1-World Festival of Foreign Films
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"Ay, Carmela"
1990
Directed by Carlos Saura

Set in 1938 Spain, a husband and  wife variety act are pressed into the service of the Republicans, ordered to perform for the troops at the front.  Being forced from their beds in the middle of the night to make room for wounded soldiers, Carmela (Carmen Maura) and Paulino (Andres Pajares) decide to flee for home, only to fall into the hands of the Nationalists.  The Italian Lieutenant who decides to free them is a self proclaimed "famous theatrical director" back in Italy.  He spares them  execution and forces them to serve his cause, rewriting their material to be pro-Fascist.  Carmela, who has heretofore held few political beliefs, must now decide how far she will compromise herself and her talent to save herself and her husband.  Winner of numerous awards. 
102 minutes.