SFF 2012: Screening Southern Rebellion
Friday, Feb. 24
All Friday events held at the VMFA Leslie Cheek Theater. Available for viewing will be a portion of John Wiley’s vast collection of artifacts related to the Gone With the Wind novel and film. Highlights include a signed first edition of the novel, original movie promotional and production items, and original theater seats from Loew’s Grand Theater in Atlanta, where the film premiered. Courtesy of John Wiley.
5 p.m. Opening Reception
6 p.m. Keynote: Molly Haskell, author of Frankly, My Dear
7 p.m. Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel
This new documentary shows how Margaret Mitchell both defied and upheld Southern mores by offering surprising insights into her personal life and famous novel Gone With the Wind.
Post-film discussion: John Wiley, Ellen Brown (authors of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind), & Molly Haskell
Moderator: Prof. Jane Lucas, University College, VCU
Admission: $8 (VMFA Members $4) for all Friday events; VCU faculty, staff & students free
Saturday, Feb. 25
10 a.m. The Thrillbillys @ Cous Cous Restaurant
This neo-noir thriller follows Dodger Cole on a moonshine-soaked tale of revenge to take back the South from Yankee industrialists.
Post-film Discussion: Jim Stramel (writer, director, & producer of film)
Moderator: Prof. Ted Tunnell, History Department, VCU
Admission: $5, includes breakfast buffet & non-alcoholic drink; Bloody Marys, Mimosas, & a special Thrillbilly cocktail will be available for purchase
1 p.m. Shenandoah @ VMFA
In one of his finest roles, Jimmy Stewart plays Charlie Anderson, a Virginia farmer who tries to remain neutral during the Civil War.
Post-film Response: Prof. Edward L. Ayers, President, University of Richmond
Moderator: Prof. Richard Fine, English Department, VCU
Admission: $8 (VMFA members $4) for all Saturday events at VMFA; VCU faculty, staff & students free
4 p.m. The Black Six @ VMFA
In the “blaxploitation” tradition, six bikers, all played by NFL stars, travel throughout the South to avenge the death of a comrade.
Post-film Discussion: Willie Lanier (NFL Hall of Fame linebacker; actor in film)
Moderator: Prof. Emilie Raymond, History Department, VCU
Admission: $8 (VMFA members $4) for all Saturday events at VMFA; VCU faculty, staff & students free
7 p.m. Freedom on My Mind @ Grace Street Theater
This award-winning documentary tells the story of the Mississippi Freedom Movement in the early 1960s when a handful of young activists changed history.
Panel Discussion: Connie Field & Marilyn Mulford (directors & producers of film)
Moderator: Prof. Norrece Jones, History Department/African-American Studies, VCU
Admission: free & open to the public
For more information, please contact eeraymond@vcu.edu
