SANTA BARBARA — The Luis Buñuel Film Series will be presented from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 15 and 29 at Casa Delores: Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico, 1023 Bath St., Santa Barbara.
Luis Buñuel Portolés (22 Feb. 1900 to 29 July 1983) was a Spanish-born Mexican filmmaker who worked in Spain, Mexico and France. His first picture — made in the silent era — was called “the most famous short film ever made” by critic Roger Ebert, and his last film — made 48 years later — won him Best Director awards from the National Board of Review and the National Society of Film Critics.
The film showings, which include “Nazarín” (Aug. 15) and “El Ángel Exterminador” (Aug. 29), featuring an introduction and Q&A with UCSB’s Victor Fuentes, a Buñuel expert, who will also sign copies of his new book “Buñuel: Del surrealismo al terrorismo.”
“As an exile in France, the United States and Mexico, he was a multicultural man, versed in the life, culture, literature, film and cinematic traditions of Europe, United States, Mexico and Latin America and all of that is projected on his films,” Fuentes stated in a media release. ““Besides the personal enrichment that these three marvelous and original films can give to the spectator, he or she can gain the knowledge that, although we live in a cruel world, where evil is so present and even dominant, compassion, love, friendship, intelligence and kindness could open the way to salvation and to a better world.”
Each film runs from 80 minutes to 95 minutes. There is a suggested donation of $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members.
Call 805-963-1032 or visit http://www.casadolores.org for more information.