Music Movies
This month the Film Center partners with the 2007 Chicago Flamenco Festival and the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago to celebrate Flamenco: jazz gypsy-style and Chicago-style in GYPSY-JAZZ ODYSSEY, a glimpse into the inner world of Flamenco in FLAMENCO: A PERSONAL JOURNEY, a selection of rare performances by videographer William Davidson, and the story of four generations of musicians in THE FLAMENCO CLAN.
-- Jim Dempsey
feature films
SHAKESPEARE WAS A BIG GEORGE JONES FAN:
COWBOY JACK CLEMENT’S HOME MOVIES
2005, Robert Gordon and Morgan Neville, USA, 60 min.
Memphis native Cowboy Jack Clement was one of a kind. He learned much of his
craft as a recording engineer alongside Sam Phillips at some legendary sessions. Clement went on to discover and record many country-western stars, all the while with his handheld movie camera in tow. This affectionate portrait reveals the true character of “The Fellini of Nashville” through his home movies, never-finished TV specials, Grand Ole Opry performances, and surreal conversations with William Shakespeare. DigiBeta video. (JD)
Sunday, January 28, 5:15 pm;
Thursday, February 1, 8:15 pm
Eric Hentemann in person!
GYPSY-JAZZ ODYSSEY
2006, Eric Hentemann, USA, 74 min.
Known internationally as a music educator at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, Alfonso Ponticelli heads up the local gypsy-jazz group Swing Gitan. GYPSY-JAZZ ODYSSEY focuses on Ponticelli, the passion behind this music, and its roots in traditional Flamenco. Hentemann documents the local scene as well as the annual Django Reinhardt Festival in France. DigiBeta video. (JD)
Sunday, February 4, 5:00 pm
Thursday, February 8, 8:30 pm
Director Eric Hentemann will be present for audience discussion at the Sunday screening.
Chicago Premiere!
FLAMENCO: A PERSONAL JOURNEY
1995, Tao Ruspoli, USA, 70 min.
The world of Flamenco is by nature insular. FLAMENCO: A PERSONAL JOURNEY documents the gypsies of Andalusia, providing a rare look at the intimate gatherings at which authentic Flamenco is performed. Filmmaker Ruspoli’s ability to befriend some of Spain’s greatest Flamenco singers, dancers, and guitar players allows for unprecedented access into the Flamenco way of life. Beta SP video. (JD)
Sunday, February 11, 5:00 pm
Thursday, February 15, 8:15 pm
Special Presentation!
William Davidson in person!
Vistas Flamencas!
1972/2005, William Davidson, USA, ca. 75 min.
William Davidson has been photographing flamenco in Andalusia since the early 1970s. From his travels he has compiled an impressive collection of still photos and video footage, documenting (without commentary) this sometimes inaccessible, community-based art form at its most spontaneous and authentic. Davidson will be on hand to screen and discuss some of his favorite rare performances. (JD)
Thursday, Feb 22, 8:15 pm
Chicago Premiere!
THE FLAMENCO CLAN
(HERENCIA FLAMENCA)
2004, Michael Meert, Germany, 89 min.
The Carmona family are known in Madrid as Gitano musicians, dancers, and
instrument-makers. THE FLAMENCO CLAN traces four generations of this remarkable
family, from the Franco era through today. This family story is paralleled with the story of Flamenco, from its early roots in the wine cellars of Sacromonte to its international popularity. DigiBeta video. (JD)
