February 28, 2012

What:

Thursday, March 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth tells the story of one of the most notorious public housing complexes in St. Louis.  Drawing from the life stories of residents, this film explores the social, economic and legislative issues that led to the decline of conventional public housing in America, and the city centers in which they resided.  (Chad Freidrichs, 2011, USA, 83 min.)

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with former residents of the complex.

Friday, March 2, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Miss Representation

Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself. Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics provide startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken and armed with a new perspective.  (Jennifer Siebel Newsom, USA, 2011, 90 min.)

The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Webster University students and faculty.

Saturday, March 3, 3:30-5:30 and 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 4, 7:30 – 8:50 p.m.

Being Elmo - Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.  (Constance Marks, Philip Shane, USA, 2011, 80 min.)

The performances will be followed by a discussion and demonstration by Bob Kramer’s Marionnettes about the art of puppeteering.

Being Elmo official website

When:  Thursday – Sunday, March 1 - 4 (times above)

For more information please visit the Film Series website.

Where:  Webster University, Winifred Moore Auditorium, 470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Cost:  $6 for general public; $5 senior citizens (60+), students from other schools, and Webster University alums;  $4 for Webster University staff and faculty unless otherwise noted.  The Film Series accepts only cash or check.

The Webster University Film Series receives funding from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council - a state agency.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based University providing a network of international residential campuses.  Founded in 1915, Webster University’s campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America.  The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

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