Press/Journalists

Press Release nr99-60
Press Release · Tuesday, March 9, 1999

Washington, DC

Press Release
March 9, 1999
Films at the National Archives in April

Washington, DC . . . In April, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings in celebration of the centennial of Duke Ellington's birth and the major exhibition "Picturing the Century: One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives."

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (201)501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD (202) 501-5404 for information.

Please Note: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth.

Washington, DC Events

Friday, April 9—Picturing the Century A Great Day in Harlem, released in 1995. In the summer of 1958, a group of jazz masters including Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, and many others gathered on a Harlem street to be photographed for an Esquire magazine article. The story behind this momentous gathering and photograph is recalled in this Academy Award-nominated documentary. Directed by Jean Bach. This film series is being shown in conjunction with the new exhibit, "Picturing the Century: One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives." The audience may view the exhibit following the film. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, April 15—Picturing the Century Koyaanisqatsi, released in 1983. A spellbinding, unconventional film, Koyaanisqatsi (a Hopi word for "life out of balance") uses slow-motion and time-lapse photography to present remarkable American vistas, both natural and man-made. Without narration and featuring the music of composer Philip Glass, this film is incredibly rich in beauty and detail. Directed by Godfrey Reggio. (87 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.

Friday, April 16—Picturing the Century Conversations With Willard Van Dyke, released 1981, is a candid portrait of the distinguished and outspoken photographer/filmmaker. The film contains examples and excerpts from many of his works as well as interviews with colleagues Ralph Steiner, Donald Richie, and Edward Weston. Produced and directed by Amalie R. Rothschild. (58 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, April 29—Duke Ellington's Centennial Memories of Duke, released in 1980. Shot in 1968, this documentary is an homage to Ellington as he and his musicians play their way through a Mexican tour. In addition to footage of concert performances, the film features interviews with musicians Russell Procope and Cootie Williams and historic scenes from early films in which Ellington and his band performed. Produced and directed by Gary Keys. Reuben Jackson, archivist with the Smithsonian's Ellington Collection, will introduce the screening and answer audience questions. (85 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.

Friday, April 30—Picturing the Century The Photographer, released in 1949. Produced by the United States Information Agency (USIA), this short film features the personality, philosophy, techniques, and artistry of photographer Edward Weston. Shown are scenes of Weston at home, on location, and at work with his students. (26 minutes.) Alfred Stieglitz: Photographer, released in 1982. Through striking portraits of Stieglitz, his own images, and the works of other photographers he influenced, this film celebrates the achievements of this seminal figure in the history of photography. A film by Paul Falkenberg and Hans Namuth. (26 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Events

(For descriptions of College Park films, see above listings)

Wednesday, April 7 A Great Day in Harlem (60 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, April 14 Conversations With Willard Van Dyk (58 minutes.) Noon. Koyaanisqatsi (87 minutes.) 7 P.M.

Wednesday, April 28 The Photographer & Alfred Stieglitz: Photographer (52 minutes.) Noon.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

99-60

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