Central Station just finished it's "stint" at the 1999 Nortel Palm Springs International Film Festival, January 7th-18th, just prior to Oscar nominations.
Once the word circulated at the festival about Central Station; as it normally does regarding exceptional films, we very nearly witnessed fist fights in ticket lines in an attempt to get into the third and final showing.
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the very first showing! When I say that Central Station is an absolute masterpiece of human emotion, that is only telling half of my true feelings. It is a cinematic experience that will stay with you forever.
After the showing, one of the film's producers was in attendance to offer a question and answer period. My favorite story from that Q&A is as follows:
There were approximately 700 young boys being considered at the time for the lead role in Central Station, but none of them really "clicked". Director Walter Salles was on his way by air to Sao Paulo. In the airport, a young shoeshine boy walked up to him and asked if he could borrow enough money to buy a sandwich, as he was hungry and not doing well that day shining shoes. Mr. Salles instantly saw something in this one particular young man. And this is the story of how young Vinicius de Oliveira came to play the role as young Josue.
Ms. Montenegro is brilliant in her title role. This film is not to be missed!
Once the word circulated at the festival about Central Station; as it normally does regarding exceptional films, we very nearly witnessed fist fights in ticket lines in an attempt to get into the third and final showing.
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the very first showing! When I say that Central Station is an absolute masterpiece of human emotion, that is only telling half of my true feelings. It is a cinematic experience that will stay with you forever.
After the showing, one of the film's producers was in attendance to offer a question and answer period. My favorite story from that Q&A is as follows:
There were approximately 700 young boys being considered at the time for the lead role in Central Station, but none of them really "clicked". Director Walter Salles was on his way by air to Sao Paulo. In the airport, a young shoeshine boy walked up to him and asked if he could borrow enough money to buy a sandwich, as he was hungry and not doing well that day shining shoes. Mr. Salles instantly saw something in this one particular young man. And this is the story of how young Vinicius de Oliveira came to play the role as young Josue.
Ms. Montenegro is brilliant in her title role. This film is not to be missed!