The Jacob Burns Film Center Announces Exciting Slate of Summer Events

Sit back, relax, and cool down this summer at the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC), a nonprofit cultural arts center and one of the most successful suburban film houses in the country. The JBFC announced today a variety of unique and compelling film series launching or re-launching this summer. Select film screenings also feature thought-provoking and engaging Q&A's with renowned American and international filmmakers, environmentalists, musicians, and more.

From films that look at classic music legends and Shakespeare's TIMELESS Romeo & Juliet to exploring Hudson River preservation efforts and challenging perceptions, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy this summer at JBFC.

Some highly anticipated events include:

· Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge - Get ready for some rock 'n' roll! On July 11 & 12, JBFC will show this two-part film that chronicles the last 50 years of American music, politics, and popular culture through the perspective of Rolling Stone. A special Q&A with filmmakers Alex Gibney and Blair Foster will follow after the screening on July 11.

· The Peacemaker - On July 12, JBFC will screen The Peacemaker, a film that follows the life and work of Padraig O'Malley, a man who has brokered peace in some of the world's most contentious conflict zones. A Q&A with filmmaker James Demo will follow.

· A conversation with Dennis Elsas, rock authority and radio personality, will take place on August 2 after a screening of Keith Richards: Under the Influence.

· American Folk - On August 22, JBFC will show this warmhearted drama about Joni and Elliot, a couple of strangers who are thrown together by circumstance in the days following 9/11. Singer-songwriter and actress Amber Rubarth (Joni) will perform her original music after a Q&A with JBFC founder Steve Apkon.

Other highlights of the summer season at JBFC include:

· Back on the Big Screen Series: Hollywood Highlights 1952-1982

June 13-28

For decades, Hollywood has produced a seemingly endless amount of film spectacles that have captivated audiences across generations. To kick off the summer season, Retro Revival is screening some of the biggest, loudest, brightest, most entertaining films from a large stretch of Hollywood history. Rediscover these films 'back on the big screen' at JBFC throughout the month of June.

Films include: The Bridge on the River Kwai, Vertigo, Blade Runner: The Final Cut, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS of the Third Kind (Director's Cut),Lawrence of Arabia and Spartacus.

· World Stage on Screen Series

June 14, July 19, August 16 and September 6

This series features the best of international theater and fine arts programming brought to the silver screen. This summer, guests can enjoy broadcasts of a unique selection of live performance recordings.

Films Include: Royal Opera House Live: Manon, Royal Opera House Live: Swan Lake, Royal Shakespeare Company Live: Romeo & Juliet andNT Live: Julie.

· One Night Only: Hope on the Hudson

June 20

This one-night-only event, Hope on the Hudson, will showcase three short films on the preservation of the Hudson River and surrounding region. The films explore efforts to make the waterways healthier and more accessible, the nearly year-long restoration and return of the Clearwater ship, and efforts to preserve rich agricultural heritage and Native American culture in the Hudson Valley region.

Films Include: City on the Water, Restoring the Clearwater and Seeds of Hope

Special Q&A and Discussion: Filmmaker & environmental activist Jon Bowermaster, Hudson Valley Farm HUB Director Brooke Pickering-Cole, and Clearwater Tideline Program Director Eli Schloss.

· REMIX: The Black Experience in Film, Media, and Art Series

June 21, July 19 and August 16

REMIX is a year-round series that examines the legacy of institutional racism and the black experience in film, media and art through films that challenge perceptions, inspire dialogue, and celebrate the richness and breadth of cinema that is too often overlooked.
Films include: Killer of Sheep, Jinn and He Got Game.

Special Q&A July 19: Jinn Filmmaker Nijla Mu'min, named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film 2017 by Filmmaker Magazine.

· Sounds of Summer Series

July 8 - August 23

This music film series celebrates classics and newer releases that showcase and pay tribute to musical acts, iconic musicians, and soulful characters. The series features intimate documentaries, young and old, about a wide variety of musicians, along with various brilliant musical performances.

Films Include: Beatles' Yellow Submarine, Chavela, Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge, Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same, Deconstructing the Beatles: The Birth of the Beatles, May it Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers, Joe Cocker: Mad Dog with Soul, Festival Express, Austin to Boston, Deconstructing the Beatles: 1963, Stop Making Sense, Itzhak, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco, Ruben Blades Is Not My Name, Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, Neil Young: Heart of Gold, Gimme Shelter, Dave Chappelle's Block Party and American Folk.

· Global Watch Crisis and Social Action Series

July 12

Global Watch is a year-round documentary series that untangles the stories behind the headlines, sheds light in dark corners, and highlights individuals who are working to make the world a better place. On July 12, JBFC will screen The Peacemaker, a mesmerizing documentary that contrasts the success of Padraig O'Malley's professional work with his tumultuous personal life - including his alcoholism and a string of failed relationships - as he struggles to find SALVATION for both the world and himself. A Q&A with filmmaker James Demo will follow.

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