When Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala, the guys behind the Indiana
Jones’ spoof Raiders of the Lost Ark: The
Adaptation, came to town to present their film two years
ago, they did so before a packed audience at the Cleveland Institute of
Art Cinematheque (11141 East Blvd., 216.421.7450, cia.edu/cinematheque). Now, they’re
back at the Cinematheque to host their movie again. In case you’re not
familiar with it, the film is a scene-by-scene recreation of 1981’s
Raiders of the Lost Ark. But unlike the Steven Spielberg
classic, which had a budget of several million dollars, The
Adaptation was shot on VHS with handmade props and costumes. They
even did their own death-defying stunts. Strompolos and Zala started
filming when they were 12 years old, and it took seven years to finish
the film. Because of rights issues, the movie isn’t out on DVD and
isn’t likely to ever come out on DVD. Strompolos, who plays Indiana
Jones, and Zala, who portrays Jones’ archaeologist rival Belloq, will
both be on hand when the film shows at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, December 3,
and 9:15 p.m. Friday, December 4. Tickets: $12. Strompolos and Zala
will also give a free talk at noon, Friday, December 4, at CIA’s Ohio
Bell Auditorium.
Not sure if there are any George Michael fans left, but if you’re
out there, the British pop singer plans to release Live in
London, his first-ever concert DVD, on Tuesday, December 8.
Recorded and filmed at London’s Earls Court arena on August 24 and 25,
2008, the DVD captures two shows on what was essentially a farewell
tour, since the performances were the last time Michael says he will
play in front of large audiences. You can see the footage before the
DVD hits the shelves: Live in London will premiere for a special
one-night only showing in digital cinemas throughout North America.
It’s showing locally at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 3, at the Capitol
Theatre (1390 W. 65th St., 216.651.7295, clevelandcinemas.com). Tickets:
$9.
Along with co-sponsors the New York Film Academy, putiton.com has just announced its first
international online film festival and is accepting submissions through
December 31. Winners in each category (best feature film, best short
film and best achievement in acting) will receive $5000 and a
scholarship to the New York Film Academy. Go to putiton.com for more information.
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2009.
I got to catch Raiders: The Adaptation last time it was at the Cinematheque, and believe me this is a must see!!!