The 34th Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival, the longest-running documentary film festival in the United States, will screen an outstanding selection of titles culled from more than 1,000 submissions. Highlighting exceptional story-telling, the Mead Festival continues to evolve beyond ethnographic filmmaking and screens an array of innovative films that represent the best in documentary, animation, experimental nonfiction, and archival footage. The festival is also a unique showcase for films that illuminate the complexity and diversity of peoples and cultures around the world and continues to sets itself apart with post-screening discussions that include visiting filmmakers, film subjects, and experts.
Films that will have U.S. premieres at the Mead Festival and feature the filmmakers in person following the screenings include· Roscoe Holcomb. John Cohen uses intimate footage as well as interviews with family and community members to trace the life of this seminal banjo player's early years. Roscoe was featured in Cohen's first film The High Lonesome Sound, which will also be shown during the festival. (world premiere). Cohen will also play live music with his band at the after-screening discussion.Special Presentation
The festival will feature a special presentation of the Museum's collection of original glass lantern slides, some of which were recently rediscovered in the home of a former Museum library archivist. In the 19th century, these unique slides formed the foundation of a popular series of lectures conducted by Albert Bickmore, the Museum's founder. With over 40,000 original glass lantern slides in the Museum Library's collection, the breadth of subjects includes landscapes, scientific specimens, and expedition photography. Many were painstakingly hand-painted, and each is a stunning work of art.WHEN Thursday-Sunday, November 11-14, 2010WHERE Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Theater, Kaufmann Theater, Linder Theater, and People CenterVideos