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Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
It’s hard to find a book written about Fred Astaire that doesn’t mention Irving Berlin within the first five pages. During the making of the movie “Top Hat” (1935), Fred Astaire and Irving Berlin met for the first time and formed a close friendship that would last the rest of their lives, and the two …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
So much to celebrate as this sweet little girl turns 76, and the musical film that made her a star celebrates 50 years since its 1972 theatrical debut. Liza Minnelli was born on March 12, 1946 into true Hollywood royalty and all that it encompasses. Her father, the great film director Vincente Minnelli, and her …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry, National Screening Room
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
Yesterday we learned of the passing of William Hurt, and today, internet, cable and even broadcast news will be filled with stories of his award-winning career spanning over 50 years and over 100 credits. Hurt holds a respected place in cinema for being nominated for the best actor Oscar for three consecutive years; “Kiss of …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
It almost seems hard to believe that it was 80 years ago in 1942 that “Casablanca” was first released, and the world fell in love with its tale of courage, sacrifice and redemption. On March 2, 1944 at the 16th Academy Awards, “Casablanca” took home the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz) and …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) sets a theme for February’s Black History Month, and this year, they’ve chosen the impact and importance of Black Health and Wellness. According to their website, “this theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry, National Screening Room
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
As we head into Halloween weekend, there is nothing better than sorting your candy stash and watching classic Halloween movies. Get your popcorn balls and candy apples ready because we are presenting (in no particular order) some of the Library of Congress National Film Registry’s scary and not-so-scary Halloween films. Movies inducted into the National …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, National Film Registry
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
Today, we honor National Home Movie Day by not only highlighting the importance of home movies as historical and cultural documents, but also as a personal reflection that we are often more alike than different. At least four home amateur films are in the National Film Registry and many more can be viewed in the …
Posted in: Film Essay, Film/Video, Motion Pictures, National Film Registry, Uncategorized
Posted by: Stacie Seifrit-Griffin
If you get the chance to speak with the legendary Al Bell, take it! You will meet a man full of passion for the artists he works with and the communities he supports. The former co-owner of Stax Records is one of the visionaries behind the “Wattstax” concert and film documentary. Bringing people together …
Posted in: Film Essay, National Film Registry