Humanities Film Series
Undergraduate Programs
Community
Please join us to explore new perspectives on life priorities, Disney films, good and evil, pleasure, gender, identity, truth, sanity, love, history, Cuba, humanity, autism, and silent film. And then continue the discussion on our new Humanities Film Series at Millersville University Facebook page.
When was the last time you shook things up?
SPECIAL GUESTS AND EVENTS
October 14-15 the Series welcomes producer, director, and writer Dr. Chyng Sun, Master Teacher of Media Studies at New York University. Dr. Sun will provide insights on her films Mickey Mouse Monopoly, Beyond Good and Evil, and The Price of Pleasure.
November 6-7 the Series welcomes film historian and preservationist David Shepard, the Series’ Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Visiting Artist. Shepard will discuss his work on dozens of films at the Series’ Reframing Silent Film Festival.
Throughout the year, the Series will present films that explore autism to complement the common reading, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Special guests for these films include Nick Pentzell, director of Outside/Inside, and Will Turnbull, the first student to graduate from Millersville University with mid-spectrum autism.
INFORMATION
The Series’ films screen on Millersville University campus, either in the Myers Auditorium in McComsey Building (43 East Frederick Street) or in Ganser Library (George and Frederick Streets). Directions are available online.
FILMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Join us on the Humanities Film Series at Millersville Facebook Page.
CONTACT: DR. JILL CRAVEN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF FILM STUDIES, JILL.CRAVEN@MILLERSVILLE.EDU, 717-872-3627
Celebrate America’s freedoms this Constitution Day by watching award-winning producers Carlos Sandoval and Peter Miller’s 2009 documentary on the landmark 1954 civil rights case of Hernandez v. Texas. This film explores the discrimination against Latinos during the 1950s that propelled this Texas murder trial to the Supreme Court. Lawyers Cadena and García argued before the Court for fair judicial treatment of Latinos based on the protections afforded by the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion led by Dr. Kim Mahaffy, Associate Professor and Director of Latino Studies. Sponsored by the Rosario Caminero Latino Celebration Committee, The Society on Latino Affairs (SOLA), the International Relations Club, and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Part of the Latino and Constitution Day Celebrations.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Astra Taylor updates Socrates’ idea that “the unexamined life is not worth living” by filming modern-day philosophers discussing current issues like consumerism and ethics, man’s relation to nature, animal rights, revolution, postmodern anxiety, globalization, disability rights, and the role of philosophy in our postmodern world. Featured theorists include Cornel West, Avital Ronell, Peter Singer, Kwarne Anthony Appiah, Martha Nussbaum, Michael Hardt, Slavoj Zizek, and Judith Butler with disability-rights activist Sunaura Taylor.
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion facilitators include Dr. Jill Craven, Associate Professor of Film Studies, and Dr. Chuck Ward, Associate Professor of Philosophy. Sponsored by the Millersville University Library and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complements the CCERP Reflect & Connect Series.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Selfish hustler Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) discovers his inheritance has been willed to a brother Raymond he never knew (Dustin Hoffman). Charlie kidnaps Raymond from his institutional existence and takes him on a road trip, where Raymond’s autistic behaviors interfere with Charlie’s greedy self-absorption. 1988 Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, Best Director (Barry Levinson), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman).
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion led by Dr. Thomas Neuville, Associate Professor of Special Education. Sponsored by the Common Reading and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complements the common reading: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
12:30 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Mickey Mouse Monopoly explores how Disney films frame perceptions of the world. "A daring and disturbing look at Disney's power to shape mass culture. Anyone who cares about children and commercial culture should see it, but get ready for the urge to cover your eyes as Mickey Mouse Monopoly chips away at one of America's favorite icons and leaves you with nothing but the ugly truth."
- Nancy Carlsson-Paige | Lesley University
Presentation and discussion by Dr. Chyng Sun, Master Teacher of Media Studies at McGhee Liberal Arts School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU) and producer and writer of the film. Free and open to the public.
Faculty facilitators include Dr. Jill Craven, Associate Professor of Film Studies, and Dr. Stacey Irwin, Assistant Professor of New Media. Sponsored by The Millersville University Library, the Women’s Film & Lecture Series, the MU Ciné Club, and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
2:15 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
The simplistic framing of the dichotomy of good vs. evil has made a strong impact in American culture. Beyond Good and Evil examines the effects of this oversimplification on our children as it explores the political and media landscape in the post-9/11 world.
"Beyond Good & Evil: Children, Media & Violent Times is a truthful and shocking look at how mass communication distorts and manipulates language and visual imagery. The video is a perfect tool in educating … for critical literacy…. Beyond Good & Evil graphically shows … how the media's overriding objective of satisfying an audience converts real issues surrounding race, war, and violence into nothing more than show business."
- Jeff Sapp | Writer, Teaching Tolerance Magazine
Presentation and discussion by Dr. Chyng Sun, Master Teacher of Media Studies at McGhee Liberal Arts School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU) and producer and writer of the film. Free and open to the public.
Faculty facilitators include Dr. Jill Craven, Associate Professor of Film Studies; Dr. Cheryl Desmond, Professor of Educational Foundations; and Dr. Tim Mahoney, Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations. Sponsored by the Millersville University Library, The Women’s Film & Lecture Series, The MU Ciné Club, and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
6:15 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
To be announced.
Presentation and discussion by Dr. Chyng Sun, Master Teacher of Media Studies at McGhee Liberal Arts School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU) and producer and writer of the film. Free and open to the public.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
In Autism is a World Sue Rubin attempts "to bring people into [her] world of autism." Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.
In his short film Outside/Inside Director Nick Pentzell uses multi-media to simulate the experience of his form of autism. Winner of Spirit of Superfest Award.
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion led by Nick Pentzel, director of Outside/Inside. Sponsored by the Common Reading and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complements the common reading: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
11 PM, Ganser Library
John Cameron Mitchell’s 2001 rock odyssey stars the director as a transsexual rocker with a botched sex change that leaves her with an “angry inch.” Through artfully staged performances and flashbacks to Hedwig’s childhood in East Berlin, the film raises questions about the construction of gender, sexuality, and the origins of love. Mitchell’s directorial debut won wide notice and awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review, and the Sundance Film Festival.
Late night screening. Free and open to the public. Introduction by Dr. Greg Seigworth, Professor of Communication Studies. Sponsored by the MU Ciné Club (Film Club) and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
In this special event Will Turnbull, the first student with mid-spectrum autism to graduate from Millersville University, returns to campus to share his perspectives on autism and other topics. The event will include a documentary of Will’s college graduation, with reflections from teachers and friends.
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Common Reading and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complements the common reading: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Film historian and preservationist David Shepard screens and discusses his restoration of Pudovkin’s 1928 film about a Mongol herdsman believed to be the descendant of Genghis Khan. A masterpiece of the Soviet silent era and its montage style, this film is a must-see for film buffs.
“This beautifully constructed and photographed revolutionary melodrama has been justifiable described as an ‘epic poem’ by many critics. Pudovkin’s films, which include Mother and The End Of St Petersburg, place him alongside Eisenstein, Vertov and Dovzhenko in the forefront of Soviet filmmaking. …The power of the drama is enhanced by the use of visual metaphors, superb editing and the stunning landscape. This version is complemented by Timothy Brock’s original score, performed by the Olympia Chamber Orchestra.”
-- Eureka Classics
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
10:00 AM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Film historian and preservationist David Shepard screens and discusses rare shorts, including some from his award-winning anthologies Georges Melies: First Wizard of Cinema, 1896-1913 (Best Series or Box Set DVD of 2007-2008, the jury at Il Cinema Ritrovato) and Unseen Cinema: American Avant-Garde Films 1984-1941 (the Heritage Award from the National Society of Film Critics).
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
1:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
One of greatest comic actors, Buster Keaton mastered physical comedy. His signature “stone face” captivated audiences as he navigated through unpredictable worlds. In this session, Shepard showcases selections from his The Art of Buster Keaton, which was “almost universally regarded as the best video release of 1995” (USA Today, 1996).
“The greatest of the silent clowns is Buster Keaton, not only because of what he did, but because of how he did it. Harold Lloyd made us laugh as much, Charlie Chaplin moved us more deeply, but no one had more courage than Buster. I define courage as Hemingway did: "Grace under pressure." In films that combined comedy with extraordinary physical risks, Buster Keaton played a brave spirit who took the universe on its own terms, and gave no quarter. … [I]n an extraordinary period from 1920 to 1929, he worked without interruption on a series of films that make him, arguably, the greatest actor-director in the history of the movies.”
--Roger Ebert
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
4:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Film historian and preservationist David Shepard presents selections from the Chaplin Mutual comedies, with recorded orchestral scores composed by Carl Davis.
“The 12 two-reel comedies that Charlie Chaplin made for Mutual in 1916 and 1917 are among his greatest works, looking back to the slapstick tradition from which he came and forward to the social and psychological explorations of his more mature, if significantly less funny, later work. David Shepard’s edition of the Mutual shorts, available in various formats over the years, has long been the gold standard for these often duplicated and mutilated films.”
-- The New York Times, July 18, 2006
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
8:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
This 1921 Fritz Lang film was one of Alfred Hitchcock’s favorites (Hitchcock worked in the German film industry during the 1920s). The film features a woman whose fiancé has been stolen by Death and taken to a walled-in area in a German town. Death gives the woman three chances/lives to save her lover: one in Arabia, one in Italy, and one in China. Will she figure out a way to save her beloved? Recorded orchestral score by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra.
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, with special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For More Information: See The Humanities Film Series Website or join us on the Humanities Film Series at Millersville University Facebook page.
Todd Haynes’ 2008 postmodern pastiche of Bob Dylan’s fluctuating personae stars six actors (including Cate Blanchette, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, and Richard Gere) as aspects of Dylan. Following in the intellectual tradition of Citizen Kane and Foucault, I’m Not There explores the construction of identity in the public sphere. Cate Blanchett was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. “A tour de force” (Manohla Gargis, The New York Times).
Free and open to the public. Introduction by Dr. Jill Craven, Associate Professor of Film Studies. Post-screening discussion led by Chris Dallis, English Graduate Student. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Director Nic Balthazar presents the world of Ben, a teen with Asperger’s Syndrome, who plays an online computer game to escape from the harsh reality of bullies who torment him. As the bullying escalates, Ben finds a dream girl within the game who helps him confront his tormentors. “Rarely has so much emotion and excitement been compressed into 90 minutes of screen time" (Denis Seguin, Screen Daily). Winner of the Grand Prix and Audience Award (Best Film) at the 2007 Montreal Film Festival. In Flemish with English Subtitles.
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion led Dr. Neuville’s students. Sponsored by the Common Reading and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Complements the common reading: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
7:00 PM, Myers Auditorium, McComsey Building
Award-winning documentarian Errol Morris explores the media treatment of the Abu Ghraib photographs and their representation/construction of “truth.” “Morris creates a meditation on the meaning and reception of images—particularly news images—in our culture at large” (David Byrne, Talking Heads). “Harrowing and haunting” (Richard Corliss, Time Magazine). Winner of the Jury Grand Prize, Berlin Film Festival.
Free and open to the public. Post-screening discussion led by Dr. Timothy Shea, Assistant Professor of English, with help from graduate students in Dr. Craven’s Critical Theory class. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
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