A work of comic genius! —ABC-TV

A 26th anniversary re-release, with a restored soundtrack and missing footage, of the gleefully silly trashing of Arthurian legend and the Middle Ages. Re-visit the Python’s first film. (Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones, 1975, 90 minutes)

Not just the best of its kind; it seems on the verge of creating a new kind. —The New Yorker

Best Foreign Film Oscar winner blends the thrill of Hong Kong martial arts films with the keen character insight one expects from director Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility). With Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh. (2000, 119 minutes)

A joyous occasion. —Los Angeles Times

An exhilarating documentary tribute to Latin jazz, featuring hot performances by Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, Gato Barbieri and more. From Spain. (Fernando Trueba, 2000, 105 minutes)

Affecting and wryly humorous. —Variety

An elderly doctor discovers he has terminal cancer and searches for the meaning of life. Polish master Krzysztof Zanussi directs this intelligent, redemptive film. (2000, 99 minutes)

A lyrically ramshackle essay about people...who don’t fit into society’s cubbyholes. —New York Magazine

French New Wave’s Agnes Varda created this absorbing documentary about people, from dumpster divers to found-object artists, who live off society’s discards. (2000, 82 minutes)

Poignant and shocking. —Savoy Magazine

An biopic about African freedom fighter Patrice Lumumba, first head of the independent state of the Congo. Packs all the charge of a political thriller. (Raoul Peck, 2000, 115 minutes)

A raw riveting political fireball. —Rolling Stone

Banned in Iran, this astonishing film chronicles six women on the run for crimes ranging from abortion to prostitution in modern day Tehran. Winner of the Golden Lion at the 2000 Venice Film Festival. (Jafar Panahi, 2000, 91 minutes)

The horror movie that changed all horror movies thereafter. —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A special Halloween treat—William Friedkin (Oscar-winner for The French Connection) presents the director’s cut of his horror classic and answers questions in a session led by UCSB Film Studies professor Constance Penley. (1973/2000, 132 minutes)

A radiant jewel...a masterpiece. —The New York Times

F.W. Murnau (Nosferatu) summoned all the magic of Germany’s UFA Studios to create this visual tour-de-force anchored by Emil Jannings’ stirring performance. Film preservationist David Shepard introduces. (1926, 116 minutes)

A poignant commentary on the political and mythic role of artists. —Variety

This film about forbidden love and the South Indian (Kerala) art form of Kathakali, which combines dance, music, sung dialogue and pantomime, features stunning South Indian superstar Mohanlal and an entrancing score by Zakir Hussain. (Shaji Karun, 1999, 119 minutes)

Exudes the charm of a modern folk tale. —The New York Times

Adapted from Germano Almeida’s novel, Testamento is a Cape Verdean, comedic Citizen Kane, looking back on a rich man’s life and loves. Set to the music of Cesaria Evora, among others. (Francisco Manso, 1998, 110 minutes)

Needs to be seen and savored. —San Francisco Chronicle

A peasant woman’s earthy eroticism lands her three husbands—simultaneously. A puckish Brazilian sex comedy that percolates to Gilberto Gil’s score, nominated for a Latin Grammy. (Andrucha Waddington, 2000, 107 minutes)

In the film, dancers interpret Shiva’s destruction and recreation of the universe, according to the elaborate, strictly specified combinations of gestures (karana) of Indian classical dance. (Deben Bhattacharya, 1992, 57 minutes)

Following the screening, acclaimed Bharata Natyam teacher Alka Shah will be joined by Doli and Jahnvee Bambhania and Sriyani DeSilva in a live performance.

General public $10 / UCSB students $8

A breathtaking achievement. —Box Office

A power struggle for the leadership of a tiny mountain village is fought amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas. Best Foreign Film Academy Award Nominee from Nepal. (Eric Valli, 1999, 104 minutes)