Hit Me With Music Miquel Galofre, 2011, 74 min.
30 years after Bob Marley’s death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. Through the protagonists of this documentary we get to know Dancehall and what it is about. A diverse group of individuals - dancers, dj's, producers, artists, school children and ghetto youth talk of the context in which these songs are born and what the phenomena represents in their life and the lives of many supporters. The film doesn't shy away from the problematic aspects of dancehall culture and nightlife - violent lyrics, the Gully – Gaza clash between supporters of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the controversial subject of “Daggering”, the exploitation of women in the Go-Go, and the reasons why people bleach their skin, are all explored in this documentary. The film remains open about the issues without coming to a didactic conclusion, inviting enjoyment and discussion.
Strange Fruit Joel Katz, 2002, 57 min. Strange Fruit explores the history and legacy of a song unique in the annals of American music. Best-known from Billie Holiday's haunting 1939 rendition, the song "Strange Fruit" is a harrowing portrayal of the lynching of a black man in the American South.
The film tells a dramatic story of America's past by using one of the most influential protest songs ever written as its epicenter. The saga brings us face-to-face with the terror of lynching as it spotlights the courage and heroism of those who fought for racial justice when to do so was to risk ostracism and livelihood if white - and death if black. It examines the history of lynching, and the interplay of race, labor, the Left and popular culture that would give rise to the civil rights movement.
Louis Armstrong left behind thousands of recordings but the best way to experience the genius of Louis Armstrong is to actually see him in action. While conducting research for his book, What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Years, author Ricky Riccardi amassed a large collection of rare Armstrong film and television appearances. Join him for a celebration of Louis where Riccardi will screen some of the gems of his collection as discussed in his book.
Wednesday,
Jan. 11th
ALL ME and an Evening with Winfred Rembert Curated by Sylvia Savadjian
ALL ME: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert Dir. Vivian Ducat, 2011, 75 min.
With his intensely autobiographical paintings depicting the day-to-day existence of African Americans in the segregated South, Winfred Rembert has preserved an important, if often disturbing, chapter of American history. His indelible images of toiling in the cotton fields, singing in church, dancing in juke joints, or working on a chain gang are especially powerful, not just because he lived every moment, but because he experienced so much of the injustice and bigotry they show as recently as the 1960s and 70s. Now in his sixties, Rembert has developed a growing following among collectors and connoisseurs, and enjoyed a number of tributes and exhibitions of his work. In ALL ME: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert, the artist relives his turbulent life, abundantly visualized by his extensive paintings and, in a series of intimate reminiscences, shows us how even the most painful memories can be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful. A glowing portrait of how an artist—and his art—is made, ALL ME is also a triumphant saga of race in contemporary America. Film Website> Watch clips from the film>
"ALL ME:The Life And Times Of Winfred Rembert" screening write up at Indie Wire blog 'Shadow and Act: On Cinema of The African Diaspora'>
POST SCREENING: Q&A with director Vivian Ducat and the film's subject Winfred Rembert.
Sunday,
Jan. 15th,
7:00 pm
Swinging the Blues:
A Savoy Ballroom Anniversary Night Featuring Eddie Durham Curated by The Harlem Swing Dance Society
Eddie Durham: Ambassador of Texas Jazz
Diedre Lannon, 2010, 18 min.
Born in San Marcos, Texas, this unsung hero had a huge and lasting influence not only on Texas music, but on swing, jazz, blues, and American popular music in general. Here, Durham's importance is discussed by top jazz scholars, and by listening to music he wrote, played, and arranged, the effect he had on many different types of music becomes clear.
Website>
Eddie Durham Topsy Durham, 2005, 20 min.
Discussion about the turn of the century Texas born composer, who was the pioneer of the amplified guitar, Charlie Christian's mentor and arranger of "In the Mood." DurhamJazz.com>
Post-Screening Q&A with director Topsy Durham and president of Stratospheric Talent, which promotes and preserves both Jazz/Big Band Swing music and Blues culture in various mediums for future generations.
A reception will follow with light refreshments, Swing dancing, the Lindy Hop and the music of Eddie Durham, Count Basie, Jimmie, Lunceford and the Sweethearts of Rhythm.
***The evening will also include an autographed Eddie Durham guitar raffle. Tickets sold only at event beginning at 7pm & called at 9pm. Must be present to win. One ticket $10, three tickets, $20, four tickets $25 and arms length (shoulder to wrist), $50. CDs, booklets and T-shirts will also available for purchase.***
Hit Me With Music Miquel Galofre, 2011, 74 min.
30 years after Bob Marley’s death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. Through the protagonists of this documentary we get to know Dancehall and what it is about. A diverse group of individuals - dancers, dj's, producers, artists, school children and ghetto youth talk of the context in which these songs are born and what the phenomena represents in their life and the lives of many supporters. The film doesn't shy away from the problematic aspects of dancehall culture and nightlife - violent lyrics, the Gully – Gaza clash between supporters of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the controversial subject of “Daggering”, the exploitation of women in the Go-Go, and the reasons why people bleach their skin, are all explored in this documentary. The film remains open about the issues without coming to a didactic conclusion, inviting enjoyment and discussion.
On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
Drew Associates, 1960, 58 minutes
A rarely seen Drew Associates direct-cinema film produced by Robert Drew and shot by Richard Leacock, DA Pennebaker and Albert Maysles, first broadcast on CBS. The documentary traces Eddie Sachs (one of the most popular drivers in the history of the Indianapolis 500) in a behind-the-scenes look at the race from his perspective, starting from a week before the race through the day after the big event. You can feel the fervor and anticipation build (*pay close attention to the scaffolding that collapses with too many people on it during the race) as Eddie prepares to keep his place, "on the pole." Website>
Short film Rendezvous (9 minutes, 1976) by Claude Lelouche to be screened beforehand, a mesmerizing view of an eight-minute drive through Paris at 5:30am shot in a single take.
Following the screening there with be a Q&A with documentary filmmaking pioneers Robert Drew, DA Pennebaker and Albert Maysles as well as a reception sponsored by the New York Film/Video Council
Speakers Robert Drew, DA Pennebaker, and Albert Maysles
SENNA Dir. Asif Kapadia, 2011, 106 min Spanning his years as a Formula One racing driver from 1984 to his untimely death a decade later, SENNA explores the life and work of the triple world champion, his physical and spiritual achievements on the track, his quest for perfection and the mythical status he has since attained.
Sundance Film Festival--Winner Audience Award World Cinema Documentary
"Sometimes a documentary will unexpectedly grab you by the throat, not giving you a second to breathe. Such is the power of this man, and this film."
--Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times Official movie site > Facebook link>
Between the screenings: Q&A with Luca Forgeois, 16 year old 2011 National Class USF2000 Champion race car driver, about his experiences in the racing world.
Cinnamon Dir. Kevin Jerome Everson, 2006, 70 min
Set in the world of African-American drag racing, Cinnamon (shot in 16mm and HD, color, sound) is Kevin Jerome Everson's experimental film about the consistent routine of a young bank teller (Erin) and a mechanic (John) as they prepare for a race. Cinnamon presents a glimpse into the world of African American drag racing. It is an experimental feature film about the consistent routine of a bank teller and a mechanic as they prepare for the sport of drag racing. Once the routine is disrupted, the result of the race comes into doubt. The bank teller is a driver who tries to stay focused before races. The mechanic's routine is to constantly examine the driver's behavior. He has to adjust the racecar to the driver's skill and ability. Also the mechanic adjusts the racecar for the weather conditions. The film portrays their relationship as similar to that of a composer and a musician, in which the mechanic is the composer and the driver interprets the music. Cinnamon hosts several different formal style as well as different materials. The techniques and styles employed will alternate between the conventionally scripted scenes and documentary footage. The scripted scenes have a naturalistic feel. Movie Site>
Ernest Goes to Camp John R. Cherry III, 1987, 105 min
The Fuzzystar Organization is proud to present the "Fuzz'd Up" version of Ernest Goes to Camp. Join the Fuzzystar crew for a very special screening of this 1987 comedy classic. The evening will feature new scenes, live skits, and even a badger attack!
Screening starts at 10pm, with a short reception to follow.
Hit Me With Music Miquel Galofre, 2011, 74 min.
30 years after Bob Marley’s death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre, Dancehall. Hit Me With Music is the first comprehensive documentary about the Jamaican dancehall scene, giving dance, style and fashion an equal treatment to its music. Through the protagonists of this documentary we get to know Dancehall and what it is about. A diverse group of individuals - dancers, dj's, producers, artists, school children and ghetto youth talk of the context in which these songs are born and what the phenomena represents in their life and the lives of many supporters. The film doesn't shy away from the problematic aspects of dancehall culture and nightlife - violent lyrics, the Gully – Gaza clash between supporters of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the controversial subject of “Daggering”, the exploitation of women in the Go-Go, and the reasons why people bleach their skin, are all explored in this documentary. The film remains open about the issues without coming to a didactic conclusion, inviting enjoyment and discussion.
AFTER THE SCREENING: Q&A with director Miquel Galofre!
343 Malcolm X Boulevard / Lenox Avenue (between 127th and 128th Streets)
Suggested Admission: $10 (unless otherwise noted). The box office is open for advance ticket purchases Monday through Friday, 12 - 6 pm, and one hour before the start of all events until they end. If the door is locked during these hours, knock on the store front window. Ticket-holders arriving 15 minutes before showtime are guaranteed a seat inside the theater. Overflow seating available for sold out shows.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
