‘Arts’ Archives
Movie Corner: Unhoused
By HOWARD MCQUITTER II Howard McQuitter II Adjust your eyes when you see director Chloe Zhao”™s superb road film Nomadland because it has a feel of a documentary and a feel of an arthouse film, yet it”™s a true narrative. The principal star is Fern, played by Frances McDormand, who has recently lost her husband; and the local gypsum and sheetrock factory in Empire, Nevada where she worked, closed shop. The town just disappears, even the zip code doesn”™t show up on the map. Fern decides she will not stay in Empire so she packs up some small possessions and puts them in her beat-up van and takes off on the road. But before she hits the road the townspeople offer her help, even places to stay. She smiles and quietly refuses the offers. What we learn early is Fern is fiercely independent and refuses any help from churches, social services, and charity. Now she”™s a nomad traveling from one nomad community to another meeting various [...]
New Book Casts Loving SPotlight on the “Sistas”
By DWIGHT HOBBES This article first appeared in the February 4, 2021 Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Strive Publishing empowers youth through the enlightening tool of literacy, most recently with “Celebrating the Sistas,” an anthology/workbook showcasing Twin Cities role models for girls. While these are 10 women, it”™s worth noting, young males would do well to heed the examples. The subject said Strive founder Mary Taris, is “women of color making a difference in the fields of education, politics, business, health, and social services. This biography series is building a written legacy for the children while celebrating the strength, determination, care, success, power, and beauty of each sista. “Every child should have the opportunity to learn about the outstanding contributions of these sistas,” Taris said. The concept originated with Taris and entrepreneur Kevin Johnson, founder of the Twin Cities Steppers [...]
Minneapolis Film Society
https://mspfilm.org/ Founded in 1962, MSP Film Society is Minnesota”™s foremost film exhibition organization, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We bring the best of international and independent cinema to Minnesota audiences through the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, numerous niche film festivals and series, and daily programming 365- days a year. We promote the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration. We offer audiences unique opportunities to experience the wealth of international cinema, to engage with and learn from visiting international filmmakers, and to come together and share these experiences as a community. Our programming serves a growing membership base and diversifying audiences of 85,000+ annually. The Film Society is best known for the annual centerpiece, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). Presented every April, MSPIFF [...]
