Calcasieu Cinema International continues the second season
of its film series with the South African film Lucky. The award-winning 2011 film will be offered free to the
public this Friday 25 January, at 7 p.m., at Central School auditorium in Lake
Charles, Louisiana.
Lucky (not to be
confused with a comedy with a similar title) tells the story of a young boy in
South Africa who loses his mother to the AIDS epidemic and must fend for
himself while searching for family and security. It is, as one reviewer points out, the story
of those “people who slip through the cracks,” and, as the boy’s name suggests,
chance plays a large role. However, it
is sheer persistence that ultimately makes Lucky a winner. Along the way, Lucky is rescued by an elderly
Indian woman who is prejudiced, plus he must deal with an uncle who has his own
motives for wanting Lucky. The young boy’s ability to bring out the best in the
adults illuminates director/screenwriter Avie Luthra’s depiction of life in
modern South Africa. Giving this film
its power are the young boy’s determination and the simple, effective storytelling.
Discussant for the film will be Dr. Jayendra Patel, a
second-generation Tanzanian whose family originally hails
from India. Born and brought up in East
Africa, Dr. Patel studied in India and subsequently practiced psychiatry in
Africa before he moved to USA. He is
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and
currently practices psychiatry at Lake Area Psychiatry in Lake Charles. He and
his family have enjoyed the cultural richness of the Lake Area for about 3
years. Inviting the audience to join
him, he will examine some of the rich, complex relationships in the film. The
generous sponsors for this film are Dr. Amir and Elphy Shah. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided!
Calcasieu Cinema International, a branch of
the Council for International Concerns, offers the series in partnership with
McNeese State University’s Office of Diversity, Banners Cultural Series, Arts
and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, Lake Area Psychiatry, The
Hearing Center, Common Ground/CultureFestLouisiana, and Lake Charles Coca-Cola.
