PBS’ Great American Read, a nationwide program encouraging Americans to vote for their 100 best-loved novels, continues this Saturday, July 21, with a blatant attempt at ballot stuffing. From 1 to 3pm Albuquerque’s Main Library (501 Copper Ave. NW) screens the 2011 film version of Jane Eyre starring Mia Wasikowska as a shy governess who falls in love with her Byronic employer (Michael Fassbender), who is hiding a terrible secret. After watching the acclaimed adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel, you can vote for your favorite book. (I wonder what that will be?)
Reel World: Want A Revolution? Want A Revolution?
The Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe hosts a fundraising soiree and sneak-peek preview for Numbskull Revolution, the newest film from punk rock camera slinger Jon Moritsugu, on Wednesday, July 25 starting at 8:30pm. Lensed in Santa Fe and Marfa, Texas, the film is described as “an eyeball-scorching blitzkrieg of cinematic eye and ear candy” that “satirizes and deconstructs the high art world.” It stars Moritsugu’s wife, bandmate (in the punkoid duo Low On High) and longtime muse Amy Davis (Mod Fuck Explosion, Fame Whore, Scum Rock). James Duval of cult faves Donnie Darko and Doom Generation costars. Numbskull Revolution is currently in post-production and is scheduled to be completed this fall, just in time for Sundance, Berlin and Rotterdam film festival deadlines. Since moving from San Francisco to Santa Fe, Moritsugu has been teaching guerilla filmmaking classes and shot his 2013 feature Pig Death Machine. The upcoming benefit includes a sneak preview of Numbskull Revolution, doorprizes, giveaways, guest appearances and a screening of Moritsugu’s 1993 magnum opus Terminal USA. That anarchic, stereotype-busting comedy caused a tidal wave of controversy when it aired on PBS and nearly got its creator blacklisted. There is a suggested $10 donation to get in the door. All funds raised will be put toward editing, visual effects, music clearance and promotion costs on Numbskull Revolution. The Center For Contemporary Arts is located at 1050 Old Pecos Trail in Santa Fe. For more info on the film and its writer-director, go to jonmoritsugu.com
Reel World: Do The Rock Do The Rock
This year’s theme for the ABQ-BernCo Public Library’s summer reading program is “Libraries Rock!” In addition to encouraging reading among kids, tweens, teens and adults and hosting a plethora of seasonal music and reading programs at libraries around the city, the city/country initiative is hosting a series of musical film screenings at the KiMo Theatre. On Wednesday, July 25, for example, it’s the 1996 film That Thing Your Do! starring Tom Hanks as the manager of a midwestern pop band hoping to take America by storm in 1964. It’s not based on a book or anything, but … well, I guess it rocks. Admission is free and open to the public. The film starts at 7pm. KiMo is located at 423 Central Ave. NW.
Reel World: Extra, Extra! Extra, Extra!
The New Mexico Film Office’s Educational Speakers Series returns Wednesday, July 25 with “Breaking Into Background Work in New Mexico.” Bobbie Shelton, longtime background extra, will cover who the background agencies in New Mexico are, how to register with them and what you need to know to start working as a background artist. She will also explain what you should bring to set, what your day will look like and some basic do’s and don’ts of working as background artists. The lecture takes place from 6 to 7pm at 1100 S. St. Francis Dr. in Santa Fe. The event is free, but you need to register in advance by going to eventbrite.com. For complete details check out nmfilm.com/monthly-speaker-series.aspx.
