A PAINFUL INHERITANCE
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture takes over the National Museum of American History's Carmichael Auditorium on Saturday to present a screening of "Traces of the Trade." For this documentary, filmmaker Katrina Browne and nine of her relatives delve into their family's painful history, tracing their ancestors, the DeWolfes, back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when they were active in the slave trade, possibly transporting as many as 10,000 West Africans across the Middle Passage in exchange for rum. The film screens for educators only on Saturday (reserve at Nmaahceducation@si.edu) and for the public on Nov. 28.
» National Museum of American History, 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW; Sat., Nov. 21, 2-5 p.m.; Nov. 28, 1-3 p.m., free; 202-633-1000.
FILM WITH A CHARMING LILT
Solas Nua branches out from mounting some of the most compelling Irish plays around to showing some of the most compelling Irish-themed films around. As part of its Monday-night "Irish Popcorn" series, the arts organization screens Martin Duffy's family drama "The Boy From Mercury."
» Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW; Mon., Nov. 23, 7 p.m., free. (Gallery Place-Chinatown/Metro Center)
Photo courtesy NMAAHC
SATURDAY: The resurgence of handmade culture in America bodes well for the future. At the very least, if civilization collapses we'll have tons of people who know how to make ugly hats and "Twilight"-themed Fimo jewelry.
But it's nice to see people making things for themselves, and that's commemorated in "Handmade Nation," a short documentary about crafters showing at the Renwick Saturday afternoon. Will DIY sink back into obscurity once this recession is over? We hope not. Go check out the movie — maybe it'll inspire you to make something of your own.
» Renwick Gallery, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW; Sat., Nov. 21, 2 p.m., free; 202-633-1000. (Farragut West)
Photo from Indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com
MONDAY: We're not sure why simulcasts have become so popular — but people still go to movies in theaters, and it's not so different.
Tonight, the Shakespeare Theater will be simulcasting an interview with Stephen King about his latest novel, "Under the Dome." Go find out what's behind the master storyteller's creative process — and hey, make friends with some fellow King fans while you're at it.
» Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St.NW; Mon., Nov. 16, 7 p.m., $14; 202-547-1122. (Gallery Place)
Photo by Dick Dickinson/Scribner
"PRECIOUS" IS LEE DANIELS' film adaptation of the novel "Push," which tells of a Harlem teen's coming of age despite virtually impossible living conditions. The character (played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe) is grimly overweight, has one child with Down syndrome and is carrying another. The father is her own father. She seeks alternative schooling at Each One Teach One, where she meets a teacher (Paula Patton) who helps her to believe in, and unlock, her potential. The film has been championed by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, but has also resonated across demographics, due in no small part to shattering performances by Mo'Nique, Sidibe and Patton. Express spoke with Daniels and Patton.
» EXPRESS: What was your goal in directing "Precious"?
» DANIELS: I didn't want to manipulate the audience. I knew the audience would expect that — the story is actually very manipulative. But "Precious" is so outrageous and so bold and in your face. ... We found humor, more character in that story.
» EXPRESS: How did you do that?
» DANIELS: Finding the humor is where we're not manipulated. We expect a maudlin lead character. She finds out she has AIDS and next scene, she's actually laughing about something else. She's real.
SAVING THE DAY
Manga and anime fans are abuzz over the Freer Gallery's glittering showcase "Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime," celebrating the creator of the pint-size hero the Japanese call Mighty Atom but we know as Astro Boy. On Friday at 7 p.m., author of "The Astro Boy Essays" Frederik Schodt talks about Tezuka and his creation. On Saturday, Schodt appears alongside Helen McCarthy, author of many books about Tezuka and manga; and Ada Palmer, founder of Tezukainenglish.com, for a discussion after the 2 p.m. screening of "The Film Is Alive: Osamu Tezuka Filmography."
» Freer Gallery, Jefferson Drive & 12th Street SW; series runs through Dec. 13, free tickets distributed one hour before event time; 202-633-4880, Asia.si.edu (Smithsonian)
Continue Reading "Indies & Arties: The Superhero and the Outsider" »
THE VISUALS MAY BE vaguely reminiscent of David Lynch's early work. But the world of Stingray Sam is culled entirely from the strange mind of Cory McAbee, the New York-based writer, director, actor and composer whose 2001 film, "The American Astronaut," premiered at Sundance to much acclaim.
Like "Astronaut," "Stingray Sam" is a space Western filled with insider humor, musical numbers and hand-painted special effects.
McAbee wrote, directed and stars in the film, and he wrote and performed all of the music. If this sounds like an exercise in self-indulgence, that's because it is, but it's the best kind. McAbee follows through on every creative impulse and explores his bizarre vision to the fullest. If you can accept his eccentric premise, it's a wild romp through the cosmos.
TUESDAY: We're in a bit of a pop culture rehash Renaissance aren't we? (Really, what was the deal with all of those 'Where's Waldo?' Halloween costumes this year?). Here's a trip down memory lane — or should we say a yellow brick road — we don't consider kitchy overkill.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, select local theaters will screen "The Wizard of Oz" at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Dorothy and her rag-tag peeps. If you had half a brain, well, unless you're the Scarecrow, you'd know this event is a must. Oh and pay no mind to the man behind the curtain. He should be behind the film projector anyway.
» Select theaters, (Fathomevents.com)
Photo courtesy MGM
ONGOING: Having a European Union film festival isn't exactly progressive. You're not showcasing oppressed populations or views that rarely get heard in the Western world. But here's the secret: as long as the films are excellent, nothing else matters.
And the films will be excellent. We're excited for the adaptation of the novel "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," a Swedish import. You'll probably be most interested in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," otheriwse known as Heath Ledger's last, unfinished film — which also stars Johnny Depp and Jude Law.
» AFI Silver, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring; through Nov. 24; 301-495-6700. (Silver Spring)
Photo courtesy AFI Silver Theatre
A CULTURAL AMBASSADOR for some of Modernism's greatest architects, Julius Shulman brought iconic images to America's coffee tables through his architectural photography. In his new film, "Visual Acoustics," Eric Bricker explores the life and work of the world's finest architectural photographer, and he brings the best of Shulman's photos to the big screen.
» EXPRESS: Shulman worked with so many important architects -- how did you decide who to contact?
» BRICKER: Some of it was based on my own research, and some of it was from talking with Julius. I would say, "Hey, Julius, who do you think would be the appropriate person to talk to about [Rudolf] Schindler? Or [Richard] Neutra?" It was great. I would sit there with Julius, and he would crack open his Rolodex and would call someone up and tell them what we were up to and book an appointment with me.
Continue Reading "The Fine Art of Buildings: 'Visual Acoustics'" »
THE EUROPEANS are invading, but don't worry -- they're here only to entertain us.
This year's European Union Film Showcase comes to AFI Silver for almost three weeks of comedies, dramas, documentaries, classics and fresh work from some of the greatest established and upcoming directors in the EU.
Thursday night's kick-off film is Swedish writer-director Lukas Moodysson's English-language "Mammoth," starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Michelle Williams.
Continue Reading "The Euro Increases in Value: EU Film Showcase" »
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