Indies & Arties: Dark and Stormy

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THE APPEAL OF a Bela Tarr film is like that of the slow-food movement; in fact, one could make, rise and bake a few loaves of artisanal bread in the time it takes to watch 1994's "Satantango" (seven hours), with the same resulting complexity and richness. The Hungarian director's latest, "The Man From London," is an exquisitely beautiful adaptation of a Georges Simenon detective novel and even features sorta-Hollywood actress Tilda Swinton in a role suited to her eerie beauty. And at a lean 132 minutes, it's a terrific introduction to this auteur's stunning formalism.
» National Gallery of Art, 400 Constitution Ave. NW; Sat., Oct. 17, 4 p.m., free; 202-842-6799. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

A Film Rainbow
Our very own gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender film festival turns 19 this year. Reel Affirmations kicks off on Thursday with a screening of "An Englishman in New York," a portrait of gay pioneer Quentin Crisp, and closes on Oct. 21 after a cavalcade of features, shorts, comedies, dramas and docs. The festival adds a new and swank screening venue this year; as it has been made a resident program of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, many of the films will be screened in Sidney Harman Hall. See the festival Web site, for the schedule and other venues.
» Through Oct. 21, $10 per film; $150 for 10-day pass; opening and closing night films $20, film and party $50.

Photo courtesy Fortissimo Films