WebCalendar

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 7 THUR 7 PM
WILL VINTON:
CLAYMATION EVOLUTION
The first of several evenings celebrating the revolutionary work of Portland filmmaker Will Vinton and his Claymation style of stop-motion animation. Tonight is a general overview of Vinton’s work spanning from Closed Mondays(1974) to the 90s Eddie Murphy series THE PJs. Vinton will be on hand to introduce and discuss his work. (90 mins.) January 28-May 6 Vinton will be teaching “Introduction to Stop-Motion Animation/Claymation.”
For more info visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:34pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 8 FRI 7 PM
NEIL YOUNG TRUNK SHOW
US 2009
DIRECTOR: JONATHAN DEMME
Demme (STOP MAKING SENSE) captures the engaging, sometimes irascible Neil Young in a variety of intimate, unusual performances Ranging from anthemic rockers like HURRICANE to intimate newer material, the film offers a glimpse into the psyche of an icon. (94 mins.) For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:10pm - 7:38pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 8 9 FRI 9:15 PM, SAT 9:15 PM
ASHES OF AMERICAN FLAGS
US 2009
DIRECTORS: BRENDAN CANTY, CHRISTOPH GREEN
Canty,of Fugazi and Green, both behind the BURN TO SHINE series, offer this rambling, intimate travelogue of Wilco’s 2008 tour, offering fiery performances and quietly revealing interviews interspersed with breathtaking landscape footage, capturing one of the most consistently fascinating and idiosyncratic rock bands at work today, doing what they do best. (88 mins.) For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

1:30pm - 3:04pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 9 SAT 4:30 PM
DREAM WEAVERS:
BEIJING 2008
CHINA 2008
DIRECTOR: JUN GU
Five stories are interwoven in this Chinese Oscar submission, a rare documentary about the effect of the Beijing Olympics on disparate groups of people around the city.. (94 mins.) Admission is free for Portland Art Museum members or with admission ticket to “China Design Now,” on view until January 17.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:25pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 9 SAT 7 PM
MIGHTY UKE-
CANADA 2009
DIRECTOR: TONY COLEMAN
MIGHTY UKE traces the history and resurgence of that most maligned instrument, the ukelele, which is currently enjoying somewhat of a renaissance. The film shows the power of music to transcend musical, cultural and time-based borders as people from around the world, all ages and creeds,bow down to the power of the Almighty Uke. (85 mins.) After the film stay for live uke with members of the Portland Ukulele Association.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:10pm - 7:38pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 8 9 FRI 9:15 PM, SAT 9:15 PM
ASHES OF AMERICAN FLAGS - US 2009
DIRECTORS: BRENDAN CANTY, CHRISTOPH GREEN
Canty,of Fugazi and Green, both behind the BURN TO SHINE series, offer this rambling, intimate travelogue of Wilco’s 2008 tour, offering fiery performances and quietly revealing interviews interspersed with breathtaking landscape footage, capturing one of the most consistently fascinating and idiosyncratic rock bands at work today, doing what they do best. (88 mins.)
For more info,visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

11:00am - 1:00pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 10 SUN 2 PM
IN SEARCH OF MOZART- GREAT BRITAIN 2007
DIRECTOR: PHIL GRABSKY
Grabsky’s documentary offers a biographical sketch of Mozart, told through his music and letters. Over 80 pieces, performed by some of the world’s foremost musicians and presented chronologically, and personal letters, combine with commentary from leading scholars to present a fascinating and humanzing glimpse of this musical genius.(120 mins.) Co-sponsored by the Portland Opera, which is presenting Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutti February 5, 7, 11 and 13.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

1:40pm - 3:09pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 10 SUN 4:45 PM
BEYOND IPANEMA: BRAZILIAN WAVES IN GLOBAL MUSIC
BRAZIL 2009
DIRECTORS: GUTO BARRA, BÉCO DRANOFF
This documentay examines the enduring appeal of Brazillian music outside of Brazil, and it’s impact and influence on a new generation of musicians, both within and without its borders.. With Devendra Banhart, M.I.A., Os Mutantes, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé, Seu Jorge, Thievery Corporation, Bebel Gilberto, CSS, Creed Taylor, David Byrne and many others.”—Museum of Modern Art. (89 mins.) Sponsored by KPSU, Portland's College Radio
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 10 15 SUN 7 PM, FRI 9 PM
COOL
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: ANTHONY WALL
A history of the concept and meaning of “cool”. Whether we think so or not, cool has risen from its humble jazz-based origins to an almost universal status, that most wished for of states. From Kerouac to Kennedy, history has shown, cool is more than a word. It’s a state of mind. (60 mins.)
FOLLOWED BY
1959: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED JAZZ
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: PAUL BERNAYS
An examination of THE watershed year for jazz, 1959, when four of its premier artists, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Dave Brubeck and Charles Mingus, changed the musical landscape forever. Featuring interviews with many of the participants, this is an indispensable document of the times and how they changed. (60 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 13 WED 7 PM
CERTIFIABLY YOURS:
FILMS FROM THE SCHOOL OF FILM
Join us as we screen and celebrate the achievements of matriculating School of Film Certificate Program students and recent Film Center scholarship recipients. For details visit www.nwfilm.org. (90 mins.)

Time:

4:00pm - 5:19pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 14 THUR 7 PM
TRIMPIN: THE SOUND OF INVENTION
US 2008
DIRECTOR: PETER ESMONDE
A profile of am eccentric and prolific genius, who shuns the spotlight but is an underground hero of the experimental art world. From automatic guitar towers to collaborations with the Kronos Quartet, it’s all in a days work for Trimpin. "A genius at circuitry and machinery as well as acoustics and musical structure, he manufactures orchestras that play themselves."—The Village Voice. (79 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:40pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 15 FRI 7 PM
THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF PHIL SPECTOR
US/GREAT BRITAIN 2008
DIRECTOR: VIKRAM JAYANTI
During his first trial, composer, producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector, granted a series of interviews to director Jayanti. What followed is something straight out of David Lynch’s most American of nightmares, with unreliable narration, Top 40 classics and damning testimony combining to create the ultimate American freakshow, You’ll never hear the Ronettes in quite the same way again.(100 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 10 15 SUN 7 PM, FRI 9 PM
COOL
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: ANTHONY WALL
A history of the concept and meaning of “cool”. Whether we think so or not, cool has risen from its humble jazz-based origins to an almost universal status, that most wished for of states. From Kerouac to Kennedy, history has shown, cool is more than a word. It’s a state of mind. (60 mins.)
FOLLOWED BY
1959: THE YEAR THAT CHANGED JAZZ
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: PAUL BERNAYS
An examination of THE watershed year for jazz, 1959, when four of its premier artists, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Dave Brubeck and Charles Mingus, changed the musical landscape forever. Featuring interviews with many of the participants, this is an indispensable document of the times and how they changed. (60 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

1:40pm - 3:10pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 16 SAT 4:45 PM
CAFÉ DE LOS MAESTROS
ARGENTINA 2008
DIRECTOR: MIGUEL KOHAN
CAFÉ DE LOS MAESTROS documents a watershed moment in the history of the tango, called “Argentina’s gift to the world”, as several premier practitioners from its golden age (1930s-1950s) come together for a celebratory concert. We are also treated to a history of the artform, as people tango in dancehalls, concerts and, literally, dance in the streets (90 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:22pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 16 SAT 7 PM
THE JAZZ BARONESS
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: HANNAH ROTHSCHILD
The incredible story of “Nica” Rothschild, who was a British heiress who faced incredible hardship on the basis of her simple love for jazz music, particularly that of Thelonius Monk, whose patron she was. She soon became a patron saint to a generation of jazz artists, and her struggle is here illuminated by such friends as Quincy Jones and Clint Eastwood and her letters read by Helen Mirren. (82 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:00pm - 7:35pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 16 23 SAT 9 PM, SAT 9:15 PM
THE BQE BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY
US 2009
DIRECTOR: SUFJAN STEVENS
Sufjan Stevens combines lush orchestration, animation, time lapse photography and in-camera editing to great effect in this piece illustrating the potential for splendor in the worse urban blight, as he traces the dubious history of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. (40 mins.)
FOLLOWED BY
BURN TO SHINE: PORTLAND, OREGON
US 2005
DIRECTOR: CHRISTOPH GREEN
A group of Portland bands, handpicked by the Decemberists’ Chris Funk, perform in an on-the-verge-of-collapse old house, then burn it down. If that doesn’t seem like fun what does? Featuring The Thermals, Wet Confetti, The Decemberists, The Gossip, Sleater-Kinney and more. (55 mins.) Sponsored by KPSU, Portland's College Radio.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

11:30am - 1:49pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 17 SUN 2:30 PM
IN SEARCH OF BEETHOVEN
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: PHIL GRABSKY
As he did with Mozart, Grabsky uses new insights and phenomenal performances to illuminate the life, art and struggle of tormented genius Ludwig van Beethoven. Featuring over 55 performances and interviews with some of the foremost musicians and conductors at work today, the film sheds new light on a very popular, but endlessly fascinating subject. (139 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

2:30pm - 3:41pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 17 SUN 5:30 PM
COUNT BASIE: THEN AS NOW, COUNT’S THE KING
US 2008
DIRECTOR: GARY KEYS
An affectionate remembrance of the jazz great Count Basie with lots of informal, informative interviews with several surviving members of his many orchestras. (71 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:31pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 17 SUN 7 PM
ED THIGPEN: MASTER OF TIME, RHYTHM AND TASTE
DENMARK 2009
DIRECTOR: DON MCGLYNN
Ed Thigpen has drummed on over 900 records with virtually every noteworthy jazz musician of the 20th century. This affectionate documentary examines his impact and appeal, featuring scores of interviews with friends and fellow musicians alike. (91 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:22pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 18 MON 7 PM
SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION
US 2009
DIRECTORS: DAN STURMAN, BILL GUTTENTAG
A history of the impact that songs, particularly resurrected Negro spirituals, had on the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Harry Belafonte and others offer illuminating commentary while such contemporary artists as Joss Stone and John Legend provide interpretations of the soundtrack to the revoluton. (82 mins.)
For more info visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 20 WED 7 PM
WILL VINTON:
CLAYMATION SPECIALS
A collection of Vinton’s award-winning TV series and specials including RIP VAN WINKLE, MEET THE RAISINS and THE PJ’S. (90 mins.)
For more info visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:17pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 21 THUR 7 PM
I NEED THAT RECORD
US 2009
DIRECTOR: BRENDAN TOLLER
A celebration of the independent record store, and a call to arms demanding its survival in this fractured digital age, this film is a vital document of a moment in time and culture where corporate greed, mergers and a lethargic record industry threaten the lifeblood of the music itself, the independent retailer. Featuring Thurston Moore(Sonic Youth), Ian MacKaye(Fugazi) and others. (77 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

5:40pm - 7:10pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 21 22 THUR 8:45 PM, FRI 7 PM
BILL FRISELL MEETS BUSTER KEATON

Recorded in the early 90s, guitar virtuoso Frissell’s scores for six silent Keaton classics are here wed to their source material, finally achieving a near perfect blend of sound and image. A treat for fans of both Frissell’s phenomenal playing, and Keaton’s absurd antics/ (90 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 21 22 THUR 8:45 PM, FRI 7 PM
BILL FRISELL MEETS BUSTER KEATON-
Recorded in the early 90s, guitar virtuoso Frissell’s scores for six silent Keaton classics are here wed to their source material, finally achieving a near perfect blend of sound and image. A treat for fans of both Frissell’s phenomenal playing, and Keaton’s absurd antics/ (90 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:00pm - 7:22pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 22 FRI 9 PM
ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES
GREAT BRITIAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: JONATHAN CAOUETTE
A cinema verite tour of the English rock fest, perennially curated by one artist which descends upon a disused holiday camp every year for three days of music, games and communal living. Featuring such stalwarts as Sonic Youth, Mogwai, Iggy and the Stooges, The Gossip, Grizzly Bear. Slint and scads more. “Visual catnip for anyone who has Pitchfork.com bookmarked”-Variety. (82 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:27pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 23 SAT 7 PM
WHEEDLE’S GROOVE
US 2009
DIRECTOR: JENNIFER MAAS
A fascinating glimpse of the underknown Seattle R&B scene of the 1960s, Maas gives us a look at an underexamined corner of the musical mecca, and completely unexpected proof that grunge may owe something to Kenny G (Really!) (87 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:10pm - 7:50pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 16 23 SAT 9 PM, SAT 9:15 PM
THE BQE BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY
US 2009
DIRECTOR: SUFJAN STEVENS
Sufjan Stevens combines lush orchestration, animation, time lapse photography and in-camera editing to great effect in this piece illustrating the potential for splendor in the worse urban blight, as he traces the dubious history of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. (40 mins.)
FOLLOWED BY
BURN TO SHINE: SEATTLE
US 2007
DIRECTORS: BRENDAN CANTY, CHRISTOPH GREEN
Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard curates this Seattle edition of the unique music series. Featuring Eddie Vedder, Tiny Vipers, Ben Gibbard and more. (60 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

1:30pm - 2:54pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 24 SUN 4:30 PM
THEY CAME TO PLAY
US 2008
DIRECTOR: ALEX ROTARU
A study of the competitors in the International Amateur Piano Competition, who have transcended disease, political oppression, drug addiction and more for a chance to express themselves through the univeral language of music. (84 mins.) Sponsored by the Portland Piano International and Sherman Clay Pianos.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:19pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 24 SUN 7 PM
ROCK PROPHECIES
US 2009
DIRECTOR: JOHN CHESTER
ROCK PROPHECIES is the story of one of rock and roll’s premier photographers, from his start at 18 photographing Led Zepplin to is friendship with Stevie Ray Vaughn. When he discovers a new guitar prodigy, this icon-maker risks his career and a deep friendship is born. (79 mins.)
For more info, visit www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:26pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 25 MON 7 PM
PORTLAND MOJO: HOW STUMPTOWN GOT THE BLUES
US 2010
DIRECTOR: BOB LEITCH
An exhaustive history of the Portland blues scene from the 1940s through the 1970s, drawing on a huge archive of performance clips, photos and interviews. If you can think of a notable name from the era, they’re in here, part of the rich tapestry of Portland’’s musical history (86 mins.) Join us after the screening for live music with many Portland legends at the Mission Theater, NW 17th & Glisan. Admission is free, no-host food and drink. Sponsored by Bart Day, Entertainment Law Group LLC.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 28 THUR 7 PM
HOW THE BEATLES ROCKED THE KREMLIN
GREAT BRITAIN 2009
DIRECTOR: LESLIE WOODHEAD
A celebration of the impact the wild and woolly Beatles had on the gray and repressive culture of the Soviet Union, Woodhead’s film shows how John, Paul, George and Ringo served as ambassadors to an artistic revolution behind the Iron Curtain whose effects are still felt and celebrated today. (60 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 28 THUR 8:30 PM
THE UPSETTER: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY
US 2008
DIRECTORS: ETHAN HIGBEE, ADAM BHALA LOUGH
A bio of eccentric visionary Lee “Scratch” Perry, who mentored Bob Marley, invented Dub music and pioneered “the remix”. A valuable document of musical culture and a unique character study of a man once called "the Salvador Dali of Reggae," UPSETTER bears witness to the frenzied life of a legend. (90 mins.)
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 29 FRI 7 PM
RETAKE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: SCORING THE CLASSICS
DIRECTORS: VARIOUS
The Portland-based Retake Ensemble offers fresh scores to a host of silent classics and lesser known works. Special Admission: $10 general, $8 Portland Art Museum members and SSC Friends; Silver Screen Directors, Producers, and Benefactors free.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 29 FRI 9 PM
BOB MARLEY: EXODUS 77
GREAT BRITAIN 2008
DIRECTOR: ANTHONY WALL
With a huge archive of TV and news footage, this film examines the most pivotal year in the life of reggae’s ultimate icon, Bob Marley. From the release of his album EXODUS, called by no less than Time magazine “the Album of the Century” to his relocation to London after an assassination attempt in Jamaica, it’s all here and it’s all fascnating. (90 mins. )
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 6:25pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 30 SAT 7 PM
THE HEART IS A DRUM MACHINE
US 2009
DIRECTOR: CHRISTOPHER POMERENKE
A look at the connection between music and our daily lives, featuring a score by members of the Flaming Lips and interviews with Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Maynard James Keenan (TOOL), John Doe (X), Kimya Dawson and a host of others. (70 mins.)
FOLLOWED BY
SAY MY NAME
US/GREAT BRITAIN/NETHERLANDS 2009
DIRECTOR: NIRIT PELED
The vasly underappreciated role of women in hiphop is examined in this documentary featuiring a who’s who, from originators such as MC Lyte and Monie Love to modern day divas like Erykah Badu and Jean Grae. (75 mins.)

Time:

1:00pm - 2:41pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 31 SUN 4 PM
ICONS AMONG US: JAZZ IN THE PRESENT TENSE
US 2009
DIRECTORS: MICHAEL RIVORIA, LARS LARSON, PETER J. VOGT
This film bridges historical and contemporary perspectives on jazz, giving us a rich history while also profiling some of the most gifted and prolific musicians at work today. Included are Bill Frissell, Ravi Colrane, Medeski, Martin and Wood and the Bad Plus, among others. (101 mins.) The directors will be on hand to introduce and talk about the film. Bill Royston, Artistic Director of the Portland Jazz Festival, February 22-28, will join the discussion about the state of today's jazz scene
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org

Time:

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Location:

Whitsell Auditorium

Description:

JAN 31 SUN 7 PM
JOHNNY MERCER: THE DREAM’S ON ME
US 2009
DIRECTOR: BRUCE RICKER
In a 100th birthday celebration, director Ricker offers this affectionate biography of the man who wrote such timeless hits as “Hooray for Hollywood”, “Jeepers Creepers” and “In the Summertime”, cofounded Capitol Records and was called “America’s greatest folk poet”. (90 mins.) Join us after the film for a Johnny Mercer tribute performance by Tony Starlight's Supperclub & Lounge.
For more info, visit us at www.nwfilm.org