Join us for a special screening that explores themes of freedom from the Library's 16mm film collection, and participate in guided discussions about film, history, and archives. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-375-5572 or specialcollections@mdpls.org. Ages 19 yrs.+
The films in this program share several themes of freedom, each exploring it through different creative techniques, and each with a significant connection to film history. First, we will watch the animated allegory A Mother's Tale, based on a short story written by film critic and screenwriter James Agee. Impasse, an abstract animated film by Frank and Caroline Mouris, is next. To be followed by The Hand, from master Czech puppeteer Ji?í Trnka. We will end with Valentín de la Sierra, directed by experimental filmmaker Bruce Baillie. In between films, we will learn more about each of these noted filmmakers and their contributions to film history.
About the Film Collection
The 16mm film collection has been part of the Library's holdings for over 55 years. It began in the 1960s, and its first films were part of the City of Miami’s public library before there was a county library. When MDPLS was formed, the County supplemented its local funding for films with Federal LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act) grants. Apart from leased feature films, all films were purchased for free exhibition for the life of the print. Subjects within the collection include experimental/avant-garde art films, non-narrated films, children’s films, Black history, Floridiana, and local history. Today, there are over 4,000 films within the collection.
About the Division of Special Collections & Archives
Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Division of Special Collections & Archives holds rare and irreplaceable historical documents for the benefit of the public and scholarly community. They oversee the Helen Muir Florida Collection, 16mm Film Collection, Cuban Collection of Rare Books & Ephemera, Genealogy Collection, Vasari Project, and rare & antiquarian books from as early as the 17th century. The Division's primary goal is to provide the public with the contents of the vault at their request. Its collections include rare books, original manuscripts, over 18,000 photographs, prints, artifacts, audiovisual resources, and electronic media.
AGE GROUP: | Adult (19+) |
EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Special Collections | Movies | In-Person | History |
TAGS: | Special Collections |
Mon, Jun 02 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Tue, Jun 03 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Wed, Jun 04 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Thu, Jun 05 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Fri, Jun 06 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Sat, Jun 07 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
Sun, Jun 08 | Closed |