Our Spotlight on Black History Month Series Returns to The Little for the 4th Year
A rich mix of documentaries and premieres headline this year’s offerings
From February 19th to the 25th we celebrate the fourth annual “Spotlight on Black History Month” here at The Little Theatre. This film series brings various aspects of African-American life to the big screen; including the drive to embrace the American Dream, the revitalization of a scarred community, and the ongoing struggles to overcome the dark sides of black history in America. The goal of the series is to present a varied range of film topics and to provide a forum for open discussion and education. We've been highlighting some of the filmmakers on our blog during the past few weeks. Tickets to all the films are $5.00. Here's everything you need to know about the series:
The films include:
Shadows of the Lynching Tree (Rochester Premiere), directed by Rochester native Carvin Eison. This movie explores the history of lynching in the United States and reveals an underlying ideology still alive today at some levels of American culture. His documentary, July ‘64, was a standout in 2007 at The Little. Talkback with the director following the 6:30 showing on Fri., Feb. 19th.
Pressure Cooker, a documentary about the lives of a strict, but loving teacher of culinary arts in an inner city high school in Philadelphia, and a half dozen of her students. In an area where most kids don't have a lot of opportunities, these kids are learning to be professional cooks and competing for a few scholarships to big name culinary schools around the US.
Heart of Stone, a documentary about a gutsy Newark high school principal's efforts to stave off gang violence and boost student morale. The setting is the city's once-famed Weequahic High, known for fostering more Ph.D.s than any other American high school from the 1930s-'50s. What makes this chronicle poignant is its illustration of how African-Americans and Jewish alum helped each other turn the school in a new, safer direction. The film won the Audience Award in Slamdance's documentary competition.
MVP Little Biddies Series, Bring the kids and enjoy a little light fun with Space Jam, where Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Toons play a basketball game vs. alien slavers to determine their freedom.
“This year’s program takes a look at the darker side of our nation’s past,” comments Bob Russell, Executive Director at The Little. “But, also on the hope that creates the bright side of our future.”
The Emerging Filmmakers Series will highlight short films by African American filmmakers or films about the African American experience. This regular monthly program screens films produced by up-and-coming New York State filmmakers, regardless of age or educational status, or films shot in New York State.
Film Times:
Shadows of the Lynching Tree
Fri., Feb. 19, 6:30 pm (Followed by Talkback with Carvin Eison)
Sat., Feb. 20, 12:00 pm, 9:00 pm
Mon., Feb. 22, 6:30 pm
Wed. Feb. 24, 9:00 pm
Pressure Cooker
Sat., Feb. 20, 6:30 pm
Sun., Feb. 21, 9:00 pm
Wed., Feb. 24, 6:30 pm
Thurs., Feb. 25, 9:00 pm
Heart of Stone
Fri. Feb. 19, 9:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 20, 3:00 pm (Followed by Talkback with Rick Smith - Principle of John Marshall High School, Chris Cuby - President of Realizing Others Outstanding Talents,LLC, and Anthony Jordan - Assistant to Commissioner of City of Rochester Parks and Recreation)
Sun., Feb. 21, 6:30 pm
Thurs., Feb. 25, 6:30 pm
Little Buddies Series
Space Jam, starring Michael Jordan
Sat., Feb. 27, 10:00 am
Emerging Filmmakers Series
Mon., Feb. 22, 9:15 pm
No comments:
Post a Comment