Continuing our daily update of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, here are reviews of three films screening today, Oct. 9. Read more CL reviews of festival films here.
So Hard to Forget (Como Esquecer) This Brazilian drama is more accurately conveyed through the title's literal translation, "How can we forget" — or, better yet, "How can we forget?" With sinuous Portuguese dialogue, naturally striking actors and equally gorgeous, cozy settings, the film sets a comforting tone that offsets its heavy post-loss subject matter. It introduces us to Julia, a stoic literature professor who's consumed with grief over the abrupt departure of her girlfriend. She finds support from her roomies, an endearing broken-hearts club in a home by the sea. A love triangle of sorts involving a free-spirited houseguest (hello, cinematic cliché?) and rebellious student becomes a bit cloying, but So Hard to Forget is a memorable treat overall. Directed by Malu De Martino and starring Ana Paula Arosi. Sun. Oct. 9, 7 p.m., Tampa Theatre. —Julie Garisto
This article appears in Oct 6-12, 2011.