'The King Of All The World' At The Parrish

As part of the annual OLA Film Festival, guest curated by the Organización Latino Americana of Eastern Long Island (OLA), on Friday, September 16, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum presents an outdoor screening of world-renowned, award-winning director Carlos Saura’s critically acclaimed film “The King of All the World” (El rey de todo el mundo, 2021, 95 minutes, Spanish with English subtitles).

In the film, Saura examines contemporary issues challenging Mexico through a visual feast of dance and drama set to traditional Mexican music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, on Friday, September 16. At 6 p.m., guests are invited to join bilingual tours of “Another Justice: US Is Them” and “Joaquín Sorolla and Esteban Vicente: In the Light of the Garden,” followed by a light reception on the terrace. The outdoor screening begins at 7 p.m.

“The King of All the World” follows protagonist Manuel who asks Sara, his ex-wife and renowned choreographer, to direct his next show — a musical about making musicals. Inés, a beautiful young dancer from Mexico City’s humble outlying districts, wins the part of the female lead, but her performance and her life are threatened by her father, who had tried to outwit the local mob.

Set and shot in a massive hanger with lighting design by “Apocalypse Now” cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, “The King of All the World” exemplifies Saura’s passion for artistic performance rather than finished art. He realizes this approach through excerpts from stunning paintings of the Mexican revolution; a haunting, spare rendition of the song La Llorona; dancers emerging from behind studio screens to perform to Lila Down’s La Cumbia del Mole; and Cuco Sánchez’s superbly rendered song of the same title, about the indignities of love.

Admission to the film, tour and reception is $15 ($5 Parrish members and students). The screening takes place rain or shine outdoors on the museum’s terrace and event lawn. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase and registration is required. Bring your own chairs as no museum seating is available. Beverages are available to purchase in the Café at the Parrish. No outside food or drink is permitted. The Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. Visit parrishart.org for details.