The Breakfast ClubMornings in the theatre can be fortified by Santa Barbara's culinary offerings.
WORDS Ninette Paloma
It is 7:30am on a Thursday morning, and from my lounge chair at Caje Coffee Roasters, I watch as the Arlington Theatre’s marquee begins its transformation. Red letters are shuffled with expert speed above a calm sea of metal barricades, and other than a few overzealous Mourning Doves, is the only sound on State Street.
The 39th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival has begun, and along with the promise of over 200 in-person film screenings from 54 countries – not to mention a dazzling roster of Hollywood royalty in attendance for the tribute events – the long-standing tradition of early morning showings remains firmly in place. Festival director Roger Durling lovingly refers to these theatregoers as “The Breakfast Club,” known for their dedication to the art of celluloid as much as their endearing penchant for waking up at first light. I belong to this ragtag group of early risers: women, mostly, fueled by green juice or high-octane lattes and the promise of small crowds and an uncluttered mind from which to take in the morning’s cinematic offerings. Watching this group file into a dimly lit theatre always fills my heart with recognition; a reassuring sense that this simple pleasure will be shared by those with a matching appetite for discovery. Truth is, the past two years were rough without my morning posse. If the generous elbowroom is not enough to inspire an 8am trip to the movies, then our newly expanded list of early-morning culinary offerings might just be enough to tip the scales for a reluctant riser. We have compiled a list of our favorite morning spots paired with an international selection of films that we believe will easily coax you out of bed and into a theatre seat well before the general film fest crowd comes springing to life. Hard Shell, Soft Shell (Fragile) directed by Emma Benestan Sun, March 6 - 8:00 AM - Metro #1 After receiving a string of accolades for her impressive roster of shorts, French-Algerian director Emma Benestan’s full-length debut delves into the complexities of relationships when expectations and projections give way to empathy and reconciliation. Shot in the picturesque port city of Sète in France, this biting romantic comedy pairs well with a generous wedge of Alessia Patisserie’s vegetable quiche – at once creamy and crispy and satisfyingly light. Perejil (Parsley) directed by José María Cabral Tues, March 8 - 8:10 AM - Metro #2 This profound exploration of xenophobia in the Dominican Republic centers around an expectant Marie (Cyndi Lundi) who is caught in the crosshairs of a political battle over ethnic cleansing, absurdly based on the pronunciation of the word “parsley.” Paired with the multifaceted flavors of CAJE Arlington’s Chai Latte – a swirl of spices and coconut and earthy rosemary best enjoyed by the outdoor fireplace – this world premiere sheds light on an oft-forgotten chapter of the Dominican Republic’s cultural history. Ways of Being Home: Between Northfield & Maltrata directed by Cecilia Cornejo Sotelo Sun, March 6 - 8:30 AM - Metro #4 Through first-person accounts and meditative cinematography of both Northfield, Minnesota and Maltrata, Mexico, this timely film about the immigrant experience and the struggle to straddle two distinct cultures is portrayed with arresting clarity by Chilean filmmaker Cecilia Cornejo Sotelo. Tuck into the fortifying huevos rancheros plate at D’Angelo Bakery before you arrive and settle into this beautiful film. Sisterhood (Sestri) directed by Dina Duma Mon, March 7 - 8:30 AM - Metro #4 The global and glaring effects of social media bullying come into focus in this North Macedonian film by Dina Duma centered around two teenage girls grappling with identity and social pressures. Pick up a warm and cinnamon-spiked Hygge Bun from the young artisans at Oat Bakery and reflect on the fast-changing dynamics of human communication and empathy. |
|
