. When Roger comes home to find that Ah Tao has suffered a severe stroke and is unable to care for herself, he agrees to help her relocate to a nursing home. He wants to help her, but fears he’ll fail her. She needs his kindness, but doesn’t want to be a burden. As their roles reverse, he becomes her caregiver and comes to realize how much she means to him.
The Edna Newby International Film Festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Metuchen Public Library. For more information, contact John McBride 732-632- 8526, adult services librarian at the Metuchen Public Library.