Free Czech-ing
Czech this out. The Czech Center New York is presenting a festival of 17 recent European films from 11 nations. And admission is free.
Allow me to recommend“The Secret of the Grain” (2007), from France, by Tunisia-born writer-director Abdellatif Kechiche.
It is worth seeing if only for the sensual belly dance — baby fat and all — by exotic Hafsia Herzi, who was in her first year at law school when she answered a casting call for the film.
The 5-foot-3 bundle of energy portrays teenager Rym, who helps her downtrodden father (Habib Boufares) wade through red tape to turn a rusting ship into a restaurant featuring his ex-wife’s fish couscous.
Herzi says that the director had her put on weight for her dance scene. Her performance won the best-actress prize at the Cesars, the Gallic equivalent of the Oscars. She also was named best young actress at the 2007 Venice Film Festival, an honor indeed.
Another recommendation? The Austrian thriller“Revanche” (2008), which asks: When, if ever, does vengeance justify murder?
Directed by Gotz Spielmann, it concerns Alex (Johannes Krisch), a lackey for the sleaze who runs the brothel where his covert lover, Ukrainian hooker Tamara (hot, hot Irina Potapenko) satisfies customers’ sexual urges.
When she’s not turning tricks for pervs, she positions herself outside the whorehouse in tall black boots, thigh-high stockings and short black skirt, in a crude form of advertising.
In an effort to give Tamara a better life, Alex robs a bank, but Tamara — waiting in the getaway car — is shot dead by a cop who happens by.
The Czech Center showcase runs Thursday through April 15 at Bohemian National Hall, 321 E. 73rd St., between First and Second avenues. Free admission is first come, first served, except on opening night, which requires a reservation. Details: czechcenter.com
* Two quick picks for the New York African Film Festival, Wednesday through April 13 at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade:
Mama Keita’s“The Absence” (2009), in which a scientist returns to his home in Senegal after 15 years and discovers his semi-deaf-mute sister is selling her body, and Cambria Matlow and Morgan Robinson’s“Burning in the Sun,” a documentary about a young West African man who wants to build and sell solar panels. Details: filmlinc.com
V.A. Musetto is film editor of The Post;vam@nypost.com
Trending NowON NYPOST.COM
This story has been shared 52,794 times.
This story has been shared 26,766 times.
This story has been shared 23,280 times.
This story has been shared 22,696 times.
Most CommentedJoin the conversation
Trump reveals 90-day tariff pause for most countries, raises China rate to 125% — as he explains ‘yippy’ reason for stoppage, boasts about stock rebound
Kristi Noem dodges kicks from migrant suspect as she leads ICE deportation raids in Phoenix
China hits US with 84% retaliatory tariffs after Trump’s sweeping levies go into effect
Top Concerts
- AC/DC17 Shows |Get Tickets
- Coldplay30 Shows |Get Tickets
- John Mayer1 Shows |Get Tickets
- Brooks and Dunn17 Shows |Get Tickets
- Chris Brown45 Shows |Get Tickets
Listen now
