From its alternative name “motion pictures”, which is often shortened to ”movies”, it is clear that cinema had always been associated with action. This programme focuses on films that depict the thrilling action of sports: boxing, soccer, track and fields, judo and diving. Fusing sports and cinema, this series of films appeals to cinephiles, sports enthusiasts, and all those who enjoy an active life. Let your eyes, bodies and minds get into the sporting spirit and be prepared to expand your vision. The programme is held in tandem with the summer Olympics in August, and we will invite sports figures to talk about films and the Olympics, so let the Olympics fever begin in the cinema and spread throughout the city! Screenings The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu) Restored Version Director: Luc Besson Cast: Jean-Marc Barr, Jean Reno, Rosanna Arquette Duration: 138mins 16/07/2016 (SAT) 3:00pm UA Cityplaza From the director who created such indelible heroines like the assassin Nikita, Joan of Arc and the super-human Lucy, The Big Blue is one of Luc Besson’s most tender and personal films. Jacques, a diving enthusiast who grew up in a broken family, sees the ocean as his home and dolphins his best companion. The character is like a mirror onto Besson himself, and few films have been so accurately autobiographical. When Jacques partakes in the world diving championship, his aim is not to win; similarly, his relationship with women brings him no solace. Sanshiro Sugata - Restored Version Director: Akira Kurosawa Cast: Denjiro Okochi, Susumu Fujita, Yukiko Todoroki Duration: 91mins 25/06/2016 (SAT) 5:25pm UA iSQUARE Kurosawa’s debut feature Sanshiro Sugata brought him instant fame. Set in the Meiji period, the film centres on Sugata, a tempestuous young man who constantly gets into petty fights. He begins to study judo under a master and learns the nuance and meaning behind this martial art, and finally becomes a judo master. Kurosawa was only 33 years old when he made this film, and this story of a young man proving himself through hard work and perseverance has something of an autobiographical flavor. Ronaldo Director: AnthonyWonke (Production team of Oscar-winning documentary Amy) Cast: Cristiano Ronaldo Duration: 102mins 26/06/2016 (SUN) 3:50pm UA iSQUARE 29/06/2016 (WED) 7:50pm UA tmtplaza 09/07/2016 ( SAT) 3:30pm UA Cine Moko Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the top soccer players in the world. His extraordinary determination and speed brought him three FIFA Ballon d'Or in his career so far. This documentary, 14 months in the making, is the first authorized soccer-star biographical feature, and is produced by James Gay-Rees, who was also behind the documentaries Amy (2015), the story of Amy Winehouse, which won this year’s Academy Award Best Documentary Feature. This film takes the audience into Ronaldo’s lavish home and on a tour of the CR7 Museum that the soccer star built in his hometown of Funchal in Portugal, and also delves into Ronaldo’s person life. Raging Bull Director: Martin Scorsese Cast: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci Duration: 129mins 18/06/2016 (SAT) 3:10pm UA Cityplaza Rated the Best Sports movie of all time by the American Film Institute, Raging Bull is based on the true story of legendary middle-weight boxing champion Jake LaMotta, who was known for his obsessive rage and vicious punches, as well as his turbulent emotions in and out of the ring. The film depicts his jealousy and suspicions of his beautiful wife and his violent clashes with his brother in a palpable manner, and LaMotta’s ascent to the World Championship title proves to be a hauntingly pivotal event in his life. Robert de Niro won an Oscar for Best Actor for his authentic portrayal of LaMotta in the film, while the then unknown Joe Pesci, who played LaMotta’s brother, rounded out the film with his subtle and complex performance. Autumn Gold Director: Jan Tenhaven Cast: Alfred Proksch, Gabre Gabric, Herbert Liedke, Ilse Pleuger, Jirí Soukup Duration: 95mins 17/07/2016 ( SUN) 3:30pm UA iSQUARE Millions people under the age of 60 exercise less than one day a week, yet a group of seniors over the age of 80 practice shot put, sprint and high jump every day. This film focuses on a handful of senior athletes from the age of 82 to 100 training for the track and field World Masters Athletic Championships. The documentary records the athletes’ arduous preparations, their families’ reactions, as well as the competitive spirit between the various participants. As the seniors gather in Finland at the event, they are intent on breaking world records and reaching for gold. Audiences come to feel that despite their advance age, these old folks are just as energetic and passionate as any other athlete.