Columbia University New York, N.Y. 10027 Office of Public Information (212) 854-5573
Thursday, October 12, at 7:00pm
Program One: The 1940s--The War Years
The True Glory (1945)--85 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Feature
Directed by Garson Kanin and Carol Reed
A classic by two renowned filmmakers, The True Glory recounts in brilliant detail the story of the Normandy Landing and the events leading to the collapse of Hitler's Germany. It is a stirring tribute to the courage and perseverance of all our fighting men, and the dominating spirit of teamwork. This rarely screened masterpiece uses the talent of hundreds of cameramen who filmed the immense drama from the air, sea and land and has a terse and compelling narration recorded by soldiers from all levels of society.
Seeds of Destiny (1946)--21 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Short Subject
Directed by David Miller
Seeds of Destiny documents the plight of people who lived in countries near Germany and who were nearly annihilated by the Germans through systematic starvation. An important film about the legacy of World War II.
Opening Reception On October 12
Immediately follows post-screening discussion
Wednesday, October 18, at 7:30pm
Program Two: The 1950s--The Post-War Years
The Vanishing Prairie (1954)--70 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Feature
Directed by James Algar
A timeless Disney favorite and a pioneering nature documentary, The Vanishing Prairie is a remarkable pictorial examination of wildlife in the wide open spaces of the Great Plains region of the United States. A study of the everyday behavior and fight for survival among prairie dogs, bison, cranes, coyotes, mountain lions and birds.
Neighbors (1952)--8 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Short Subject
Directed by Norman McLaren
Neighbors, a story of two people who come to blows over the possession of a flower, is a parable of greed and destruction.
Universe (1960)--26 minutes
Academy Awardreg. nomination--Documentary Short Subject
Directed by Roman Kroitor and Colin Low
Filmed at the dawn of the space age, Universe is a vast, awe-inspiring picture of the universe as it would appear to a voyager through space.
Wednesday, October 25, at 7:30pm
Program Three: The 1960s--Civil Rights and Counter Culture
A Time For Burning (1967)--61 minutes
Academy Awardreg. nomination--Documentary Feature
Directed by William Jersey
A Time For Burning was one of the first documentaries to deal effectively with racism. Considered very controversial in its time because of the subject matter, the film was also controversial in film circles because of the intervention of the filmmaker in the community. The film was an important factor in changing attitudes toward segregation in religious and social circles.
Why Man Creates (1968)--25 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Short Subject
Directed by Saul Bass
Why Man Creates is a series of explorations on creativity by a master of conceptual design. Filled with humor and satire, trenchant ideas and important truths, this famous film poses serious questions about the creative process.
Wednesday, November 29, at 7:30pm
Program Four: The 1970s--Vietnam
Hearts And Minds (1974)--112 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Feature
Directed by Peter Davis
Hearts and Minds is a provocative examination of United States involvement in Vietnam that chronicles the war from a psychological perspective. It portrays the U.S. role as a manifestation of misguided patriotism and ignorance buttressed by racism, self-righteousness and anti-Communist hysteria. A timeless document of the anti-war mood of the period.
Wednesday, December 6, at 7:30pm
Program Five: The 1980s--The Nuclear Threat
The Day After Trinity (1980)--88 minutes
Academy Awardreg. nomination--Documentary Feature
Directed by Jon Else
The Day After Trinity traces the life of renowned nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and details his work as scientific director of Los Alamos and the building of the world's first atomic bomb. The film includes Oppenheimer's subsequent efforts to limit the dissemination of bomb technology, his dismissal in 1954, and his death in 1967.
Close Harmony (1981)--28 minutes
Academy Awardreg.--Best Documentary Short Subject
Directed by Nigel Noble
A class of fourth- and fifth-graders are brought together with a group of senior citizens in a unique intergenerational chorus that provides an opportunity to examine children's misconceptions of aging. The film concludes with an exhilarating and heartwarming choral performance.
Tuesday, December 12, at 7:30pm
Program Six: The 1990s--The Present and History Revisited
The Restless Conscience (1991)--113 minutes
Academy Awardreg. nomination--Documentary Feature
Directed by Hava Kohav Beller
The Restless Conscience presents an overview of the resistance movement in Germany from 1933 to 1945 that culminated in the 1944 plot to assassinate Hitler. The efforts of various opponents of Hitler are depicted through interviews with former conspirators, as well as with relatives of those who were executed for their opposition to the Nazi regime. A timely reminder of man's need to make moral choices.
9.15.95
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