MoMA Presents 'Darkness of Day', 10/13-18

The Museum of Modern Art presents a weeklong theatrical run of recent work by the San Francisco-based filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt, October 13-18, 2010.  A compilation of 5 films, the 70 minute program includes the New York premiere of The Darkness of Day (2009), a stoic yet tender meditation on suicide, and the award-winning Phantom Limb (2005), a haunting expression of loss and grief.  
 
Rosenblatt, a master of the found-footage form, interweaves neglected or discarded educational and industrial films, commercials, news clips, and home movies with subtly layered soundtracks of poetry, journal entries, personal memoir, and music by Benjamin Britten, Arvo Pärt, and others. Other works presented in the theatrical run include Afraid So (2006), based on a Jeanne Marie Beaumont poem and narrated by Garrison Keillor; the grimly humorous I Just Wanted to Be Somebody (2006), about the singer and anti-gay rights crusader Anita Bryant; and Prayer (2001), a reflection on anxiety and blind faith in post-9/11 America. 
 
"Jay Rosenblatt's thoughtful, visionary investigations of masculine identify, personal growth, and loss are transfixing and resonate with audiences across social and cultural lines," says Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator, Department of Film, The Museum of Modern Art.  "We're honored to provide the opportunity to continue to expand those audiences"
 
Jay Rosenblatt introduces the opening night screening on October 13, as well as the screening on October 15.  Darkness of Day is organized by Joshua Siegel, Associate Curator, with Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator, Department of Film, The Museum of Modern Art.
 
Screening Schedule
Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 (introduced by Rosenblatt)
Thursday, October 14, 4:00
Friday, October 15, 6:00 (introduced by Rosenblatt)
Saturday, October 16, 1:30
Sunday, October 17, 2:00
Monday, October 18, 4:00