Visiting Film Artist Series: Paul Schrader
UICA, 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids
Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
Sept 4, 1 p.m.
uica.org
The West Michigan Film and Video Alliance teamed up with the UICA for its new project, the Visiting Film Artists Series. The series focuses on bringing film-industry professionals to Grand Rapids to host workshops and presentations about the art of film.
From directors and writers to actors and costume designers, the idea is to have working experts in the biz.
“We feel that bringing in prominent film artists from all over the world to present their work and to interact with local film students, film professionals and film aficionados is an important way the UICA can build the creative community here,” said Kristen Taylor, development officer for the UICA.
The first visiting film artist will be none other than Paul Schrader, a writer and director who has worked with the likes of Martin Scorsese and Nicolas Cage and has directed numerous films including American Gigolo, Hardcore and Affliction.
“His films are contemporary classics and he’s one of the best in the business,” Taylor said. “But not only that, he’s from Grand Rapids.”
Schrader will be revisiting his hometown for two days of events. First, on Thursday, Sept. 3, he will present his film Affliction followed by an audience Q&A session as well as a reception in the theatre lobby featuring a cash bar. Tickets to the film are $10 for UICA members, $15 for the public.
Then, on Sept. 4, Schrader hosts a filmmaking workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch until 1 p.m.
“Over the years at various universities, including Columbia and UCLA, I have taught a screenwriting course,” Schrader said. “I will do a sort of shortened, three-hour version of that course.”
In this workshop Schrader said he plans to cover a variety of topics and draw from his experience not only as a director and screenwriter, but as a producer, financer and critic. Tickets for the workshop are $85, lunch is included.
