2019 Films
"Within Our Gates"
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 7:30 pm
A powerful and ambitious account of race in America, told through the experiences of Sylvia Landry, a young black woman visiting the North, it stands as an important tribute to the power of appropriating (what was then) new media to contest popular culture representations of African American life and offer instead, complexity, nuance, and stinging social critique. Introduction by Ousmane Power-Greene (Clark University).
Guest Speaker: DJ Spooky
Introduction by Ousmane Power-Greene
"Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People"
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - 7:30 pm
Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People tells the story of the founder of the Pulitzer Prize who spoke of “fake news” and the importance of freedom of the press over a century ago. Narrated by Adam Driver, with the voice of Pulitzer performed by Liev Schreiber. Introduction by Catherine Portuges (UMass).
Guest Speakers: Director Oren Rudavesky and Daniel Czitrom
Top Picks from the 25th Annual Five College Student Film Festival
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 - 7:30 pm
In collaboration with Five College Student Film and Video Festival (March 1, 2019), we present a collection of local student films selected by a jury of students and faculty members from each campus. We are honored to screen the top picks of this year’s anniversary season. The directors of the films selected at the Five College Student Film Festival will be present for discussion. Introduction by Kevin Anderson (UMass).
Guest Speaker: Student Filmmakers (TBA)
"Paternal Rites"
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 7:30 pm
Retracing the route of a road trip taken by Rosskam’s parents in 1974, the film transports its audience into this family history through audio recordings, family photos, Super 8 footage, and colorful animation to explore queer, transgender, and Jewish subjectivities and engage the power of film and filmmaking in the process of healing. Introduction by Bernadine Mellis (MHC).
Guest Speaker: Director Jules Rosskam
A Screening and Discussion with Christine Vachon
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - 7:30 pm
The festival will host film producer, Christine Vachon, a long-time collaborator with filmmaker Todd Haynes, for a discussion about independent, underground, and subversive filmmaking. This will be accompanied by a screening TBA. Introduction by Alexandra Keller (Smith).
Guest Speaker: Christine Vachon
"An Act of Defiance"
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - 7:30 pm
A courtroom political thriller and historical drama that follows the case of ten political activists, including Nelson Mandela, who face a possible death sentence for conspiracy to commit sabotage after arrest in Rivonia in apartheid South Africa of 1963. Bram Fischer risks his career as a lawyer and his very freedom to defend these men in court—all while attempting to hide that he is one of them. Introduction by Stephen Clingman (UMass).
"The Memory of Water"
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 - 7:30 pm
In Santiago, Amanda and Javier find it impossible to cope with the drowning death of their four-year-old son. As time passes, their grief only worsens until Amanda can barely look at her husband anymore, and they begin to drift apart. Introduction by Pilar Osorio-Lora (UMass).
Guest Speaker: Director Matías Bize
A Selection of Short Films by Vanessa Renwick
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - 7:30 pm
Focusing on glimpses of outsiders from the Pacific Northwest, or the landscapes that surround them, Vanessa Renwick's creatively eclectic filmmaking covers a range of style, subject matter, and tone through experimental approaches to the moving image. Introduction by Josh Guilford (Amherst College).
Guest Speaker: Director Vanessa Renwick
"We Haunt While You Watch": An Evening with Kristen Gallerneaux
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - 7:30 pm
The evening begins with a multimedia reading featuring glitchy video visuals and a score of original ambient compositions. Next, a screening of The Hum. Not everyone can “hear” the Hum, but the vibroacoustic effects of infrasound causes victims to describe it as something that is felt more than heard. Introduction by TBA.
Guest Speaker: Director Kristen Gallerneaux