Screening Jarmusch by MATTHEW HAYS So I wasn't wild about Jim Jarmusch's latest film, Ghost Dog. I swear, I really wanted to like it. Despite the considerable onscreen presence of Forest Whitaker, the collusion of bizarre genres and styles, even a cinema jam packed with Jarmusch freaks seemed to share my lukewarm response at last September's Toronto International Film Fest, where it had its North American premiere. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate other Jarmusch films. While I'm not someone who thinks he can do no wrong, this director's influence on indie cinema can't really be denied. This month the Cinéma du Parc is screening many of Jarmusch's earlier films, from the truly great (Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law) to the good (Dead Man) to the lesser entries (Mystery Train, Night on Earth). Sometimes Jarmusch appears to be trying a tad too hard to be hip, but if you can choke back the attitude, there are rewards to be had. The screenings run from this Friday, March 3 through to March 23. See repertory screenings for showtimes. In Oscar-related news, the NFB has managed to foster oppurtunities for some of their nominated animated shorts to be seen in the most ideal circumstances (i.e. on the big screen). Those who venture to see The Cup, the endearing film about Buddhist monks and their obsession with soccer, will be able to enjoy the Oscar-nominated local entry When the Day Breaks, which will precede the film. See listings for Cup showtimes. Montreal Women in Film and Television has announced it will continue its highly successful mentorship program this year. In past years the program has provided a boost to young women looking to get valuable experience in the film biz. Areas of mentoring have included direction, production, screenwriting, editing, continuity, research, assistant directing and art direction. The deadline for this year is April 7. Those interested should contact WIFT directly at 274-2025 or fctvm@hotmail.com or fax 849-0776. I was recently sucked into buying that dreadful Vanity Fair magazine, and was rudely reminded of why I stopped buying it years ago. Both Madonna and Rupert Everett were on the cover, so like the idiotic, mindless, homosexual consumer that I am, all my brain could register was "double-whammy target demographic." The article, which plugs their latest film The Next Best Thing, was an entirely dreary, uninspired bit of writing, and the film, directed by the once-great-and-mighty gay filmmaker John Schlesinger, looks like it'll be utter crap. (So slap me silly if I'm wrong.) Wow, this is where gay culture has arrived in 2000. Won't someone please beam me out of this minority group? Finally, be sure to tune in to the second annual Jutra Awards, the prizes set up to honour and highlight the achievements of Quebec's film biz insiders. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, March 5 on TVA. COMMENTS: matt_hays@babylon.montreal.qc.ca