By Ariadne Sawyer.

Horizon Beautiful

Saturday, April 5, 2014 – 13:00; Wednesday, April 9, 2014 – 10:00 at the Vancity Theatre.

Director: Stefan Jäger.  88min, 2013 (Switzerland, Ethiopia)

In English, German and Amharic with English subtitles

When the soccer magnate Franz travels to Ethiopia to promote soccer and boost his reputation as a humanitarian and ends up kidnapped. Enter Addis Ababa Admassu, a 12-year-old who sees a chance to use his soccer skills to impress Franz and go to Europe with an assured future. When this does not happen, Admassu, contacts a group of thugs to kidnap him… If Admassu can arrange Franz’s freedom, he thinks the grateful businessman will take him on the first plane out. This realistic film is full of twists and turns, keeping the viewer guessing. Shot entirely on location in Ethiopia, this film uses non-professional local actors to capture the sights and sounds of the community at the heart of the story.  Franz and Admassu’s relationship presents a clash between cultures, points of view, ages, personal dreams and basic human ethics with a surprising resolution.

tickets: $9 adult; $6 child, youth, senior; $5 each for groups of 10 or more

Saturday, April 5, 2014 – 15:30, SFU Goldcorp Centre for The Arts, 149 W Hastings Street

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 – 10:00, Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Director: Roberta Durrant, 97min, 2013 (South Africa) In English

A heartwarming story of fourteen-year-old Felix Xaba and his dream of becoming a saxophone player like his late father. Despite a number of obstacles, he does not give up and gets a scholarship from a private school. His father’s former band mates who, provide moral support him in his love of the saxophone, and help him practice and prepare to play in the school’s jazz concert.

The film touches on how important it is to follow warms and use perseverance to achieve goals.

Ages 8+

Please note: The Saturday, April 5 screening at 3:30 PM, is presented in partnership with the Vancouver South African Film Festival, it will take place at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street. Net proceeds will support Education Without Borders. VSAFF ticket prices apply. Tickets go on sale March 4.

Source:  R@R Festival. www.r2rfestival.org