Seminars and Special Events
Seminars
Sex(y) in the Cinema 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Thur [Nov 10] When it comes to movie ratings, much has changed. XXX and even X has fallen by the wayside and R has become the new X. PG became such an overused rating that a new subcategory of PG -13 was added. While G may still be G, many films that would have been PG in the past are now acceptable to all audiences. While the ratings are indicative of many factors (violence, language, nudity, and sexual content), we might have seen the most drastic changes with reactions to sex. Sex in the cinema is nothing new. The issue has been, and will continue to be controversial. Sexual content may have morphed from purely sexual acts to issues of sexual identity. The Last Tango in Paris started the debate of how much is too much. To many, this film today would not be the shocker it was in 1972. The American society’s “acceptance” of sex has grown, and while still repressed on a global perspective, what was once unheard of is now tolerated. In the past, sexual subject matter was only found in art house and independent cinema. Not only has this changed, but often blockbusters like Transformers and The X-Men are able to discuss more sexual topics and still beat the ratings board out of a R (a box office danger word). Similar subjects in art house films are still considered too racy for PG -13. While things might have changed dramatically with sex and the purely physical act, the issue of sexual identity and more taboo sexual situations still remains a hurdle for ratings board and general audiences. SEX(Y) IN THE CINEMA takes a look at the themes of sex, sexual identity and how they are portrayed on screen. How have the themes changed over decades? Do the audiences receive a benefit from the ratings of films and are they truly a good barometer of sexual content in a particular film? In the near future, will differences with regard to sexuality and sexual identity be more accepted? These are just a few of the issues that will be discussed, and pondered by Dr. Julia Mendenhall, Assistant Professor of English and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Temple University. Your questions and comments will be a welcomed part of the seminar. JULIA MENDENHALL, Phd Spending ecstatic childhood summers in cinematic Rehoboth Beach surely played a vital role in Julia Mendenhall’s desire to study film, literature, and globalization theory in her adulthood. She is now an Assistant Professor at Temple University, where she teaches classes in cinema studies, writing, and gender, sexuality and women’s studies. She was a documentary film juror for the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, held a Fulbright Scholarship in Canada to conduct research on Canadian lesbian films, and really loves watching and discussing hot, racy films in the cool of November.
A Conversation with Jason Butler Harner9:00 am – 10:30 am, Sat [Nov 12] Welcome Jason Butler Harner to this year’s festival, one of the featured actors in the film The Green (page 33). Harner is a multi-talented actor who has starred in film, television, and theatre. From indie film to commercial blockbusters, from London’s West End to Broadway, he has left an indelible mark on the profession of acting. A native of Northern VA, Harner got his feet wet in the flourishing theatre scene in DC starting with productions while at T.C. Williams High School. While President of his drama club, he spent most of his time behind the scenes. He continued his interest in acting at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 1992. After graduating from VCU , he was an apprentice at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and subsequently moved to New York City and received a Master of Fine Arts in the Graduate Acting Program from Tisch School of the Arts in 1997. Harner returned to VCU as a Master Teacher during their 2007-08 Guest Artist program. Harner might be most well known for his performance in Clint Eastwood’s film The Changeling as Gordon Stewart Northcott, a mechanic accused of murder. Harner once described this character as “a horrible, horrible, wonderful person”. After appearing in two films in 2010, Kill the Irishman and The Extra Man, 2011 was another good year for Harner starring in two feature films, the aforementioned The Green and the Sundance entry Letters from the Big Man. Among his TV roles, he appeared in the HBO miniseries, John Adams as Oliver Wolcott, Jr., the second United States Secretary of the Treasury. He also had a guest role on the pilot for Fringe, and he was cast as the regular character Silas Hunton on the cable series Possible Side Effects. He has made numerous guest appearances on such shows as The Good Wife, and CSI. He made his London theater debut on February 17, 2010 in the Lanford Wilson play Serenading Louie. Harner appeared on Broadway in The Coast of Utopia and in the West End’s Serenading Louie. His off-Broadway credits include Through a Glass Darkly, Our Town, Hedda Gabler, The Paris Letter, Orange Flower Water, The Gingerbread House, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme and The Ruby Sunrise. How do you start a career in acting? What are some of the key factors? Is it easier in one of the disciplines? These questions and many others will be answered as Jason Butler Harner discusses his career. In a little twist, the moderator for the session will be Rehoboth resident Ed Harner, who also happens to be Jason’s father. Watching this father and son discuss life as an actor, and quite possibly, what it’s like to be the parent of an actor is sure to be an interesting angle... come and find out!
Lumiere, New Wave and the Next Wave: A French Primer 9:00 am – 10:30 am, Sun [Nov 13] This year’s Country Spotlight features France. In addition to screening several French films [page 89] and exposing the audience to French culture [page 86], we look at the French film industry, some key components, and challenging issues ahead. French cinema is familiar to many filmgoers worldwide. France has submitted films for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category since the conception of the award in 1956. France has been one of the most successful countries in the world in this grouping with 35 of their 53 submissions achieving Oscar® nominations and nine won the award, not including Honorary Awards. The French film industry in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century was among the world’s most important. Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinématographe and their L’Arrivée d’un train en gare de La Ciotat in Paris in 1895 is considered by many historians as the official birth of cinematography. After World War I, the French film industry suffered because of a lack of capital, and film production decreased as it did in most other European countries. In the 40’s the magazine Cahiers du Cinéma founded by André Bazin, critics and lovers of film would discuss film and why it worked. Modern film theory was born there. Additionally, Cahiers critics such as Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Eric Rohmer went on to make films themselves, creating what was to become known as the French New Wave, one of the most recognizable film movements. Since the 1960’s, French film has continued to gain in popularity worldwide and is known today as one of the most powerful and successful countries in cinema. Join Caroline Eades and Valerie Orlando as they get deep inside the subject. Topics will include the history of the industry, changes, where French Cinema currently stands in the global market, domestic versus international aspects of French film, critical successes, and a look at the world renowned Cannes Film Festival. A question and answer session will be a major part of the seminar as well.
Live in the Lounge
In addition to planning your schedule of great films, don’t miss what’s happening in the Big Tent. As part of the Country Spotlight, we are pleased to bring France to the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival by showcasing some traditions of the French culture. Read below to see other activities you may include as part of your Festival experience.
11/11/11 VETERANS TRIBUTE Fri (Nov 11), Beginning 11:11 am Enjoy the wonderful sounds of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus as they pay tribute to WW2 veterans with a selection of tunes from the period. [Sing alongs are welcome]. The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus is directed by William F. McManus and accompanied by David Zipse.
FRENCH LITERARY SALON Fri (Nov 11), Beginning at 10:00 am By mid-18th century, literary salons had become an institution in aristocratic French society. Mesdames Rambouillet and Madame DeStael were early organizers of these literary gatherings. Following suit, bring your croissant and café au lait to a reading of poetry and prose by prize winning authors from the Rehoboth Art League’s Writers Group.
A TOUR OF FRANCE WINE TASTING Sat (Nov 12), 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm As the largest wine producer, France produces 7 – 8 billion bottles of wine every year from the world’s second-largest total vineyard area. Teller Wines will take you on a tour of France by sampling wines produced in the various regions. Learn about the grape varieties, wine making practices, and styles of wine. Santé!
DOGFISH HEAD BEER TASTING Sat (Nov 12), beginning at 8:30 pm A Festival favorite! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is known for brewing some of the most innovative beers and extraordinary spirits. Enjoy samplings of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s off-centered ales known for their non-traditional ingredients.
FRENCH BAROQUE DANCE Sat (Nov 12), Beginning at 9:15 pm Transport yourself to the Court of French King Louis XIV as you watch a French Baroque Dance performance. Choregraphie Antique members from the Dance History Assemble of Goucher College will perform a French Menuet, Gigue á Deux, and a French Bouree in original Baroque court dresses of the early 18th century fashion. Baroque dance became the basis for later development of classical ballet. After the performance, audience members can learn a few steps of each dance. [Special thanks to Chrystelle Bond, (Professor of Dance at Goucher College) and Catherine Turocy (NY Baroque Dance Company). Their determination to assist the Film Society is what made this event possible.]
50/50 DRAWING Tickets will be available at the Information Booth in the Big Tent. As part of the Film Society’s fundraising efforts, a 50/50 drawing will be held during the Film Festival. The winning ticket will be picked and announced at the Closing Night Celebration. Tickets are tax deductible and help support Festival production expenses. Cost: $1.00 per ticket. [Last year’s winner won $508]
ART AUCTIONThe original artwork “Harvest Moon”, created by Damon Pla, was the inspiration for the theme of this year’s Festival design. This painting will be available for purchase via a silent auction to be conducted throughout the Festival. Bids may be placed at the Information Booth in the Big Tent until 5:00 pm, Sun [Nov 13]. The winning bid will be announced during the Closing Celebration.
CLOSING NIGHT CELEBRATION! Sun [Nov 13], 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Join the casual, closing of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival’s fourteenth year. Audience winners for Best Feature, Best Debut Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Short will be announced. In addition, the winning 50/50 ticket will be selected and the winning bid for the art auction. No ticket is needed for this gathering. Beverages and food can be purchased from on-site vendors. So relax, reflect, and rejoice at the completion of another great Festival.
Children's Cinema CornerThe Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival provides enjoyable film experiences for everyone during this Festival weekend, including the youngest members of our audience! Kids (ages 3 to 10 years old) can join in the Festival fun at Children’s Cinema Corner, which features screenings of age-appropriate children’s films, the reading corner, face painting, craft stations, play dough, a puppet theater, and free popcorn! Click here for schedule and films. |
