BEST OF THE ORPHAN FILM SYMPOSIUM (THIRD EDITION)

Speakers include curator Dan Streible; filmmaker Bill Morrison; film scholar Juan Salas; and author Farai Chideya.

Co-presented by Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives

The term “orphan” film refers to footage with unknown origins uncovered by archivists. The films range from home movies to industrials to works that defy categorization. Every two years, NYU professor Dan Streible gathers archivists from around the world to share their discoveries; and he brings the best of that work to STF for what always makes for an unforgettable night. 

Headlining this third edition is a rediscovered film shot by Henri Cartier-Bresson called “With the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in Spain” (1937-38). Film scholar Juan Salas (who will introduce the film) recently discovered the 18-minute silent work in the collection the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives at NYU’s Tamiment Library. The original 16 mm print has been preserved and blown up to 35 mm. The STF event will mark its first public sneak preview.

Other highlights of the night include:

THE JUNGLE (1967), a ground-breaking 22-minute film about a Philadelphia street gang, recently named to the National Film Registry

Author Farai Chideya introduces the delightful animated work SCRATCH AND CROW (1995), directed by Helen Hill, courtesy of Harvard Film Archive

THINK OF ME FIRST AS A PERSON (1960-75, Dwight Core, Sr. and George Ingmire III) sound; 35mm; 8 min. Print source: Library of Congress, Center for Home Movies Collection

CHUCK & VINCE: WEDDING OF THE YEAR, APRIL 8, 1978 (1978, Christine Wynne) 6 min.  Super 8 sound home movie

Click here to learn more about the Orphan Film Symposium or to register for this year’s conference April 7-10,

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