Portugal’s Oscar submission is “The Desolate One”, the second volume of acclaimed director Miguel Gomes’ trilogy, ARABIAN NIGHTS. The title comes from the structure that Gomes employs — weaving together disconnected stories in the manner of Scheherazade’s One Thousand and One Nights. Gomes’ tales are surprising, entertaining, often whimsical, and always beautifully rendered. “The Desolate One” has three stories. The first follows a local criminal on the run, reviled but also legendary for his ability to evade capture. The second centers on a judge presiding over a series of increasingly ridiculous cases. The subject of the final story is a playful Maltese poodle named “Dixie” and her array of troubled owners. “Dixie” received the 2015 Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
(Portugal, 2015) 131 minutes
PLEASE JOIN THE EMBASSY OF PORTUGAL for a celebratory glass of delicous Portuguese wine and appetizers following the screening. The reception will be held at the Middleburg Community Center, located directly across the street from the theatre, and is open to all film goers.
