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Home , Adult puppeteering, Brian Henson, Cheryl Henson, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Jim Henson

BAMcinématek and The Foundation present the third edition of on Film, a survey of live in cinema, Oct 25—27

Special family programs Oct 26 & 27 include a shadow workshop and live performance

Free screening of ’s : The Peacekeeper Wars, presented by pivot

Special guests include , Brian Henson, Muppet performer ( in 2011’s ), director Frank H. Woodward (Men in Suits), creature effects coordinator Tom Woodruff Jr. (Aliens), and more

The Wall Street Journal is the title sponsor for BAMcinématek and BAM Rose Cinemas.

Target is the presenting sponsor of BAMkids.

Brooklyn, NY/Oct 2, 2013—From Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27, BAMcinématek and The present the third annual Puppets on Film festival, following the highly successful second edition last fall. This year, the three-day festival celebrates the universal, magical art of puppetry and the myriad ways in which the art form has been incorporated into live-action filmmaking. The lineup includes nine features, 30 shorts, special guests, a family workshop and live performance, and a Little Shop of Horrors sing-along extravaganza.

The series kicks off on Friday, October 25 with ’s -set Little Shop of Horrors: The Director’s Cut (1986), with Rick Moranis in person. Moranis stars as a geeky florist who discovers his precious plant Audrey II can talk and sing—and has an appetite for human blood. Puppet designer Lyle Conway produced six different versions of the rapidly growing, man- eating plant, with the final, monstrous creation weighing in at one ton and requiring 60 technicians (many Jim Henson Company veterans, including his son Brian) to operate it. The 8pm screening will be introduced by Moranis in a very rare public appearance and features an interactive, Rocky Horror-esque sing-along with a cast of actors (and the audience!) in costume, surprises and, of course, lots of singing..

On Saturday, October 26, Puppets on Film presents a special free screening of Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars (2004), directed by Brian Henson and presented by pivot. The epic finale to the cult television miniseries features alien warfare, a wormhole in space, and the earthling trying to keep the alliances together. Henson will appear in person to introduce this screening as well as Walter Murch’s dark sequel to The Wizard of Oz, Return to Oz (1985—Oct 26), for which Henson performed the character Jack Pumpkinhead.

This year’s festival also features a variety of programs for kids, including puppet shorts programs, John Henderson’s Tales of the Riverbank (2008—Oct 26), featuring the voices of Jim Broadbent and Steve Coogan as river-dwelling rodents, and Jim Henson’s diamond heist mystery (1981—Oct 27), the only Muppet feature film directed by the creator himself.

Muppet performer Peter Linz (Walter in 2011’s The Muppets) will introduce the screening. As part of BAMcinématek’s bimonthly BAMkids Movie Matinee series, the Puppets on Film Shortstack! Kids Shorts Program (Oct 26) showcases 14 films for a younger crowd, with two world premieres, two New York premieres, shorts, and a puppet adaptation of Aesop’s classic The Country Mouse and the City Mouse. For audiences 11 and up, the Live Action Puppet Shorts program (Oct 27) reflects many different puppetry styles and boasts five world premieres, two US premieres, three New York premieres, music videos, a shadow puppet short, and FITZCARDBOARDALDO, an all-cardboard tribute to the 1981 Werner Herzog film.

Among the screenings on Saturday and Sunday are several exciting live performances and workshops for the whole family: a Shadow Puppet Workshop (Oct 26) in which children make their own creations with the help of master animator and Laurie O’Brien, and Chinese Theatre Works: Tiger Tales (Oct 27), a live performance celebrating the ancient art of shadow puppetry.

Puppets may be perennial children’s favorites, but they appear in a diverse range of films for adults, too. Among the screenings for older generations are two iconic monster movies: Ishirô Honda’s Godzilla (1954—Oct 27), which is brought to life by a stuntman in a suit (another form of puppetry), and James Cameron’s Oscar-nominated film Aliens (1986—Oct 27), whose 14-foot alien queen was operated by 18 and a series of hydraulics and cables. Creature effects coordinator Tom Woodruff Jr. will introduce the screening of Aliens. Documentary highlights of Puppets on Film include the New York premieres of Frank H. Woodward’s Men in Suits (2012—Oct 27), which features the actors behind characters like Godzilla, Predator, and Res Balzli’s Bouton (2011—Oct 26), in which a Swiss puppeteer who confronts a severe illness with the help of her hand-made puppet.

Puppets on Film is curated by BAMcinématek, , and Lindsey “Z.” Briggs.

For press information, please contact: Lisa Thomas at 718.724.8023 / [email protected] Hannah Thomas at 718.724.8002 / [email protected]

Puppets on Film Schedule

Fri, Oct 25 4:30pm: Little Shop of Horrors: The Director’s Cut 8pm: Little Shop of Horrors Sing-Along

Sat, Oct 26 10am: Shadow Puppet Workshop 11am: Shortstack! Kids Shorts Program 12:30pm: Tales of the Riverbank 1pm: Shadow Puppet Workshop 2:30pm: Bouton 4:30pm: Return to Oz 8pm: Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars

Sun, Oct 27 11am: The Great Muppet Caper 11am: Chinese Theatre Works: Tiger Tales—live performance 1:30pm: Live Action Puppet Shorts 2pm: Chinese Theatre Works: Tiger Tales—live performance 3:30pm: Men in Suits 6:30pm: Godzilla 8:30pm: Aliens

Film Descriptions

Aliens (1986) 137min Directed by James Cameron.With Sigourney Weaver, . In one of the greatest sequels in film history, Ripley (Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver) returns to the alien world to battle the deadly Xenomorphs. Her mission to assist a marine detachment on a doomed space colony turns into a flight for survival as the lethal creatures display incredible intelligence and ferocity. Marked by breathless pacing and astonishing athleticism, James Cameron’s (Titanic) film is one of the “tautest, most provoking, and altogether most draining” action thrillers ever made. Sun, Oct 27 at 8:30pm Special introduction by creature effects coordinator Tom Woodruff Jr. Preceded by Radioactive, Directed by Syndrome

Bouton (2011) 78min NY Premiere! Directed by Res Balzli. With Johana Bory. This award-winning documentary from Switzerland is a powerful confrontation with the realities of life and death. While battling cancer, Swiss actress and puppeteer Johana Bory finds solace in her handmade puppet Bouton. Together, they attempt to prevail and manage her illness’ severity with humor and heart. In French with English subtitles. Ages 13+ Sat, Oct 26 at 2:30pm Preceded by I Do, Directed by Jesse Garrison, Produced by Melissa Creighton

Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars (2004) 182min Directed by Brian Henson. With Ben Browder, Claudia Black. In this epic finale to the cult TV show, an astronaut is thrust across the universe into an alien war, and a deadly new weapon emerges to threaten all life. Old alliances dissolve and new paths are forged—with blood and lasers! This action-packed film features amazing puppet creatures from . Dress as your favorite character for this free screening with the director in person! Presented by pivot. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis on the day of the screening. Ages 10+ Sat, Oct 26 at 8pm Special guest Brian Henson

Godzilla (1954) 96min Directed by Ishirô Honda. With Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata. In this iconic film, which spawned an entire genre of big monster movies and hundreds of sequels and parodies around the globe, American nuclear weapons testing produces a terrifying, dinosaur-like beast that demolishes everything in its path. Evoking the Japanese audience’s nuclear fears in the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this brilliant creature feature is as mournful and exhilarating as the day it was released. In Japanese with English subtitles. Sun, Oct 27 at 6:30pm Special introduction by Gregory Pflugfelder, Columbia University Preceded by Deluxe - Daniel (feat. Youthstar), Directed by Vignaud Alexandre

The Great Muppet Caper (1981) 95min Directed by Jim Henson. With Jim Henson, Frank Oz, . When a priceless diamond necklace is stolen from famous fashion designer Lady Holiday, reporters , Fozzie, and travel to to conduct an interview with her, but they are soon drawn into a crazy caper as they discover clues to the dastardly diamond heist. The problem is, no one will believe them, and Lady Holiday’s receptionist, , becomes the main suspect in the crime. Chronicling the Muppets’ attempts to clear Miss Piggy’s name, this irresistible family comedy is packed with hilarious jokes and musical numbers. Ages 3+ Sun, Oct 27 at 11am Special introduction by Muppet performer Peter Linz Preceded by Not Alone, Directed by Trish Sie and , set to premiere March 2014

Little Shop of Horrors Sing-Along (1986) 103min Directed by Frank Oz. Sing-Along produced by Amy Rush. Dress as your favorite character and get ready to enjoy this outrageous musical with fellow fans and live actors performing Rocky Horror-style. Featuring an infectious score written by and (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), this beloved adaptation of the quirky off-Broadway

musical features Rick Moranis, a sinister , and a monstrous, vocalizing plant that feeds on human blood. The director’s cut features the original, apocalyptic ending cut from the film’s initial release. Fri, Oct 25 at 8pm Rick Moranis in person!

Little Shop of Horrors: The Director’s Cut (1986) 103min Directed by Frank Oz. With Rick Moranis, , Steve Martin. When a wimpy florist (Moranis) with big dreams discovers his potted plant can talk and sing, it seems that his troubles are over. Unfortunately, the gruesome, growing plant demands to be fed—and humans are its favorite food! This beloved adaption of the quirky off-Broadway musical hit boasts an infectious score written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and a scene- stealing turn by Steve Martin as a demented dentist. The director’s cut features the original, apocalyptic ending cut from the film’s initial release. Ages 12+ Fri, Oct 25 at 4:30pm Preceded by Klonox, Directed by Thomas Guerigen

Live Action Puppet Shorts (var.) 70min Witness the highest standards of craft and performance reflected in many different styles of puppetry, all on display in this innovative selection of puppet films. Featuring a wide array of characters—some charismatic and beautiful, others dark and moody—this program includes the New York premieres of Secret Hand's Puppet Earth and Wye Oak's Fish and the world premiere of Melissa Creighton's I Do. Ages 11+ Sun, Oct 27 at 1:30pm Q&A with many of the filmmakers following the presentation

Men in Suits (2012) 94min NY Premiere! Directed by Frank H. Woodward. With Doug Jones, Tom Woodruff Jr. In this illuminating documentary, the actors who brought to life some of cinema’s most legendary monsters—including Godzilla, King Kong, Robby the Robot, and Predator—detail their experiences working under extreme conditions. Charting the development of an art form from its early days in 1930s and 40s Hollywood to recent blockbusters like Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth, this fascinating tribute to the unsung heroes of horror explores the challenges of suit acting and the effects of technology on the industry. Screens with a sneak peek of I Am , a new feature-length documentary about , who has performed Big Bird and on Sesame Street since 1969. Sun, Oct 27 at 3:30pm Special Introduction by Frank H. Woodward and performer Tom Woodruff Jr.

Return to Oz (1985) 113min Directed by Walter Murch. With Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson. This sequel to The Wizard of Oz follows the dark aftermath of Dorothy’s journey to the magical land. Arriving back home, Dorothy is deemed insane and her memories of Oz are dismissed as delusions. After escaping the asylum, Dorothy returns to Oz, only to find that much time has passed and that her old friends are missing, turned to stone, or worse. Hailed by fans as the most faithful film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s vision, this creepy cult classic features brilliant puppetry and Oscar-nominated special effects. Ages 10+ Sat, Oct 26 at 4:30pm Special guest Brian Henson, puppeteer Jack Pumpkinhead Preceded by Sanko, Directed by Graeme Maclean

Shadow Puppet Workshop BAM Fisher (Hillman Studio) 321 Ashland Place Tickets: $10 (includes one child and one accompanying adult); available for purchase at the BAM Rose Cinemas box office Participants in the Shadow Puppet Workshop will create a live multimedia shadow puppet performance. Led by Laurie O’Brien, award-winning puppeteer and film animator, they will learn about the history and techniques of shadow puppetry and develop their own stories and puppets to make a film that integrates a pre-recorded silhouette background with their live shadow puppet characters. The workshop accommodates up to 20 attendees and children under 10

years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 7—13. Sat, Oct 26 at 10am & 1pm

Shortstack! Kids Shorts Program (var.) 70min Following last year’s sold-out Puppets on Film weekend, this year’s lineup features a bevy of ingenious shorts for kids young and old. Characters of all shapes and sizes bring families on journeys possible only through the magic of puppetry. Whimsical, unique and beautiful, this collection of shorts is for audiences of all ages. Ages 3+ Sat, Oct 26 at 11am Q&A with many of the filmmakers following the presentation

Tales of the Riverbank (2008) 76min Directed by John Henderson. With Stephen Fry, Peter Serafinowicz. Swept away by a violent storm, a hamster, a guinea pig, and a rat make their journey back to their lost homes. Along the way, they gather a colorful posse of friends, but they soon discover that a waffle, marmalade, and doughnut (WMD) factory is threatening the entire riverbank community with dangerous emissions. Narrated by Stephen Fry and featuring vocal work by Steve Coogan and Jim Broadbent, this British adaptation of a popular Canadian children’s show is a treat for the whole family. Ages 3+ Sat, Oct 26 at 12:30pm Special Introduction by lead puppeteer Simon Buckley Preceded by Grumpy King: Dancing Bear, Directed for Cartoon Network by Jonny Sabbagh & Will Harper

Tiger Tales Directed by Kuang-Yu Fong & Stephen Kaplin Written by Kuang-Yu Fong, Stephen Kaplin, and Ron Sopyla. Oct 27, 11am and 2pm BAM Fisher (Hillman Studio) 321 Ashland Place Tickets: $12; available for purchase at the BAM Rose Cinemas box office Chinese Theatre Works’ Tiger Tales is an original production that artfully fuses traditional Chinese and contemporary Western shadow puppet theater techniques. Drawing from China’s thousand-year history of shadow puppetry and based on Chinese folktales and literature the production is narrated by a wise old rabbit who tells stories from her eventful life to her young granddaughter. It humorously touches on issues of power and survival in today’s modern jungle and recounts cautionary tales surrounding the sudden rise and dramatic fall of the jungle monarch, Tiger. The performance will be followed by a short Q&A session. Ages 7+ Sun, Oct 27 at 11am & 2pm

About BAMcinématek The four-screen BAM Rose Cinemas (BRC) opened in 1998 to offer Brooklyn audiences alternative and independent films that might not play in the borough otherwise, making BAM the only performing arts center in the country with two mainstage theaters and a multiplex cinema. In July 1999, beginning with a series celebrating the work of Spike Lee, BAMcinématek was born as Brooklyn’s only daily, year-round repertory film program. BAMcinématek presents new and rarely seen contemporary films, classics, work by local artists, and festivals of films from around the world, often with special appearances by directors, actors, and other guests. BAMcinématek has not only presented major retrospectives by major filmmakers such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Manoel de Oliveira, Shohei Imamura, Vincente Minnelli (winning a National Film Critics’ Circle Award prize for the retrospective), Kaneto Shindo, Luchino Visconti, and William Friedkin, but it has also introduced New York audiences to contemporary artists such as Pedro Costa and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. In addition, BAMcinématek programmed the first US retrospectives of directors Arnaud Desplechin, Nicolas Winding Refn, Hong Sang-soo, and, most recently, Andrzej Zulawski. From 2006 to 2008, BAMcinématek partnered with the Sundance Institute and in June 2009 launched BAMcinemaFest, a 16-day festival of new independent films and repertory favorites with 15 NY feature film premieres; the fifth annual BAMcinemaFest ran from June 19—28, 2013.

About The Jim Henson Foundation The Jim Henson Foundation is the only grant making organization in the United States devoted solely to the art of puppetry. Since 1982, it has awarded more than 700 grants to more than 300 American puppet artists for the creation and development of innovative new works of contemporary puppet theater. Throughout the 1990s, The Foundation

produced the award-winning biennial Henson International Festival of Puppet Theater; widely acknowledged as having changed the perception of puppet theater today.

Credits

The Wall Street Journal is the title sponsor of BAM Rose Cinemas and BAMcinématek.

Target is the presenting sponsor of BAMkids.

Steinberg Screen at the BAM Harvey Theater is made possible by The Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Charitable Trust.

Pepsi is the official beverage of BAM.

Brooklyn Brewery is the preferred beer of BAMcinématek.

BAM Rose Cinemas are named in recognition of a major gift in honor of Jonathan F.P. and Diana Calthorpe Rose. BAM Rose Cinemas would also like to acknowledge the generous support of The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation, The Estate of Richard B. Fisher, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Delegation of the New York City Council, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Bloomberg, and Time Warner Inc. Additional support for BAMcinématek is provided by the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, The Grodzins Fund, The Liman Foundation and Summit Rock Advisors.

Special thanks to: Cheryl Henson & Lindsey Z. Briggs/Jim Henson Foundation; Nicole Goldman/Jim Henson Company. Additional thanks to: Kristie Nakamura/Warner Bros. Classics; Res Balzli; Katie Dintleman/Swank Motion Pictures; Paul Ginsburg/Universal; Frank H. Woodward; Eric Di Bernardo/Rialto Pictures; Joe Reid/20th Century Fox.

General Information

Tickets: General Admission: $13 BAM Cinema Club Members: $8, BAM Cinema Club Movie Moguls: Free Seniors & Students (25 and under with a valid ID, Mon—Thu): $9 Bargain matinees (Mon—Thu before 5pm & Fri—Sun before 3pm, no holidays): $9

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM Rose Cinemas, and BAMcafé are located in the Peter Jay Sharp building at 30 Lafayette Avenue (between St Felix Street and Ashland Place) in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn. BAM Harvey Theater is located two blocks from the main building at 651 Fulton Street (between Ashland and Rockwell Places). Both locations house Greenlight Bookstore at BAM kiosks. BAM Fisher, located at 321 Ashland Place, is the newest addition to the BAM campus and houses the Judith and Alan Fishman Space and Rita K. Hillman Studio. BAM Rose Cinemas is Brooklyn’s only movie house dedicated to first-run independent and foreign film and repertory programming. BAMcafé, operated by Great Performances, is open for dining prior to BAM Howard Gilman Opera House evening performances. BAMcafé also features an eclectic mix of spoken word and live music for BAMcafé Live on select Friday and Saturday nights with a special BAMcafé Live menu available starting at 8pm.

Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, B to Atlantic Avenue – Barclays Center (2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins St for Harvey Theater) D, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette Avenue Train: Long Island Railroad to Atlantic Terminal – Barclays Center Bus: B25, B26, B41, B45, B52, B63, B67 all stop within three blocks of BAM Car: Commercial parking lots are located adjacent to BAM

For ticket and BAMbus information, call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100, or visit BAM.org.