BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD's Quvenzhané Wallis and Benh Zeitlin to Appear at Moving Image Screening Today, 11/3

Museum of the Moving Image presents a special screening of Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) with the film's child star Quvenzhané Wallis and director Benh Zeitlin in person today, November 3, 2012, at 4:30 p.m.

At the center of this raw and lyrical movie about a Louisiana island community on the brink of environmental disaster is the performance of Wallis as Hushpuppy, an imaginative young girl who was abandoned by her mother and left to care for her ailing father. First-time actress Wallis was just 5 years old when she was cast in the leading role as the strong-willed girl in this year's breakout American independent hit. The film also marks Zeitlin's directorial debut. The two will participate in a discussion after the screening.

Wallis's astonishing portrayal brings to mind some timeless screen performances by young actresses in movies that were also set in the American South. As part of the series Young Actresses, Big Roles, the Museum will also show To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), starring Mary Badham as the young Scout in Robert Mulligan's adaptation of Harper Lee's novel, today, November 3, at 1:00 p.m. and Peter Bogdanovich's Paper Moon (1973), with Tatum O'Neal in the role that won her an Oscar, on Sunday, November 4, at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets to all films are included with Museum admission and free for Museum members. For full film descriptions, visit movingimage.us. To learn about Museum membership and to join, go online to movingimage.us/support/membership or call 718 777 6877.

Museum of the Moving Image advances the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media. In January 2011, the Museum reopened after a major expansion and renovation that nearly doubled its size. Accessible, innovative, and forward-looking, the Museum presents exhibitions, education programs, significant moving-image works, and interpretive programs, and maintains a collection of moving-image related artifacts.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, 10:30 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Monday except for holiday openings

Film Screenings: Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, and as scheduled. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are included with Museum admission.

Museum Admission: $12.00 for adults (18+); $9.00 for senior citizens and for students (13+) with ID; $6.00 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 and Museum members are admitted free. Admission to the galleries is free on Fridays, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets for special screenings and events may be purchased in advance by phone at 718 777 6800 or online.

Location: 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street) in Astoria.

Subway: M (weekdays only) or R to Steinway Street. Q (weekdays only) or N to 36 Avenue.

Program Information: Telephone: 718 777 6888; Website: movingimage.us

The Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operations are made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Natural Heritage Trust (administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation). The Museum also receives generous support from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Photo Credit: Jess Pinkham