September 10, 2009
Everyone loves a free movie screening. Whether you’re catching films down along the Schuylkill Banks or at Penn’s Landing, there’s nothing like sitting outside with a couple of friends and enjoying a complimentary film. And the folks behind Philadelphia’s National Park Service, Valley Forge National Historic Park, and WHYY know that all too well, considering they’ve invited renowned filmmaker Ken Burns to show his latest work, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea on Independence Mall.
The film features special videos that show off nearby destinations in the National Park System. With videos created by students right here in the Philadelphia region, this looks to be a wonderful documentary that shows off parts of our home.
The free public preview kicks off this Friday, September 11th, from 7PM to 8:30PM. In honor of the evening, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will remain open to the public until 6:45 pm, no tickets required.
Screening of Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Friday, September 11, 2009, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Independence Mall, between Chestnut and Market Streets
August 21, 2009
Final drawing for Where the Wild Things Are. Pen and ink, watercolor. © Maurice Sendak, 1963, All rights reserved
On October 16, Warner Bros. Pictures is releasing the live-action film adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s acclaimed children’s classic, Where the Wild Things Are.
To coincide with the movie’s release, The Rosenbach Museum & Library has announced an impressive line-up of special programming that will show off their exhaustive collection of works by the author, Maurice Sendak.
To the point where any fan of the original book or the new movie will pretty much have to make a pilgrimage to the Museum, located on the 2000 block of Delancey Street in Center City.
A little background: The Rosenbach is the sole repository of the original artwork of Maurice Sendak, the famed author and illustrator, and a foremost authority on all things Sendak. Author of Where the Wild Things Are and 108 other books, Maurice Sendak, now 81 years old, chose the Rosenbach to be the permanent home of his work in the early 1970s thanks to shared literary and collecting interests.
The Rosenbach’s Sendak collection is the largest collection of “Sendakiana†in the world, with over 10,000 preliminary sketches, final drawings, manuscripts, books, and ephemera as well as exclusive recent interview footage in which Sendak discusses his life, childhood, work, and inspirations.
The Rosenbach will be taking advantage of its extensive collection to produce an array of special programming to mark the blockbuster film’s release. Highlights of which are below.
• Wild Things Days
September – October, 2009
• Exhibition: A Sendakian Sampler
Through September 13, 2009
• Exhibition: Too Many Thoughts to Chew: A Sendak Stew
September 16, 2009 – January 17, 2010
• Exhibition: And it’s still hot: Where the Wild Things Are
September 30 – October 25, 2009
• Hands-On Tour: ‘Flaming maniacs:’ Sendak and His Literary Inspirations
Wednesday, September 9 at 3:00pm
• Hands-On Tour: Wild Things
Wednesday, September 23; Wednesday, October 14; Sunday, October 18; Friday, October 23 (All tours will be held at 3 pm)
• Gallery Talk: Maurice, Max and the Wild Things
Thursday, October 15 at 6pm
• Wild Things Family Day
Saturday, October 17 between 12 – 4pm
Full details of the programming are after the jump.
And stay tuned for more updates about the film as well as spotlights on some of the Rosenbach’s programming in the weeks to come.
August 19, 2009
The outdoor movie has been a summer tradition in American suburbs for decades. Ever since the Drive-In movie created a cinematic summer experience, people from Salem to Sacramento have gathered outside to watch their favorite films.
But what happens when you bring this concept to a hip, urban neighborhood? Well, for one thing, no cars allowed. It’s too close in and besides, who needs the pollution when you can walk everywhere? It would have to be cheap because this is a recession and hey, its an outdoor movie.
How about content? You wanna watch some cable-approved teen movie you have seen twenty to thirty times? No sir. This Mifflin Street Moviefest provides you with a number of local and national films you won’t see anywhere else. From animated and youth-produced films to documentary and experimental flicks, these features focus on environmental justice, immigration, violence in our communities, sustainable foods, and urban green spaces.
So for a quick lesson in how cultural trends evolve and reshape with time and environment, or if you just want to see a great free movie in South Philadelphia’s hidden-gem neighborhood, check out Street Movies at Mifflin Square. The fun begins at Mifflin Square Park this Saturday, with future films TBA. So grab a lawn chair and participate in a cultural experiment. Don’t forget the popcorn.
Street Movies in Mifflin Square
August 22, 2009, 8:30pm, FREE
Mifflin Square Park
6th and Ritner Philadelphia, PA 19148
August 1, 2009
A photo from the set of 'Where The Wild Things Are'; Photo by Matt Netteim/Warner Bros. Pictures
You may or may not be aware that there’s a new movie coming out this fall based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved book, Where The Wild Things Are.
Which is cool not only because the movie is supposed to be very good (trailer after the jump) but also because The Rosenbach Museum & Library on Delancey Street here in Center City holds more than 10,000 works on deposit from the book’s author and illustrator, one Maurice Sendak. Including all of the original drawings for ‘Where The Wild Things Are.’
Warner Bros. just released a new promotional featurette for the movie with Maurice Sendak talking about how excited he is for the film and how happy he is with the direction that Spike Jonze took the film.
After watching the clip, find some time to head over to The Rosenbach Museum & Library to see some of the original artwork and inspiration behind the iconic story.
The movie’s trailer is pretty amazing too, complete with a specially recorded version of ‘Wake Up’ by Arcade Fire. Watch the trailer after the jump.
(more…)
August 1, 2009
A photo from the set of 'Where The Wild Things Are'; Photo by Matt Netteim/Warner Bros. Pictures
You may or may not be aware that there’s a new movie coming out this fall based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved book, Where The Wild Things Are.
Which is cool not only because the movie is supposed to be very good (trailer after the jump) but also because The Rosenbach Museum & Library on Delancey Street here in Center City holds more than 10,000 works on deposit from the book’s author and illustrator, one Maurice Sendak. Including all of the original drawings for ‘Where The Wild Things Are.’
Warner Bros. just released a new promotional featurette for the movie with Maurice Sendak talking about how excited he is for the film and how happy he is with the direction that Spike Jonze took the film.
After watching the clip, find some time to head over to The Rosenbach Museum & Library to see some of the original artwork and inspiration behind the iconic story.
The movie’s trailer is pretty amazing too, complete with a specially recorded version of ‘Wake Up’ by Arcade Fire. Watch the trailer after the jump.
(more…)
July 30, 2009
It’s the season of free outdoor movies, and while there are plenty of well-publicized options in Philly’s parks, cinematic events abound in lesser-known places as well. For example, you can slip into the Old City Cheese Shop every Tuesday at 8pm to catch a film in the store’s secluded courtyard.
Co-owner Alex Baute has been running the series for the past three years, and takes a democratic approach to the film selection. After his choices (Akira Kurosawa was a favorite) were deemed too dark for laid-back summer nights, he began letting the regulars decide what to watch. The courtyard is setup with tables and chairs, and moviegoers can order from the menu of homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and quiche for a full modern-dinner-theater experience. Those who prefer snacking have far more variety to choose from than a tub of popcorn. In addition to a rotating inventory of foreign and domestic fromage, the shop has become Old City’s go-to place for all the gourmet goodies you didn’t know you wanted: spiced nuts, dried fruits, pastas, balsamics.
European ambiance, lingering summer nights, and savory treats give the sense that you’re on a mini-vacation… rather than just a movie night.
Movie Night at the Old City Cheese Shop
Tuesdays at 8PM
Old City Cheese Shop
160 N. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-1716
July 29, 2009
Free summer movies at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing; Photo by G. Widman
Today’s Picks: the best places to go to enjoy a great summer movie experience under the stars.
Everybody knows about the popular movie series at Penn’s Landing. But what about the one at the Piazza at Schmidts? Or the one at the historic Headhouse Square shambles?
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, some popcorn and enjoy.
CLICK HERE to see the full list.
To check out some of our other Summer Picks, click here.
Top Five Outdoor Summer Movie Series [gophila.com]
July 27, 2009
Ah, movies in the park. People in Philadelphia love ‘em. Whether you’re catching some old school celluloid on the Schuylkill Banks, a cult classic at the Lawn Chair Drive In, or scoping out some more modern flicks down on Penn’s Landing, there are certainly a lot of options for you outdoor movie going types. And now, we’ve got another. Jefferson Square Park’s Summer Movie Series, featuring Alfred Hitchcock classics.
As you can see on the flyer, this Wednesday you can ‘catch’ To Catch A Thief (did you see what I did there?), followed by North By Northwest and Vertigo the following Wednesdays.
Grab some more details over on the official Friends of Jefferson Square Park website. Happy movie watching!
Movies @ Jefferson Square Park
July 29th, August 5th, & August 12th
www.jeffersonsquarepark.org
July 23, 2009
Take in a summer movie under the stars: Photo by G. Widman
Tonight’s Screening Under the Stars feature is a little flick called The Dark Knight (you may have heard of it).
So this evening, grab some popcorn and a blanket and head to Penn’s Landing. The movie begins at 8:30, but remember to arrive early to snag a great viewing spot!
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
When: 8:30pm
Cost: FREE!
And tonight, over on the west end of Center City, Goonies is being screened at the Schuylkill Banks.
Screenings Under The Stars – Summer Movie Series at Penn’s Landing [gophila.com]
July 21, 2009
In 1974, progressive rock band Gemini Rising returned to the studio to begin work on a second album. They were never heard from again…
Until now.
That’s the premise behind Bucks County independent film company Fugue Films’ 2009 Webby Honoree Web Series “Gemini Rising”. Check it out at koldcast.tv or geminirising.tv, or come to the screening and live music event at 941 Theater (941 Front Street) on July 26th at 3 p.m., featuring select episodes from the show including the debut of the series’ latest. The music performance to follow will include original music written for the show, plus sets by Philly rock band Syrrah and Joe Trainor.
The program will also feature short films, video art and a raffle of a brand new electric guitar courtesy of “Gemini Rising” sponsor DiPinto Guitars. Doors open at 2 p.m., tickets are $10. Oh, and in case you needed one more selling point, beer and wine will be sold.
The acclaim of “Gemini Rising” has shown that fresh, raw talent and creative inspiration are enough to give independent filmmakers the legs to stand beside corporate giants like MTV. Producers Gina Andreoli and Christopher Marston have taken a limited budget and spun gold out of it, nabbing the Webby award and attention from industry insiders (The Washington Post cited the show as a “a highlight in the new revolution of web TV”).
Don’t miss out on the chance to view it live, and to give some love to our very own budding Spielbergs.
Gemini Rising Screening
July 26th, 2009 | 3PM
www.geminirising.tv
941 Theatre
941 Front St, Philadelphia, PA
