Director Terry Carter Set for KATHERINE DUNHAM Screening, Discussion at Moving Image Today

On the occasion of the 104th anniversary of Katherine Dunham's birth, Museum of the Moving Image will present a work-in-progress screening of a new documentary about the pioneering modern dancer and choreographer, by renowned actor and director Terry Carter (Battlestar Galactica, Julia), and followed by a town-hall discussion about Dunham's legacy with Carter and two celebrated Dunham dancers, Julie Belafonte and Dr. Glory Van Scott. The discussion will be moderated by Warrington Hudlin, a Museum trustee and former Dunham drummer. The program today, June 22, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. is part of Changing the Picture, sponsored by Time Warner, Inc., an ongoing series that celebrates and explores the work of film and television artists of color who are bringing diverse voices to the screen.

Free admission. Tickets will be given out first-come, first-served on The Day of the event. Only Museum members may reserve tickets in advance. Please note that admission to the Museum's galleries will also be free all day on June 22.

One of America's most influential performing artists, Katherine Dunham introduced African Diaspora dance movements to the American stage, greatly influencing the character and development of modern dance. The documentary, Katherine Dunham: Dancing with Life (2013, 73 mins), by Terry Carter, explores Dunham's intellectual curiosity and artistic genius. The film documents Dunham as an artist/scholar whose anthropological fieldwork shaped her vision as a choreographer and led to her creating a new dance technique. The technique is based on a series of physical exercises that enable dancers to master and execute her complex dance vocabulary. Over time, this set of exercises evolved into what is today considered an important methodology of dance: The Dunham Technique.

Featured are excerpts of recorded performances from the early years of Katherine Dunham's career, including Carnival of Rhythm (1939), Hollywood's first Technicolor dance film; The Spirit of Boogie-Woogie, a "soundie" short film of the Dunham dance troupe in action from the late 1930s, and the star-studded motion picture Stormy Weather (1943) which featured Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Katherine Dunham's remarkable performance with the Dunham company. Included in this painstakingly researched film are clips that have never been seen in the United States including rare highlights of the Dunham Company's European performances from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s as well as scenes from the Italian motion pictures Botta e Riposta (1952) and Mambo (1954), featuring Dunham as actress-dancer-choreographer. In addition to interviews with dancers and scholars who speak to her great artistic legacy, the film includes Dunham's reflection on coping with the racial bigotry of the times she confronted as she traveled with her Dance Company.

Terry Carter is an esteemed black film and television pioneer whose career as an actor and filmmaker spans 60 years. His television acting credits include The Phil Silvers Show, Julia, McCloud, and the original series Battlestar Galactica. He starred opposite Pam Grier in the cult classic Foxy Brown. His Emmy nominated documentary, A Duke NamEd Ellington, won several international awards and is widely considered to be the best documentary ever made on the life and art of Duke Ellington.

Museum of the Moving Image (movingimage.us) advances the public understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of film, television, and digital media. In its expanded and renovated facilities-acclaimed for both its accessibility and bold design-the Museum presents innovative interactive exhibitions; screenings of significant works; discussion programs featuring actors, directors, craftspeople, and business leaders; and dynamic education programs.

MUSEUM INFO:
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Film Screenings: Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, and as scheduled. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are included with Museum admission.
Museum Admission: Free admission on June 22, 2013. Otherwise admission is $12.00 adults (18+); $9.00 senior citizens and students (13+) with ID; $6.00 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.
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The Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York on the campus of the Kaufman Astoria Studios. 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.

Pictured: Katherine Dunham. Photo by Dwight Carter.