The Red House brings musical element to traditional film screening
IF YOU GO
What: ‘Little Girl Blue’ screening
Where: The Red House Arts Center, Armory Square
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
How much: $5 with valid student ID, $8 otherwise
Opportunities to not only meet a celebrated actress, but also watch her award-winning film in her presence, are short-lived. Seeing that same actress give a musical performance in front of a live audience is even rarer.
The people of Syracuse will have that kind of opportunity Thursday night at 7 p.m. when Iva Bittová visits the Red House Arts Center in downtown’s Armory Square to screen her most recent film, ‘Little Girl Blue.’ After the screening, Bittová will hold a question and answer session and live musical performance.
The screening will be the opening event for the Wine, Women and Film series. The movie screening in the Wine, Women and Film series is the start of a prolonged recognition of women in film, said Mike Intaglietta, Red House’s administrative director. He said the series was spurred from Kathryn Bigelow’s historic ‘Best Director’ win for ‘The Hurt Locker’ at this past year’s Oscars. Bigelow was the first woman to win the title and the fourth woman to be nominated.
‘The Wine, Women and Film series offers a glimpse into the diverse contributions women make to cinematic culture, both by introducing people to new films and by looking at classic films in new ways,’ Intaglietta said. ‘It is also a rare opportunity to listen to film experts and professionals talk about their field in a conversational atmosphere.’
The film, released in 2007, follows the main character Julie (Bittová), who lives in what seems like the perfect life, but is actually filled with discontent. After moving into a new house with her husband Richard (KarelRoden) and daughter Cecile (Martha Issova), Julie learns of the death of her favorite singer and begins a journey of change and self-discovery. Finding the medium between her old life and newly-started path centers around the impulsive purchase of a piano. This leads to intense family drama and deep emotional strife.
Bittová has appeared and performed in Syracuse several times. She attended the 2007 Syracuse International Film Festival for another film screening and live show. She also performed at Le Moyne College last year. Aside from acting and singing, Bittová integrates playing the violin in her performances.
Laura Austin, the Red House’s artistic director, and SYRFilmFest ‘10 Artistic Director Owen Shapiro started the Wine, Women and Film series. Shapiro is also a film professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. With Austin and Shapiro heading the project, the two organizations selected the eight films and accompanying speakers to appear in the yearlong series.
Some students find the screening a breath of fresh air. ‘It would be interesting to see an accomplished entertainer speak in person about her work after watching her film and a live performance,’ said MaxDemonico, a junior public relations major.
Dave Biles, a junior advertising major, said being able to put a face behind the film helps viewers relate on a personal level.
‘It’s great that in the age of superstardom, an actress cares enough about her work to come out and explain the movie,’ he said. ‘I’m glad the Red House is doing this spotlight of women in film.’
Published on September 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Contact Rob: rjmarvin@syr.edu
