News in 2007
Palm Springs International Film Society Presents Free Screening Of John Wayne Classic, Stagecoach To Kick Off Community Outreach Initiative
5/29/2007
John Wayne biographer and film critic, Emanuel Levy, to host post screening discussion
Contact:
David Lee - Marketing and Publicity Manager - daivd@psfilmfest.org
Danielle Bush - Education Coordinator - danelle@psfilmfest.org
Palm Springs International Film Society, 760-322-2930
Palm Springs, CA (May 29, 2007) – The Palm Springs International Film Society is pleased to announce a free screening of the John Ford classic western, Stagecoach (1939), as the first offering of the series HOW THE WEST WAS WON: The Evolution of the Western Genre. The screening will take place on Wednesday, June 6th at 7:00 pm at the Palm Canyon Theatre; 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA.
The film stars a young John Wayne and is being screened in honor of his 100th birthday. Stagecoach was nominated for seven Oscars® in 1940 including a nomination as Best Picture of the Year and for John Ford as Best Director. The film garnered an Oscar® for Thomas Mitchell as Best Actor in a Supporting Role and for Best Music, Scoring. Following the screening, Emanuel Levy, noted film critic and Wayne biographer, (John Wayne: Prophet of the American Way of Life) will share his insights on “Stagecoach” and the role that made both the Western genre and John Wayne famous. Reservations are required; a maximum of two tickets per person can be reserved by calling 760-322-2930 ext. 253 or emailing info@psfilmfest.org.
The expansion of the Palm Springs International Film Society’s Community Education Program has been made possible thanks to a generous grant award from the Bank of America. “Their support has enabled us to add a much-needed position to our year round complement of staff as we work within our community to develop cultural enrichment and educational opportunities. We are privileged to have Bank of America as a partner in this endeavor and wish to acknowledge their ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and education,” said PSIFS Executive Director, Darryl Macdonald.
Stagecoach launches the new PSIFS Community Outreach Initiative, an ongoing program of enriching and educational opportunities for both students and the community-at-large, made possible by a generous grant from Bank of America. This screening is the first in a retrospective series, entitled HOW THE WEST WAS WON: The Evolution of the Western Genre. Each of the films in this lively series explores the profoundly American genre, the Western, and focuses on ways it has reflected attitudes and events in American culture over the years. Special guests will be attending each film event to participate in post-screening discussions with audience members. Upcoming screenings include Little Big Man, Cat Ballou, Unforgiven and a salute to Gene Autry and musical westerns.
In conjunction with the Stagecoach screening, the PSIFS is holding an essay competition for local college students. The contest seeks to involve students in an ongoing, in-depth discussion about the role of western films in American culture. The winner will receive a seat at a dinner following the screening with guest speaker, Emanuel Levy, and festival director, Darryl Macdonald.
"Bringing justice to a lawless frontier is a central theme in many classic westerns. In your opinion, do you think this theme still resonates with today's audiences? Why or why not?"
To enter, college students should submit a 500-word essay on this topic by email to danielle@psfilmfest.org. The deadline for submission is Friday, June 1 at 5pm. The winner will be notified on Monday, June 4.
The Palm Springs International Film Society is a 501 (C) (3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness. For further information, please visit www.psfilmfest.org.