Sunday, November 29
Thalia Cinema, Symphony Space

On Sunday, November 29, join us at Thalia Cinema for a day of screenings and discussions dedicated to the exploration and celebration of the world of painters of African descent.  ALL DAY PROGRAM: $25

1:00PM
AVA AND GABRIEL
The story takes place on the island of Curacao in the late forties. At the request of Father Fidelius, parish priest of St. Anna's, the Surinam painter Gabriel Goedbloed arrives from Holland to paint a mural of the Virgin Mary in the church. The drama unfolds from different angles. First, the clergy and locals are confused by the fact that the painter is black, originating from Surinam, but resettled in The Hague, where he received a Fine Arts education. The close-knit Antillean society did not welcome strangers who would not conform to their colonial way of life in those days. Contributing factors arise when he chooses a young teacher, Miss Ava Recordina, who is of mixed origin, to be his model for the painting of the Virgin Mary. By Felix de Rooy, 1990, Holland/Curacao, 100mins, drama in Papiamento with English subtitles.

3:00PM
ARTISTS OF THE BAHAMAS:
A TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN ROOTS

NY PREMIERE
"Artists of the Bahamas" is a unique film that brings to light the rich artistic talent flourishing on these islands. The artists profiled are acknowledged amongst their peers as well as internationally. The camera follows them at work in their studios where we see their vibrant creations, as well as in their homes and communities. They speak of their early influences. Max Taylor remembers the powerful matriarchs who held his community together. Jackson Burnside, who wanted to be a doctor, was inspired by his art teacher to follow his artistic bent. Their works display a range of styles from the versatility of formally trained Brent Malone to the brilliantly simple paintings of Amos Ferguson, often referred to as "the grandfather of Bahamian art." By Karen Arthur and Thomas Neuwirth, 2009, USA/Bahamas, 93mins, documentary in English. Q&A after the screening

5:30PM
DELIVERANCE - THE ART OF BEN JONES
NY PREMIERE
"Deliverance - The Art of Ben Jones", is a documentary video which accompanies the major retrospective of the work of visual artist Ben Jones at the Jersey City Museum, 2008 through 2009, featuring a complete survey of the artist's work, dating from the mid-1970's through his most recent paintings. Deliverance explores various aspects of Jones' body of work, and delves further into his close relationship to religions of the African diaspora, travel, family, teaching, politics and spirituality. Produced, directed, and edited by Jane Steuerwald and Louis Libitz, 2008, 25min, documentary in English. Showing with Mario Benjamen.

MARIO BENJAMIN
US PREMIERE
In Haiti, his country, Mario Benjamin is the leader of the Contemporary Art. Invited to take part in major events all over the world, he acquired an international stature. But who knows him apart from the small milieu of professionals? The Western media are ethnocentric like the market of art. This film explores his powerful, magical, and disturbing works. His house is a Baroque Installation; it recalls his artistic course and introduces us in to his inner world. Besides his singular talent, Mario Benjamin has another characteristic: Manic depression. During his fits, he reaches perceptions that some artists seek by the use of drugs. Around an exhibition which took place in Port-au-Prince in June 2008, this charismatic man shares his thoughts with us, on his work, the art and the difficulty in being an artist in a Third World country. By Irene Lichtenstein, 2008, 53min, documentary in Kreol and French with English subtitles. Showing with Deliverance -The Art of Ben Jones

7:00PM A PAINTING JOURNEY
Panel Discussion
Ben Jones, Artist
Mario Benjamin, Artist
Jane Steuerwald, filmmaker
Irene Lichtenstein, filmmaker
Karen Arthur, filmmaker
Thomas Neuwirth, filmmaker

PANEL FOLLOWED BY A CLOSING COCKTAIL RECEPTION.

Sponsored by ArtMattan Productions and The Consulate General of Switzerland in New York