An unexpected collaborative event, inspired by the iconic American photographer Annie Leibovitz, has been announced by the Tallgrass Film Festival and the Wichita Art Museum. This summer, the two organizations are coming together to host a unique film series in conjunction with the museum’s ongoing exhibition, “Annie Leibovitz at Work“.
The Art of Storytelling Through Films and Photographs
Leibovitz, renowned for her distinctive and intimate celebrity portraits, including those of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Miley Cyrus, provides the muse for this summer film series; a curated selection of visually distinctive movies set to hit the big screen at the museum starting May 31, with the series concluding on July 26.
Each of the chosen films is noted for its unique visual appeal and capacity to capture a story, much like Leibovitz’s compelling photographic portraits. Following each screening, local experts will provide commentary, followed by a lively audience Q&A session.
Lineup Announcement Excites Film and Photography Enthusiasts
The lineup includes an exciting mix of genres, spanning from Martin Scorsese’s 2011 magical tale “Hugo”, to Todd Haynes’ 2015 historical romance “Carol”, to Luc Besson’s 1997 high-energy sci-fi escapade “The Fifth Element”. Each film echoes Leibovitz’s ability to create a strong narrative through visuals, governing a wide range of emotions from the audience.
The films will be screened on the last Friday of each month, fostering an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement among attendees. Moreover, the summer film series will be free for the public, making it a must-attend event for film and photography enthusiasts alike.
Exploring the Intersection of Filmmaking and Photography
The series aims to highlight the symbiotic relationship between film and photography, as Wambui Ngunjiri, an intern with the Tallgrass Film Association and coordinator of the film series, aptly described. He said, “Each of these works of art is visually distinctive, yet all contain the incredible ability to make us feel the story.”
It creates a platform to appreciate the beauty and craft of filmmaking, and the artistic prowess of everyone involved. It provides audiences an opportunity to understand how the medium of film, similar to photography, can create powerful narratives, instigating an immersive experience.
A Worthy Addition to Wichita’s Rich Cultural Tapestry
The Tallgrass Film Festival, a pillar of Wichita’s cultural landscape, hosts an annual 4-day film festival showcasing the best of independent films from around the globe, along with year-round special screenings, filmmaking competitions and filmmaker labs.
The Wichita Art Museum, on the other hand, houses the Roland P. Murdock Collection of historically significant American artwork since its inception in 1935. This summer film series furthers the Wichita Art Museum’s cultural imprint, offering individuals a fresh perspective on the intersection of film and photography.
For additional information about the Annie Leibovitz-inspired Summer Film Series, interested individuals can visit the Wichita Art Museum website – a novel convergence of art and film that’s not to be missed this summer.
