THIS WEEKEND AT AFI FESTIVAL

F ollowing are The Times’ recommendations for this weekend’s schedule of the American Film Institute Los Angeles International Film Festival, with commentary by the film reviewing staff. Information: (213) 466-1767.

TODAY

Highly recommended:

KEN McMULLEN TRIBUTE: “1871”(Great Britain; Director: Ken McMullen; Nuart, 6:45 p.m.). Perhaps the best film by the painter-turned-filmmaker. An intensely theatrical piece centering on a famous actress-courtesan who joined the Paris Communards. Played to the hilt by a cast that includes Roshan Seth, Ana Padrao and Maria des Medieros, it becomes a piquant mix of political tragedy, philosophic discourse and romantic comedy. There’s a vein of dry wit that lets the political ideas flash out like lightning. (McMullen will introduce the film.) (Michael Wilmington)