Rare Upstream Screening Held at Academy's NYC Theater 6/20

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present John Ford's "Upstream" (1927), one of 75 "lost" American films recently discovered in the New Zealand Film Archive, on Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City.

Academy Film Archive preservationist Brian Meacham, who inspected thousands of feet of nitrate footage in the New Zealand Archive's holdings, will introduce the screening. The presentation will feature an Academy-commissioned score by Michael Mortilla, who will provide live accompaniment on piano with Nicole Garcia on violin and percussion.

In September 2010 a newly restored print of "Upstream," the first of the repatriated features to be preserved and screened publicly, premiered at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills and later screened at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

"Upstream" is a backstage comedy that focuses on a love triangle involving an egotistical actor and a young couple who partner in a vaudeville knife-throwing act. It was one of the last completely silent films of Ford's career; his later productions included pre-recorded sound effects and music.

The National Society of Film Critics recently recognized the Academy Film Archive, New Zealand Film Archive, National Film Preservation Foundation, Park Road Post Production and Twentieth Century Fox for the rediscovery of "Upstream."

Tickets for "Upstream" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.oscars.org or by mail (a printable order form is available in the Events & Exhibitions section of the website). Tickets may also be purchased at the box office prior to the event (subject to availability).

The Academy Theater is located at 111 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues) in New York City. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.oscars.org or call (212) 821-9251.