She Likes to Watch

Coming up this week: French flick “The City of Lost Children” and a foodie film festival

Few movies are as fantastic, funny or frightening as “The City of Lost Children.”

With an evil scientist and his henchmen begin kidnapping children and stealing their dreams, only a kindhearted circus strongman (Ron Perlman) and a brave young girl (Judith Vittet) can save them.

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, who first teamed up on the black comedy “Delicatessen” this French-language fairy tale blends science fiction with surrealist fantasy. The film’s stunning special effects, enchanting story and unparalleled visual style make it a classic for the ages.

Watch “The City of Lost Children” at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at  The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

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This week, HopeDance FiLMs and New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in San Luis Obispo are offering “Film for Thought.”

The week-long film festival focuses on food and the movement toward a healthy, local and sustainable food system. Discussions will accompany each screening, as well as some edible treats.

All screenings begin at 7 p.m. Donations of $5 to $7 per film are encouraged.

Here’s the schedule:

SATURDAY

“Two Angry Moms” — Two fed-up moms campaign for healthier food in schools in this documentary, featuring restaurateur Alice Waters and nutrition expert Marion Nestle. San Luis Obispo Public Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo

SUNDAY

“Killer at Large” — Experts including “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” author Michael Pollan and filmmaker Neil LaBute discuss the politics, social effects and problems associated with the American obesity epidemic. San Luis Obispo library

MONDAY, Oct. 26

“King Corn” – Two friends grow an acre of Iowa corn and follow it through the food system, making disturbing discoveries about what we eat and how we farm. San Luis Obispo library

TUESDAY, Oct. 27

“The End of the Line” — Narrated by Ted Danson and based on the book by Charles Clover, “The End of the Line” explores the devastating effect of overfishing on the world’s oceans. Templeton Community Center, 601 Main Street, Templeton

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 28

“Good Food” — Here’s a positive look at the farmers and ranchers in the Pacific Northwest who are giving sustainable and organic agriculture a try. San Luis Obispo library

THURSDAY, Oct. 29

“Simply Raw” – Six people diagnosed with diabetes switch to a diet consisting solely of vegan, organic, live, raw food. The results, after a month spent at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center with Dr. Gabriel Cousens are amazing. Tullius Chiropractic & Pilates Center, 902 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach

FRIDAY, Oct. 30

“Fresh” — Meet the farmers, activists and chefs who are reinventing America’s food system. The documentary features appearances by sustainable farmer Joel Salatin, supermarket owner David Ball and urban farmer Will Allen, recepient of a 2008 McArthur Genius Award. San Luis Obispo library

To learn more about “Film for Thought” or watch trailers of the featured films, visit HopeDance.org.