RISK Cinema season is tribute to independent filmmaking

October 5, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Beginning Oct. 6., the Harn Museum of Art will begin screenings for the fall 2009 RISK Cinema season, honoring independent filmmaking and the art of the moving image.

“With a tribute to one of the world’s most accomplished filmmakers, an insightful and provocative look at the Middle East, and the screening by nationally renowned faculty filmmaker, we have a very exciting season,” said Kerry Oliver-Smith, curator of contemporary art at the Harn Museum of Art.

At 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, the museum will feature “The Beaches of Agnes,” directed by legendary filmmaker Agnès Varda. The film celebrates Varda’s 81st year in a story told with humor and ironic nostalgia. The director looks back at her 55 years of fiction and documentary filmmaking with clips of political and feminist films such as “Cléo from 5 to 7,” “Vagabond” and “The Gleaners.” In addition, she shares intimate recollections of family, friends and creative contemporaries. The film will be introduced by Maureen Turim, professor of film and media studies in the English department at the University of Florida.

At 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20, RISK Cinema will screen two films about the Middle East. “We Will Live to See These Things,” a five-part documentary by Julie Meltzer and David Thorne. The film was shot in Damascus, Syria, and shares varying perspectives on living in a country with strong influences from Islam and pressure from western nations. This film will be followed by Ursula Biemann’s “X–Mission.” This documentary explores the legal, symbolic, urban and historical meanings of a Palestinian refugee camp. The films will be introduced by Scott Nygren, professor of film and media studies in the English department at UF.

The museum will show the work of local filmmaker Roger Beebe at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3. “Films for One to Eight Projectors” will use his newest screening technique to screen “The Strip Mall Trilogy,” “TB TX Dance,” “Last Light of a Dying Star” and “Money Changes Everything.”

Continuing its strong partnership with the film and media studies program at UF, the museum will screen student films at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8. The films showcase the innovative work of the next generation of filmmakers. Admission is free.

Admission to each event, except for the screening on Dec. 8, is free for members, $3 for students and $4 for the general public.

For more information call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu.