Acclaimed docus at this year’s Cinemanila

Cinemanila 2011’s opening film, Wim Wenders’ 3D dance documentary, “Pina,” augurs well for the ongoing festival at Market! Market! in Taguig City.

The UK entry is about influential German choreographer, Pina Bausch, who was preparing the docu with Wenders when she died unexpectedly. Wenders was convinced by her dancers to finish the project, and the result is a film described by critics as “beautiful and moving.”

The festival closes on Nov. 17 with another documentary, Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald’s “Life In a Day,” edited from 4,500 hours of footage from 140 countries. The film has been described by CNN as “the best time capsule in the history of the world.”

Tribute

Some 80 films are being screened, including seven entries in the main competition. There will be a tribute to director Dario Argento, and Nora Aunor will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cinemanila is also launching its Moonlight Series of outdoor screenings, which begin with the screening of Gurinder Chadha’s well-loved soccer film, “Bend It like Beckham,” at Bonifacio High Street.

The 2002 comedy-drama was praised for its empowering message and went on to become the highest-grossing, Indian-themed film ever in America. Visit www.cinemanila.org.ph.