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Philadelphia Film Society
234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-733-0608 ext.219
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JILL CLAYBURGH, KEN RUSSELL, JOHN SAYLES AND JOHN SCHLESINGER
WILL BE HONORED AT THE 2002 PHILADELPHIA FESTIVAL OF WORLD CINEMA(Philadelphia – March 5, 2002) With its Opening Night less than a month away, the Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema (PFWC) has announced that four of filmmaking’s most distinguished artists will be honored at this year’s event, opening April 4. The PFWC will pay tribute to three directors and an actress who have helped define independent film: directors Ken Russell, John Sayles and John Schlesinger, and actress Jill Clayburgh.
Each honoree will be presented with an award. Their contributions to filmmaking will be recognized with the screening of one or more of their films. Mr. Schlesinger will not be able to attend, but the other three will attend screenings and participate in special events.
"One aspect of an exciting film festival is the chance for audiences to meet stars, well-known directors and emerging filmmakers," said PFWC Artistic Director Raymond Murray. "We are especially pleased to present awards to filmmakers John Sayles, Ken Russell and John Schlesinger and actress Jill Clayburgh, all of whom have been Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA) and TLA Video favorites for years. With their creativity, artistry and integrity, these four people have helped create, define, influence and encourage independent filmmaking around the world, each in their own way."
JOHN SCHLESINGER: Artistic Achievement Award, Direction – In an illustrious career spanning forty years, the British-born Mr. Schlesinger has challenged audiences with compelling films that realistically portray honest human relationships and life experiences. He has excelled in virtually every genre, from the social critique of Darling and sexual exploration of Sunday Bloody Sunday to the thrills of Marathon Man and wicked satire of Cold Comfort Farm.
Special Screening: Midnight Cowboy (1969); Monday, April 8, 7:00 pm; Prince Music Theater – In tribute to Mr. Schlesinger, the Festival will give a rare theatrical screening of one of his greatest works, Midnight Cowboy. Starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Mr. Schlesinger will send a representative to accept the festival’s award on his behalf.
JILL CLAYBURGH: Artistic Achievement Award, Acting – Ms. Clayburgh has been a leading portrayer of the contemporary, modern feminist woman. Her performance in An Unmarried Woman made it one of the defining films of the 1970s. The depth of her range has been demonstrated by such compelling dramas as the Valium addict in I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, and comedy represented by Silver Streak and her latest film, Never Again.
Special Screening: Never Again (2001); Saturday, April 13, 7:00 pm, Ritz East; Sunday, April 14, 5:00 pm, Prince Music Theater – Ms. Clayburgh will receive her award before the screening of her new film, Never Again, a romantic comedy by Eric Schaeffer co-starring Jeffrey Tambor.
Cocktail Reception: Saturday, April 13, 9-11 pm; DiPalma Restaurant, 114 Market St. – Fans may congratulate Ms. Clayburgh and enjoy cocktails and buffet. Sponsored by Amtrak, USA Films, tlavideo.com and DiPalma. Tickets: $50 (advance), $55 (at the door).
JOHN SAYLES: American Independents Award – John Sayles is one of the "founding fathers" of American independents. For twenty-five years, this writer-director-producer-actor-author has charted a career outside the Hollywood factory that has inspired and guided an entire generation of filmmakers. His works, such as Eight Men Out, Passion Fish, and Lone Star, have earned critical raves and enthusiastic audience response. In all his films, he explores the delicate bond between human nature and social condition, and shows us both as we are and as we can be.
Sayles Retrospective: The festival will show four of Mr. Sayles’ greatest early films
A Conversation with John Sayles: Tuesday, April 9, 9:00 pm, Prince Music Theater – Mr. Sayles will spend an hour reviewing his career and taking questions from the audience. Admission is limited to Secaucus or Brother screening ticket holders and All Access Badge holders.
Sayles After-party: Tuesday, April 9, 10-midnight; Marmont, 222 Market St: – Festival attendees may meet Mr. Sayles and enjoy cocktails and appetizers. Sponsored by HBO, City Paper, tlavideo.com and Marmont. Tickets: $20.
KEN RUSSELL: TLA Video Phantasmagoria Award – Mr. Russell has raised excess and controversy to an art form – literally – with films that revel in visual fanaticism, tongue-in-cheek humor and extravagant abandonment of reason. His first major film, Women in Love, became one of the most influential films of its time, and he secured his status as an enfant terrible with The Music Lovers, Mahler, Lisztomania and others. Through four decades, he has remained true to a vision that is utterly unique and resolutely challenging.
Russell Retrospective: The festival will show Mr. Russell’s most recent film, plus two of his early masterworks
A Conversation with Ken Russell: Saturday, April 6, 5:00 pm, 1616 Locust Street – For the first time in Philadelphia, Mr. Russell will discuss his work and talk with audience members. Admission is limited to The Fall of the Louse of Usher screening ticket holders and All Access Badge holders.
Tribute to Ken Russell: Saturday, April 6, 10-midnight; Davio’s, 111 South 17th St. – Fans may greet Mr. Russell and enjoy cocktails and buffet. Sponsored by TLA Entertainment Group, Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Davio’s. Tickets: $35 (advance), $40 (at the door).
The Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema will distribute its 126-page program guide on March 19, the same day that tickets go on sale. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.phillyfests.com, by calling 215-733-0608 x 2 or by visiting the TLA Video store at 1520 Locust Street in Center City. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the door.
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