Early this summer, the Lensic Performing Arts Center gave a free showing of Boy, a Sundance favorite that’s been warming souls around the world—when one can find a showing of it, that is. Have no fear: As part of the 10^th Annual Native Cinema Showcase’s lengthy schedule, Boy screens again in Santa Fe—but only for two days, so be sure to make it out. 

Created by New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi (Eagle vs. Shark), Boy follows two brothers, Boy and Rocky, on their often-fantastical attempts to make sense of their tumultuous lives.

When their grandmother leaves the boys and their numerous cousins alone to attend a funeral, the boys’ long-gone father (Waititi) shows up. What seems like it could be a happy reunion is dampened by the father’s ulterior agenda (digging up a cache of hidden money).

Fortunately, Waititi handles even the most despicable characters with Wes Anderson-like grace and optimism, for a warm, funny and poignant film, whose imaginative cartoon asides provide necessary levity for its tough subject matter.

Filmed in Waititi’s rural New Zealand home town (much of the film seems autobiographical), Boy has become the unlikely top grossing New Zealand film of all time.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wish it were playing again real soon.

Boy—along with many other great films at this year’s Native Cinema Showcase—is presented by Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Center for Contemporary Arts and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. See ccasantafe.org/NCS_2010.html for a full list of movies, locations and show times.

 

Boy
8 pm Saturday and Sunday, Aug 21 and 22
87 min., PG-13

Native Cinema Showcase
Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 19-22

Single ticket $9.50, festival pass $50

Locations:
Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail
Cathedral Park and Indian Market, downtown Santa Fe
505-982-1338, www.ccasantafe.org/NCS_2010.html