THIS IS AMERICA: Frederick Wiseman – 7 Dispatches
“Rigorously shot, impeccably edited and at times startling in their beauty, these films usher us into often otherwise anonymous spaces and lives, and help make the invisible visible.”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
For over half a century, Frederick Wiseman has chronicled the everyday workings of the interconnected systems that govern contemporary life. With brief titles and an unadorned approach that belie their vast complexity, Wiseman’s documentaries build their subjects – always institutions rather than individuals – from scratch, stripping away the burden of context so that audiences might see reality anew through his considered perspective. Embedding into matters both public and private, and into affluence and poverty alike, the films are enhanced in conversation with one another, with resonances stretching across time and space. As connections accumulate, viewers might find themselves feeling that they better understand the world in which they live, and even their place within it.
‘THIS IS AMERICA: Frederick Wiseman – 7 Dispatches’ presents seven films from Wiseman’s essential body of work, six in brand new 4k digital presentations. Featuring a diverse selection of both established classics and under-seen deep cuts – ranging in eras, tones, and themes – spring at The Roxie offers a rare opportunity to experience in a theatrical setting the work of one of our greatest living filmmakers and artists. – Arlin Golden.
Co-curated by The Roxie and Arlin Golden.
About Arlin Golden:
Arlin Golden is a Bay Area-based documentary filmworker. He’s co-host of “Wiseman Podcast,” a continuing series on the films of Frederick Wiseman, twice featured in Sight & Sound magazine as an editor’s pick.
Arlin will present a short introduction before each film.
Arlin is also co-director of Video Project, a non-profit distributor of documentaries, as well as director and programmer of Drunken Film Fest Oakland, a free annual event bringing invigorating independent shorts to local bars. Arlin’s documentary shorts have screened in festivals internationally; his most recent, Balloon Boy, was named a Vimeo staff pick.
General admission is $14. All shows are free or discounted for Roxie members. Get a 3-film pass and see any 3 of the films included in the series for only $33! If you purchase a 3-film pass, this will be available pick up at the box office starting April 2. You will only be able to redeem your tickets at the box office when presenting the pass. Tickets will be held for pass holders for all screenings.
