9th ANNUAL JAMES RIVER FILM FESTIVAL APRIL 1-7, 2002 Virginia’s Festival for the Independent-Minded

'02 Festival Home Page
Festival Program:
	MONDAY, April 1
	TUESDAY, April 2
	WEDNESDAY, April 3
	THURSDAY, April 4
	FRIDAY, April 5
	SATURDAY, April 6
	SUNDAY, April 7
Featured Guests
Festival Locations
Acknowledgements
2002 Call for Entries

ALL ADMISSIONS FREE UNLESS NOTED; DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

Celebrate Richmond Theaters
University of Richmond, Boatwright Library, Adams Auditorium, 10:30 a.m.

With the help of a grant from VCU and the archives of Richmond’s Dementi Studio, author Kathryn Fuller-Seeley has produced a book rich with photographs and informative text on the history of Richmond’s vibrant movie scene, circa the 1920’s, ‘30s and ‘40s when movies were a primary cultural ritual for audiences both black and white. Her research illuminates those years when the Loews, Mosque, National, Byrd, Bluebird, Strand, Hippodrome and dozens of other movie houses screened the latest studio offerings from the silent to the sound years and beyond. Dr. Fuller-Seeley, Associate Professor of History, VCU, will present a slide show with commentary, preceded by refreshments and an introduction by Dr. Irby Brown, Department of English, UR.

Ed Sanders on The Poetry of Allen Ginsberg
VCU Commons Theatre, 1:00 p.m.

The life and work of poet Allen Ginsberg is celebrated by guest Ed Sanders, one of the Beat movement’s favorite sons. Sanders will read from his book The Poetry and Life of Allen Ginsberg, a history-in-verse memorial for the late, great poet and discuss Ginsberg’s enduring commitment to social activism. Sanders was among those contacted by Ginsberg from his deathbed to say a last goodbye, and his recent book is a very personal tribute. Excerpts from guest filmmaker Jonas Mekas’ Allen’s Last Three Days on Earth as a Spirit (1997) and Guns of the Trees (1960-61) will follow. In Allen’s Last Three Days “You see Allen, now asleep forever in his bed, and the wrapping up and removal of Allen’s body from the apartment; you see the final farewell at the Buddhist Temple and some of his close friends.” (Mekas) Guns of the Trees is the story of two young couples– one white and gloomy, the other black and life-affirming (starring Ben Carruthers of Cassavetes’ Shadows) – which features poetry interludes written and spoken by Ginsberg. [Featured Guest]

Ed Sanders and Coby Batty Live with a Selection of Beat Films
Fulton Hill Studios, 9:00 p.m., admission $7 ($5 for students with valid I.D.)

The American New Wave film movement (c. 1958-67) was an amalgamation of filmmakers, musicians, and writers, featuring a diversity of styles, modes of production, and geographic location. Witness and participant to much of that incredibly fertile era were The Fugs and co-founder Ed Sanders. Formed in 1965, the band was an integral part of the burgeoning scene – their particular brand of folk-rock ranged from outright satire to haunting melody. Mr. Sanders and local musician/current Fugs member Coby Batty will perform old and new favorites, amidst a screening of avant-garde films, including Robert Frank and Alfred Leslie’s Beat manifesto Pull My Daisy (1959), the Kuchar brothers’ Hold Me While I’m Naked (1966), Stan Brakhage’s Reflections on Black (1957) and Harry Smith’s Mirror Animations (conceived early 60s, finished in 1979). Don’t miss this rare performance by an American original – an evening of inspired fun, film, and music! Advance tickets available at Plan 9 Music.
DIRECTIONS TO FULTON HILL STUDIOS