Each semester, the department of media, journalism and film hosts the MJF Film Series, which screens films that either tie into other Missouri State events or allow the department to bring filmmakers to campus to discuss their work.
The series kicks off Sept. 23 with a restored version of 1965 film Summer Children.
Key details
- What: Summer Children
- When: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Sept. 23
- Where: Plaster Student Union Theatre
- How: Free and open to the public
About the series and the film
Andrew Twibell, assistant professor of film production, shared thoughts about this event.
Twibell said, “We try to program films that are a little more difficult to seek out than what’s on at the multiplex. Last year we screened a Missouri-produced feature called Lotawana that hadn’t been released yet. The filmmakers treated it like a test screening, seeking feedback from the audience after the show. Later this semester we’re planning on screening the documentary Paris Is Burning, as part of LGBTQ History Month.
“Summer Children was shot in crisp black and white by Vilmos Zsigmond, one of our greatest cinematographers, period. This free screening presents a chance to see a film that’s been unavailable for a long time.”
“Summer Children is interesting for a couple of reasons. Produced in 1965, it’s a fascinating snapshot of a period when young American filmmakers were exploring a more European, arthouse style of storytelling. You can feel that transition from the more classical Hollywood style to this ‘New Wave’ approach.
“The film was recently restored. Producer Jack Robinette and restoration producer Edie Robinette-Petrachi will be on-hand to talk about bringing the film back to life.”
“It’s an early work by legendary cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, and anything he shot is worth seeing on the biggest screen possible.”