Co-Sponsored by the Department of New Media at the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Public Library
2012-2013
What is the NMFS?
In just over a decade cinema has undergone radical transformations at every level, from production to distribution to exhibition. While apparent death knells have tolled many times before for both the art form and the medium itself, cinema’s capacity to frequently revivify and reinvent itself can be taken as a sign of its vitality – not a portent of its imminent demise. Rather than lament the passing of an era, this series will look forward to new possibilities and creative currents within film and video art produced since the turn of the twenty-first century.
Mission Statement
The New Media Film Series focuses on new possibilities and creative currents within twenty-first century film and video art. Initiated and sponsored by the Department of New Media in conjunction with the Lethbridge Public Library, screenings are hosted by various scholars from the University of Lethbridge. Hosts will introduce and screen their choices for some of the most momentous cinematic works of the last ten years. The Series presents a vibrant glimpse of cinema’s future, and agitates for the importance of understanding and appreciating its current transitions.
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
A pair of dirty rotten scoundrels gear up for one last long grift in this whimsical comedy caper. Written and directed by one of the sharpest young American filmmakers, Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper).
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
Two sisters contend with depression, marriage, and other little catastrophes – including the sudden appearance of a mysterious planet on a potential collision course with Earth.
(Denmark: Lars von Trier, 2011), 130 min.
Nominated for a Palme d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival
“Melancholia will haunt you for days, maybe weeks.”
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
Johnny Marco is contending with the dizziness of international superstardom and part-time fatherhood. Who’s to say which is the more delirious experience?
(USA: Sofia Coppola, 2010), 97 min.
Won the Golden Lion at the 2010 Venice Film Festival
“A thoughtful and interesting deconstruction and demythologizing of American celebrity.”
Hosted by Paul Sparrow Clarke (Academic Initiatives Manger, University of Lethbridge)
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
On the dark side of the moon, the last person you’d expect to run into is…another version of you. Lunar astronaut Sam Bell undergoes a mind-bending identity crisis in this impressive work of indie science fiction.
(UK: Duncan Jones, 2009), 97 min.
Won a BAFTA Award (2010) for Outstanding Debut
“…an old-fashioned sci-fi movie in the best sense: …dispensing with overweening CGI and loud flashy action sequences while harking back to subtler, more ideas-driven entries in the genre.”
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
What could be a more difficult career transition to weather than learning to speak for the first time? A blissful love-letter to the art of silent cinema.
(France: Michel Hazanavicius, 2011), 100 min.
Won the Academy Award (2012) for Best Picture
“Goofily gorgeous, heartfelt and endlessly rewatchable, this is the true meaning of escapism.”
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
When a petty thief is mistaken for an actor auditioning for a role in a detective film, it isn’t long before he’s ducking the deadliest babes and bullets La-La Land has to offer. A hard boiled romp and hilarious whodunit.
(USA: Shane Black, 2005), 103 min.
Won Empire Award (2006) for Best Thriller
“A cheerful mess of a pulp-fiction parody, pumped full of laughs.”
Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery
Free admission
How difficult is it to get a decent haircut in Manhattan? 28-year-old billionaire, Eric Packer, is about to discover that it can be a matter of life and death in this brilliant satire of 21st century hyper-capitalism.
(Canada: David Cronenberg, 2012), 108 min.
Nominated for a Palme d’Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival
“An eerily precise match of filmmaker and material, Cosmopolis probes the soullessness of the 1% with the cinematic equivalent of latex gloves.”
We'd love to hear from you! Please click on the Forum button to access our Series Message Board. After you've applied for membership to the forum, you can sign in to post comments about the films, continue the post-screening discussions, start new conversations, or let us know your thoughts on the series itself.
>> To be added to the Film Series email listserv, please contact Dr. Aaron Taylor (New Media).
