Spring Cinematheque Series 2009

Zen Rehabilitation
THE DHAMMA BROTHERS
2008 – USA – 1 hr 16 min – d. Andrew Kukura, Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein

Bryn Mawr: Mar 5 Thu 7:30

Inspiring and thought-provoking, THE DHAMMA BROTHERS documents the dramatic transformation of the prisoners of the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama after a controversial program encouraging Buddhist meditation is implemented. The inmates, once violent and hopeless, make astounding changes through the help of this arduous program. The screening of this film will be followed by a panel discussion with director Jenny Phillips, Dr. Raymond Albert, Michael Kane, and civil rights attorney David Radovsky.

OPERA
AT THE BRYN MAWR

Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s opera series features selections from prestigious venues, including England’s Glyndebourne Festival and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. In-theater talks from the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s staff will complement each performance. All runtimes include intermission.

Single Tickets - Available at Box Office
General Public (day of show only) ...... $25.00
BMFI Members (available anytime) ...... $22.50

OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR

RIGOLETTO
Verdi – Conducted by Massimo Zanetti and directed by Stefano Vizioli at the Teatro Regio,
Parma (Verdi Festival 2008) – Starring Leo Nucci, Francesco Demuro, Désirée Rancatore
2 hr 30 min

Bryn Mawr: Mar 8 Sun 1:00
Bryn Mawr: Mar 25 Wed 7:00

This classical production of RIGOLETTO, one of Verdi’s most beloved operas, earned rave reviews at this year’s Verdi Festival in Parma. Master baritone Leo Nucci’s haunting performance as the title character steals the show, and no wonder – he’s performed the role over 400 times.

WOYZECK
1979 – West Germany – 1 hr 22 min – d. Werner Herzog

Bryn Mawr: Mar 11 Wed 7:30

Based on the unfinished stage play by Georg Buchner, director Werner Herzog reteams with actor/friend/muse Klaus Kinski in this intense drama about a lowly soldier in a provincial German town who is systematically driven to a mental breakdown by the dehumanizing treatment he receives from both doctors and the military. This screening is co-sponsored by the Opera Company of Philadelphia in anticipation of the Curtis Opera Theatre’s Production of Alban Berg’s powerful opera, Wozzeck. The film will be introduced by film critic and author Chris Long.

Israeli Film Festival
THE DEBT
2007 – Israel – 1 hr 33 min – d. Assaf Bernstein – Hebrew with English subtitles

Bryn Mawr: Mar 15 Sun 7:00

THE DEBT is the thrilling story of Rachel Brener who, as a young Mossad agent in 1965, aids her team in the capture of a Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, Rachel, who has since published memoirs boasting about the capture, must take care of unfinished business when the rumored suicide of the despised “Surgeon of Birkenau” is revealed to be a cover-up devised by the agents after his embarrassing escape. This film is presented as part of the Israeli Film Festival of Greater Philadelphia’s 2009 season. $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors, $5 for BMFI members(price available at BMFI box office only), free for students with reservations.

FILM EDUCATION SERIES

SUPERMAN II
1980 – UK – 2 hr 7 min – d. Richard Lester

Bryn Mawr: Mar 17 Tue 7:00

The safety of Metropolis is threatened when Lex Luthor joins forces with three outlaws from Krypton who are intent on conquering the Earth. Only Superman stands in their way, but his defense of the planet is marred by the inner struggle between personal happiness and moral obligation. Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman all reprise the roles they created in 1978’s Superman. This film is also featured in our March Film Education Course, Look to the Skies: Superhero Cinema.

OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR

L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA
Monteverdi – Conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm and directed by Robert Carsen at the Glyndebourne Festival – Starring Danielle de Niese, Sonya Yoncheva, Simona Mihai
2 hr 20 min

Bryn Mawr: Apr 5 Sun 1:00
Bryn Mawr: Apr 15 Wed 7:00

International star Danielle de Niese returns to Glyndebourne as Poppea, the amoral and relentlessly ambitious heroine of Claudio Monteverdi’s last opera. Baroque specialist Emmanuelle Haïm conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

2009 BLACK MARIA FILM FESTIVAL - ANIMATION ONLY

County: Apr 6 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS
Bryn Mawr: Apr 7 Tue 7:30

We are delighted to welcome back the Black Maria Film and Video Festival, an award-winning festival committed to the exhibition of cutting edge independent films. This year will focus exclusively on animation. Each evening will showcase a different program. The program will be introduced and discussed by Festival Director John Columbus.

2008 OSCAR NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORTS

Bryn Mawr: Apr 14 Tue 7:30
Ambler: Apr 16 Thu 7:00

The short animated films that were nominated this year for the 2008 Academy Awards are all shown in this program. They showcase innovative, visually stunning work created by exceptional artists. The films include This Way Up and Presto, and run the gambit from laugh-out-loud crowd pleasers to experimental mastepieces. This screening will be introduced by Karl Staven, Chair of the Media Arts Department at the University of the Arts.

FILM EDUCATION SERIES

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE
1955 – USA – 1 hr 51 min – d. Nicholas Ray

Bryn Mawr: Apr 21 Tue 7:00

Master of the sophisticated family melodrama, Nicholas Ray pairs James Dean and Natalie Wood in this iconic film about a defiant young man with a troubled past who finds both great friends and dangerous enemies when he moves to a new town. Complete with menacing switchblade fights, thrilling drag races, and passionate kisses between young lovers, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE is the quintessential film about teen angst. This film is shown in conjunction with our April Film Education Course, Conscientious Objectors: Post-War Political Films.

Earth Day Celebration
FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER
2008 – USA – 1 hr 33 min – d. Irena Salina

Bryn Mawr: Apr 22 Wed 7:30

This fascinating documentary sheds much needed light on the dwindling of the world’s fresh water supply. A rapidly-building crisis that experts have labeled the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century, the growing privatization of the water supply is exposed in Salina’s award-winning film. Robin Mann of the Sierra Club, Maya K. van Rossum of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Mario Cimino from the Pennsylvania Resources Council will take part in a panel discussion following the screening. Sponsored by Jaimie and David Field.

Animation and Beyond
DANTE'S INFERNO
2007 – USA – 1 hr 18 min – d. Sean Meredith

Bryn Mawr: Apr 29 Wed 7:30

Winner of Best Feature Film at the prestigious Lausanne Underground Film Festival in 2007, this unusual adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem employs innovative puppetry techniques to vividly bring to life the classic literary character’s terrifying journey into Hell. Dermot Mulroney and Oscar winner James Cromwell provide voices in this first filmed adaptation of The Divine Comedy since 1911. This event is co-sponsored by the Haverford College Special Collection Library.

Filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar
IN A DREAM
2008 – USA – 1 hr 20 min - digital

County: May 4 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS
Bryn Mawr: May 5 Tue 7:30
Ambler: May 7 Thu 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS

A stirring documentary, IN A DREAM chronicles the life of renowned mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar who for the past four decades has covered more than 40,000 feet of Philadelphia with his whimsical creations. This intimate film, made by the artist’s son, also reveals the turmoil and darker side of an artist’s imagination. These screenings will be introduced and discussed by the film’s director, Jeremiah Zagar

Sing-Along Event
GREASE
1978 – USA – 1 hr 50 min – d. Randal Kleiser

Bryn Mawr: May 6 Wed 7:30

OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR

GIULIO CESARE
Handel – Conducted by William Christie and directed by David McVicar and Robin Lough
at the Glyndebourne Festival – Starring Sarah Connolly, Danielle de Niese
3 hr 46 min

Bryn Mawr: May 10 Sun 1:00
Bryn Mawr: May 20 Wed 7:00

Director David McVicar sets this acclaimed production of the Handel favorite in the early 20th century, during a period of British colonialism in Egypt. A highlight is the brilliant performance by Danielle de Niese, one of opera’s youngest stars, in her breakout role as Cleopatra.

FILM EDUCATION SERIES

UNFORGIVEN
1992 – USA – 2 hr 11 min – d. Clint Eastwood

Bryn Mawr: May 12 Tue 7:00

2009 DIAMOND SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL

County: May 18 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS
Bryn Mawr: May 19 Tue 7:30 - FREE FOR MEMBERS
Ambler: May 21 Thu 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS

Join us for three different evenings of the most creative and outstanding student work from Temple University’s Film School, including documentary, narrative, experimental, and animated films and videos. Each evening will feature a different selection of Senior and Graduate works. Presented by the filmmakers and Temple University’s Department of Film and Media Studies. Free for members.

Screenwriter Kevin Michael Smith
PRIDE
2007 – Germany/USA – 1 hr 44 min – d. Sunu Gonera

Bryn Mawr: May 27 Wed 7:30

OPEN SCREEN MONDAYS

Bryn Mawr: First Monday of Each Month 9:00pm-11:00pm

OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR

IL VIAGGIO A REIMS
Rossini – Conducted by Ottavio Dantone and directed by Luca Ronconi at the Teatro alla Scala Starring Patrizia Ciofi, Daniela Barcellona

Bryn Mawr: June 17 Wed 7:00
Bryn Mawr: June 21 Sun 1:00

Critically acclaimed as one of Rossini’s finest compositions, Il viaggio a Reims was commissioned to celebrate the 1825 coronation of French King Charles X in Rheims. Luca Ronconi directed the reconstruction’s premiere in 1984; now he revisits this dramma giacoso for La Scala’s new production.

a
	Zen Rehabilitation THE DHAMMA BROTHERS 2008 – USA – 1 hr 16 min – d. Andrew Kukura, Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein Bryn Mawr: Mar 5 Thu 7:30 Inspiring and thought-provoking, THE DHAMMA BROTHERS documents the dramatic transformation of the prisoners of the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama after a controversial program encouraging Buddhist meditation is implemented. The inmates, once violent and hopeless, make astounding changes through the help of this arduous program. The screening of this film will be followed by a panel discussion with director Jenny Phillips, Dr. Raymond Albert, Michael Kane, and civil rights attorney David Radovsky.
aa
	OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s opera series features selections from prestigious venues, including England’s Glyndebourne Festival and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. In-theater talks from the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s staff will complement each performance. All runtimes include intermission. Single Tickets - Available at Box Office General Public (day of show only) ...... $25.00 BMFI Members (available anytime) ...... $22.50
a
	OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR
	RIGOLETTO Verdi – Conducted by Massimo Zanetti and directed by Stefano Vizioli at the Teatro Regio, Parma (Verdi Festival 2008) – Starring Leo Nucci, Francesco Demuro, Désirée Rancatore 2 hr 30 min Bryn Mawr: Mar 8 Sun 1:00 Bryn Mawr: Mar 25 Wed 7:00 This classical production of RIGOLETTO, one of Verdi’s most beloved operas, earned rave reviews at this year’s Verdi Festival in Parma. Master baritone Leo Nucci’s haunting performance as the title character steals the show, and no wonder – he’s performed the role over 400 times.

	WOYZECK 1979 – West Germany – 1 hr 22 min – d. Werner Herzog Bryn Mawr: Mar 11 Wed 7:30 Based on the unfinished stage play by Georg Buchner, director Werner Herzog reteams with actor/friend/muse Klaus Kinski in this intense drama about a lowly soldier in a provincial German town who is systematically driven to a mental breakdown by the dehumanizing treatment he receives from both doctors and the military. This screening is co-sponsored by the Opera Company of Philadelphia in anticipation of the Curtis Opera Theatre’s Production of Alban Berg’s powerful opera, Wozzeck. The film will be introduced by film critic and author Chris Long.

	Israeli Film Festival THE DEBT 2007 – Israel – 1 hr 33 min – d. Assaf Bernstein – Hebrew with English subtitles Bryn Mawr: Mar 15 Sun 7:00 THE DEBT is the thrilling story of Rachel Brener who, as a young Mossad agent in 1965, aids her team in the capture of a Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, Rachel, who has since published memoirs boasting about the capture, must take care of unfinished business when the rumored suicide of the despised “Surgeon of Birkenau” is revealed to be a cover-up devised by the agents after his embarrassing escape. This film is presented as part of the Israeli Film Festival of Greater Philadelphia’s 2009 season. $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors, $5 for BMFI members(price available at BMFI box office only), free for students with reservations.

	FILM EDUCATION SERIES
	SUPERMAN II 1980 – UK – 2 hr 7 min – d. Richard Lester Bryn Mawr: Mar 17 Tue 7:00 The safety of Metropolis is threatened when Lex Luthor joins forces with three outlaws from Krypton who are intent on conquering the Earth. Only Superman stands in their way, but his defense of the planet is marred by the inner struggle between personal happiness and moral obligation. Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman all reprise the roles they created in 1978’s Superman. This film is also featured in our March Film Education Course, Look to the Skies: Superhero Cinema.

	OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR
	L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA Monteverdi – Conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm and directed by Robert Carsen at the Glyndebourne Festival – Starring Danielle de Niese, Sonya Yoncheva, Simona Mihai 2 hr 20 min Bryn Mawr: Apr 5 Sun 1:00 Bryn Mawr: Apr 15 Wed 7:00 International star Danielle de Niese returns to Glyndebourne as Poppea, the amoral and relentlessly ambitious heroine of Claudio Monteverdi’s last opera. Baroque specialist Emmanuelle Haïm conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

	2009 BLACK MARIA FILM FESTIVAL - ANIMATION ONLY County: Apr 6 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS Bryn Mawr: Apr 7 Tue 7:30 We are delighted to welcome back the Black Maria Film and Video Festival, an award-winning festival committed to the exhibition of cutting edge independent films. This year will focus exclusively on animation. Each evening will showcase a different program. The program will be introduced and discussed by Festival Director John Columbus.

	2008 OSCAR NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORTS Bryn Mawr: Apr 14 Tue 7:30 Ambler: Apr 16 Thu 7:00 The short animated films that were nominated this year for the 2008 Academy Awards are all shown in this program. They showcase innovative, visually stunning work created by exceptional artists. The films include This Way Up and Presto, and run the gambit from laugh-out-loud crowd pleasers to experimental mastepieces. This screening will be introduced by Karl Staven, Chair of the Media Arts Department at the University of the Arts.

	FILM EDUCATION SERIES
	REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE 1955 – USA – 1 hr 51 min – d. Nicholas Ray Bryn Mawr: Apr 21 Tue 7:00 Master of the sophisticated family melodrama, Nicholas Ray pairs James Dean and Natalie Wood in this iconic film about a defiant young man with a troubled past who finds both great friends and dangerous enemies when he moves to a new town. Complete with menacing switchblade fights, thrilling drag races, and passionate kisses between young lovers, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE is the quintessential film about teen angst. This film is shown in conjunction with our April Film Education Course, Conscientious Objectors: Post-War Political Films.

	Earth Day Celebration FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER 2008 – USA – 1 hr 33 min – d. Irena Salina Bryn Mawr: Apr 22 Wed 7:30 This fascinating documentary sheds much needed light on the dwindling of the world’s fresh water supply. A rapidly-building crisis that experts have labeled the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century, the growing privatization of the water supply is exposed in Salina’s award-winning film. Robin Mann of the Sierra Club, Maya K. van Rossum of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Mario Cimino from the Pennsylvania Resources Council will take part in a panel discussion following the screening. Sponsored by Jaimie and David Field.

	Animation and Beyond DANTE'S INFERNO 2007 – USA – 1 hr 18 min – d. Sean Meredith Bryn Mawr: Apr 29 Wed 7:30 Winner of Best Feature Film at the prestigious Lausanne Underground Film Festival in 2007, this unusual adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem employs innovative puppetry techniques to vividly bring to life the classic literary character’s terrifying journey into Hell. Dermot Mulroney and Oscar winner James Cromwell provide voices in this first filmed adaptation of The Divine Comedy since 1911. This event is co-sponsored by the Haverford College Special Collection Library.
a
	Filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar IN A DREAM 2008 – USA – 1 hr 20 min - digital County: May 4 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS Bryn Mawr: May 5 Tue 7:30 Ambler: May 7 Thu 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS A stirring documentary, IN A DREAM chronicles the life of renowned mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar who for the past four decades has covered more than 40,000 feet of Philadelphia with his whimsical creations. This intimate film, made by the artist’s son, also reveals the turmoil and darker side of an artist’s imagination. These screenings will be introduced and discussed by the film’s director, Jeremiah Zagar

	Sing-Along Event GREASE 1978 – USA – 1 hr 50 min – d. Randal Kleiser Bryn Mawr: May 6 Wed 7:30 Rock out with the kids from Rydell High as BMFI hosts another exciting sing-along event, this time with the popular musical GREASE. Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta are pitch perfect in this teen fantasy about good girl Sandy Olsson and greaser-with-a-heart-of-gold Danny Zuko who find summer lovin’ in the swinging 1950s. Costumes are encouraged: Pink Ladies, T-Birds and Beauty School Drop-outs, you’re the ones that we want!

	OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR
	GIULIO CESARE Handel – Conducted by William Christie and directed by David McVicar and Robin Lough at the Glyndebourne Festival – Starring Sarah Connolly, Danielle de Niese 3 hr 46 min Bryn Mawr: May 10 Sun 1:00 Bryn Mawr: May 20 Wed 7:00 Director David McVicar sets this acclaimed production of the Handel favorite in the early 20th century, during a period of British colonialism in Egypt. A highlight is the brilliant performance by Danielle de Niese, one of opera’s youngest stars, in her breakout role as Cleopatra.

	FILM EDUCATION SERIES
	UNFORGIVEN 1992 – USA – 2 hr 11 min – d. Clint Eastwood Bryn Mawr: May 12 Tue 7:00 A startlingly somber and mournful reflection on the American West, UNFORGIVEN is the story of an aging, once-reformed mercenary who comes out of retirement to track down a band of malicious cowboys responsible for the disfigurement of a young prostitute. Clint Eastwood’s masterful direction helped earn the film four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This film is also featured in our May Film Education Course, Icon in the Director’s Chair: Clint Eastwood.

	2009 DIAMOND SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL County: May 18 Mon 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS Bryn Mawr: May 19 Tue 7:30 - FREE FOR MEMBERS Ambler: May 21 Thu 7:00 - FREE FOR MEMBERS Join us for three different evenings of the most creative and outstanding student work from Temple University’s Film School, including documentary, narrative, experimental, and animated films and videos. Each evening will feature a different selection of Senior and Graduate works. Presented by the filmmakers and Temple University’s Department of Film and Media Studies. Free for members.

	Screenwriter Kevin Michael Smith PRIDE 2007 – Germany/USA – 1 hr 44 min – d. Sunu Gonera Bryn Mawr: May 27 Wed 7:30 Based on true events, PRIDE tells the inspirational story of Philadelphia local Jim Ellis who singlehandedly saved the city’s Department of Recreation from imminent closure by enlisting the inner city youth of the neighborhood in the formation of a predominately African-American swim team. Terrance Howard and Bernie Mac star in this heart-warming drama. This screening will be introduced and discussed by the real Jim Ellis and the man who so eloquently adapted his story for the big screen, screenwriter Kevin Michael Smith.

	OPEN SCREEN MONDAYS Bryn Mawr: First Monday of Each Month 9:00pm-11:00pm Bryn Mawr Film Institute invites area filmmakers to screen their films at our theater. Just bring your film in DVD or VHS format, and we’ll run it on the BIG SCREEN! Admission, as well as praise (or criticism) from your peers, will be offered FREE of charge. This is an exciting forum for Philadelphia area filmmakers. You don’t have to be a filmmaker—come if you just want to see interesting local work.

	OPERA AT THE BRYN MAWR
	IL VIAGGIO A REIMS Rossini – Conducted by Ottavio Dantone and directed by Luca Ronconi at the Teatro alla Scala Starring Patrizia Ciofi, Daniela Barcellona Bryn Mawr: June 17 Wed 7:00 Bryn Mawr: June 21 Sun 1:00 Critically acclaimed as one of Rossini’s finest compositions, Il viaggio a Reims was commissioned to celebrate the 1825 coronation of French King Charles X in Rheims. Luca Ronconi directed the reconstruction’s premiere in 1984; now he revisits this dramma giacoso for La Scala’s new production.