The Avon Theatre and Sacred Heart University Present The FTMA Talk Back Series, hosted by Professors Justin Liberman & Damon Maulucci.
The lineup:
The Dark Side of Funny
LENNY (1974), February 5th at 1:00 p.m.
MR. SATURDAY NIGHT (1992), February 19th at 1:00 p.m.
The Fourth Estate
A FACE IN THE CROWD (1957), March 5th at 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK (1976), March 19th at 1:00 p.m.
American Fight Films
FAT CITY (1972), April 9th at 1:00 p.m.
SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME (1956), April 23rd at 1:00 p.m.
FREE To The Public!
(STAMFORD, CT) The Avon and Sacred Heart University are excited to launch a new film series screening on Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. twice a month. "I am very pleased that the Avon and the FTMA of Sacred Heart University have entered into this collaboration," says Avon Executive Director, Michael Hveem, "This new series fits squarely within the Avon's mission of providing educational access to the world of film."
The Talk Back series will give audiences a chance to see excellent films and participate in a post-film discussion about the movie with hosts from the Sacred Heart University Film Department. "As a true lover of film, there are not many opportunities to really gather with group of people and have an in depth discussion about a film," says series co-host, Professor Justin Liberman. "We created this series for those true film lovers out there."
The conversation following a film screening is a necessary and thought provoking part of the viewing process. It's with this spirit that this collection is curated by FTMA's professors, Justin Liberman and Damon Maulucci. "One of my objectives for the Avon has been to advance the principle of cinema as an art form by providing a contextualized, informative and academic discourse via programming, in an environment that is informal, fun, accessible and unfussy," says Avon Director of Programming, Adam Birnbaum.
The FTMA Talk Back series offers a selection of compelling and overlooked films based on relevant themes and looks to engage the audience in discussion following each screening. "Our new series will be much appreciated by many of our loyal members, who especially enjoy the post-film dialogue during the Q&A sessions," says Avon Director of Development & Marketing, Louisa Greene. "We already have patrons looking forward to sharing their love of cinema with these dynamic Sacred Heart film professors."
The Avon and FTMA SHU believe in the power of cinema and it's crucial role in the community. "The thoughts and feelings from a great cinematic experience last much longer than the length of the screening," says co-host, Professor Damon Maulucci. "That's why it is crucial to have discussions and events where audience people can 'talk back.' Many of our great films are literary, they pose questions that reach far beyond the box office receipts."
ABOUT FTMA: The Film and Television Masters program (FTMA) at Sacred Heart University is a one–year conservatory dedicated to the art of storytelling. Students engage in dynamic classroom workshops and lectures focusing on directing, screenwriting, producing, and new media arts. Based in Stamford, FTMA draws from talent and resources in the area and neighboring New York City. Each student produces a cinematic portfolio and rounds out their experience with industry internships. For more information please visit FTMA.sacredheart.edu.
JUSTIN LIBERMAN was a directing fellow at Columbia University's School of the Arts. His award winning films have played in many international film festivals, museums, and galleries. He has worked under Michael Mann (HEAT, THE INSIDER), David Mamet (HOUSE OF GAMES, SPARTAN), and Allen Coulter (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) and as a commercial director he has worked with American Express, ESPN, and General Mills.
DAMON MAULUCCI recently wrote, directed and produced the feature film, DETONATOR. A Geekadelphia "Indie Film of the Year" nomination, DETONATOR is currently touring the film festival circuit and has been an official selection at Cinequest, Brooklyn, and Indie Memphis. Damon also served as a producer on the feature documentary, PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE, official selection at Toronto International and SXSW Film Festivals. The film can be seen on the Showtime networks. Maulucci earned his MFA at Columbia University.
ABOUT THE AVON: The Avon Theatre is a member-supported, non-profit cultural hub, dedicated to presenting film in its highest form, and thriving because of the support of our patrons and community. In addition to an exciting slate of new releases, The Avon brings you one-of-a-kind special events and monthly programs. We are proud to provide a forum for in-person, community dialogue with directors, actors and other luminaries in a vibrant "Main Street America" setting.
Avon Theatre Film Center
272 Bedford St
Stamford, CT 06901
Box Office: (203) 967-3660
Website: www.avontheatre.org | Twitter: @avontheatre | Facebook: facebook.com/avontheatre