Independent Film Series: John Sayles
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Adult Independent Film Film Series Series: John Sayles October 14, 2017: Matewan (1987) October 28, 2017: Lone Star (1996) November 11, 2017: Sunshine State (2002) Saturdays: 1:30 pm • Rotary Room, Main Library American Independent Film Director Series: John Sayles John Sayles entered American filmmaking in 1979 with his debut, Return of the Secaucus Seven. During the 1970’s, these films were dubbed Art House Cinema. Today they’re known as Independent Cinema or “Indie.” Named independent, the genre and specifically the filmmaker refuses financial assistance, input, or control from Hollywood. Sayles writes, directs and edits all of his films. His partner in life and work, Maggie Renzi produces. John’s directed 18 films as well as hit music videos for Bruce Springsteen. The series examines John Sayles’ career arc screening three important films, one each from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Film details on back ------> All programs are free and open to the public. Limited seating. Register online at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org, or call 203-256-3160. Main Library Fairfield Woods Branch 1080 Old Post Road 1147 Fairfield Woods Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield, CT 06825 Lone Star (1996) (R) A small town Texas sheriff who is living in the shadow of his legendary father prods an investigation no one wants after his father’s bones are discovered. Lone Star explores themes including small town life in Texas, race relations, immigration conflict and family drama. The murder mystery provides the perfect theme while adding race relations and history to this outstanding film. Starring Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena, Joe Morton, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Matewan (1987) (R) and Frances McDormand. Sunshine State (2002) (R) Filmed in the coal country Saturday, October 28, 1:30 pm Like Lone Star, Sunshine of West Virginia, Matewan Rotary Room, Main Library State is a John Sayles film celebrates labor organizing in in which a multitude of the context of a 1920s work Presenter: Philip Bahr characters struggle with the stoppage. Union organizer, a past, both recent and ancient scab, a sympathetic mayor and -- both family history and the police chief heroically fight traumatic past of the land the power represented by a itself. It’s set on the fictional coal company and Matewan’s Plantation Island in Florida. vested interests so that Sunshine State portrays a justice and workers’ rights relentless onslaught of real need not take a back seat to estate developers in the squalid working conditions, area. The film brings together exploitation and the bottom Native-Americans, African- line. Starring Chris Cooper, Americans, and whites who James Earl Jones, Mary all struggle to hold on to McDonnell, Will Oldham, David their former small towns now Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin being eyed by the ruthless Tight, and Gordon Clapp. developers. Starring Edie Saturday, October 14, 1:30 pm Falco, Angela Bassett, Timothy Rotary Room, Main Library Hutton, Jane Alexander, Mary Alice, James McDaniel, Mary Presenter: Reference Steenburgen, Bill Cobbs, Librarian Philip Bahr’s Ralph Waite, and Alex Lewis. responsibilities include collection development Saturday, November 11, 1:30 pm for DVDs at the library. He Rotary Room, Main Library blogs daily reviewing film Presenter: Philip Bahr and television series. All programs are free and open to the public. Limited seating. Register online at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org, or call 203-256-3160. Main Library Fairfield Woods Branch 1080 Old Post Road 1147 Fairfield Woods Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield, CT 06825.