AO. Scott is calling it “…the best nondocumentary American feature made yet about the war in Iraq“. THE HURT LOCKER, playing at the Angelika Dallas starting 07/10 and the Angelika Houston starting 7/24, comes from POINT BREAK director Kathryn Bigelow.

Winner of four awards at the 2008 Venice Film Festival, the film follows a new sergeant, James (Jeremy Renner – THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES), who takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict. He surprises his two subordinates, (played by Anthony Mackie – WE ARE MARSHALL and Brian Geraghty - JARHEAD), by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat.

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Come for the 8pm showing of TYSON, stay for a close & personal Q&A with writer/director and Oscar nominee James Toback (BUGSY)! Click here for Advance Tickets

TYSON is acclaimed indie director James Toback’s stylistically inventive portrait of a mesmerizing Mike Tyson. Through a mixture of original interviews and archival footage and photographs, Toback allows Tyson to reveal himself with eloquence and a pervasive vulnerability. The film ranges from Tyson’s earliest memories of growing up on the mean streets of Brooklyn through his entry into the world of boxing, to his rollercoaster ride in the funhouse of worldwide fame and fortunes won and lost.

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We caught up with award-winning director Chai Vasarhelyi to discuss her newest film, documenting the extraordinary life and work of international super star Youssou N’dour.

Chai will host Q&A sessions at the Village East Cinema following shows on Friday & Saturday (details & advance tickets).

Q: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO MAKE THE FILM?
A: I wanted to make a film about Africa that would challenge the way in which the continent is currently portrayed in the media. Africa is not just about poverty, disease and war. It is a beautiful place with an incredibly vast and diverse history. I felt that music would be the best place for me to start and, while I did not know a lot about Youssou’s music or the West African musical tradition, I was completely taken by him - as a musician and as a moral leader. He is an incredibly captivating and driven performer, with a voice like an angel, who represents to millions of Africans the possibility of living successfully by one’s convictions. Sharing a tolerant side of Islam also became one of my most important motivations.

Q: WHAT IS THE CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF YOUSSOU IN THE UNITED STATES?
A: Youssou is extraordinarily famous everywhere in the world, but less well known in America. He wrote and performed the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, however here in the US most people know him through his collaborations with other artists such as Peter Gabriel with the song “In Your Eyes.” He is probably the most famous musician people haven’t heard of. To the African Diaspora this film represents a very intimate look into the personal life of an icon - to those who are discovering him for the first time, I hope this is a moving story that complements the power of his music.

Q: WHAT INITIAL REACTIONS ARE YOU RECEIVING TO THE FILM?
A: The film has been very well received at film festivals throughout the world and has won several audience awards. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s so interesting to see the way these very different people (from Telluride to Abu Dhabi) respond to this personal story. Music fans who know Youssou’s music naturally seek out the film. Many also find him an inspiration because of his activism and his strong religious convictions while others simply thank me for ‘making a film with such a positive story about Africa.’ But African American and Muslim-American audiences often come up after screenings and tell me how much they identify with Youssou’s personal story. I made this film with the hope of sharing Youssou’s story with a wider audience that may not already be familiar with his music. It has been a very hopeful experience, watching others discover Youssou’s inspiring story for themselves often walking away with a renewed hope about the West’s relationship to the Muslim world. I made this film with the hope that it may contribute to a dialogue about Islam and the west; it’s truly gratifying to see audiences responding and discussing the issues addressed in the film. Ultimately, Youssou’s story is a compelling example of how each of us has the power to change the world.

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Vogue’s André Leon Talley and VALENTINO director Matt Tyrnauer return to the Angelika Film Center on Sunday 6/14 for Question and Answer sessions following the 5:35 and 8:05 shows of VALENTINO!

Advance Tickets On Sale Now

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Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their heavy metal band, Anvil, released one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982’s Metal on Metal. The album influenced an entire generation of rock bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who went on to sell millions of records. Anvil, on the other hand, took a different path — straight to obscurity. Now they’re back with their wildly popular film: ANVIL! To celebrate, Anvil will play a LIVE set at the Village East Cinema following the 10:00pm show on Wednesay, June 3rd.

Advance Tickets On Sale

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Read the New York Times review

Sam Raimi (SPIDER-MAN series) returns to horror, his original genre, to direct DRAG ME TO HELL, a thrilling, darkly comic ride met with much enthusiasm this year at its SXSW midnight screening. Christine (Alison Lohman), a young loan officer competing for a promotion, denies her elderly client (Lorna Raver) a third mortgage extension. Her distraught client enacts her revenge with a fiery curse determined to drag Christine’s soul to hell. Justin Long (HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU, DODGEBALL) supports.

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VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR
Playing at the Angelika NYC starting May 29th. Tickets on sale now.

Critics and audiences around the world are raving about this behind-the-scenes look at the life of legendary designer Valentino, and his longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. The film follows these two men for the last two years of their careers, and shows the struggles they face as they confront the final act of a nearly 50-year career at the top of the fashion world. The struggle of art against commerce is at the center of the film. In the end, however, the story proves to be not one about money or expensive clothes, but about love.

Q&A with the director following the 7:15pm shows on Friday & Saturday!

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Award-winning writer/director Rian Johnson (BRICK) will introduce his second feature film, THE BROTHERS BLOOM, at the 7:30pm 8:15pm and 10:20pm shows on Friday, May 14 in New York! He will host Q&A sessions following the 7:30pm and 8:15pm shows moderated by Ed Douglas of ComingSoon.net.

Advance Tickets

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