VISUAL ARTS FILM

"Anita"
Director: Marcos Carnevale
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish, Hebrew (only a few words), Mandarin (only a few words)

SYNOPSIS
Anita is the story of a young woman with Down syndrome (Alejandra Manzo) who lives a happy, routine life in Buenos Aires, being meticulously cared for by her mother Dora (Academy Award nominee Norma Aleandro). One tragic morning in 1994, everything changes when Anita is left alone, confused and helpless after the nearby Argentine Israelite Mutual Association is bombed (the deadliest bombing in Argentina’s history). As Anita wanders through the city, she learns not only to care for herself, but touches the lives of those around her, from an alcoholic to a family of Asian immigrants.

REVIEWS
“We really enjoyed this film, partly because of its interesting plot. Better yet, the movie never succumbed to the temptation to make Anita perfect, or able to mystically discern things that others cannot. She’s a young woman with developmental disabilities who, like the rest of us, is doing the best she can to survive and to enjoy life.”

“What keeps this film from being just a feel-good movie is that the people Anita meets aren’t overly kind or effusive, and they certainly aren’t saintly. The good news is that no one tries to harm or harass her—they just would rather not be bothered.”

“This is a must-see film for those who work in the field of developmental disabilities, but I can recommend it to everyone who wants to see a unusual and thought-provoking movie.”

ABOUT THE SCREENING
This screening will take place at South Coast Cinema, 162 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach at 7:00 p.m.
A pre-show reception will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, and includes wine and hors d’oeuvres.