Tales from Planet Earth (Nov 1-3)

Tales from Planet Earth is a film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and the use of film media to capture and to examine those issues.  Attending the festival will be many of the film-makers themselves with whom to discuss their work.

The festival is a public outreach event from the Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.  The opening roundtable, moderated by Professor Gregg Mitman, will feature Ruth Ozeki, Alex Rivera, Marie-Hélène Cousineau, and Zach Kunuk in a conversation examining questions of time and culture in the age of the Anthropocene (marking the unprecedented scale of human impact upon the planet).

View film schedule, thematic list; speaker schedule, and ways to connect (Facebook, Twitter).

On Wisconsin, On Film (March 6)

The University Archives (housed at Steenbock) has a collection of more than 3500 historic films that capture the life and times of UW-Madison’s students and staff.  As part of the Friends of the Libraries series celebrating treasures from the collections, you can enjoy a free screening of clips from films of the 1930s through the 1970s.  In addition to the screening, University Archivists David Null and Vicki Tobias will be on-hand to share anecdotes and to moderate discussion.   
The screening and discussion will take place in the Memorial Library Commons, Room 460; refreshments will be provided.

"On Wisconsin, On Film" is sponsored by the Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries and the University Archives.  

Screening of Historic Films from the University Archives
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 6 (5:30 - 7:00 PM)
Place: Memorial Library, Room 460 (Commons)

Photo snippet is from University Archives; 1927/1928.

Green Porno

Are you in the mood?  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, take a look at how the mating game is played with an amusing, yet informative, series of very short films. 
In each Green Porno film, actress Isabella Rossellini interprets the reproductive behavior of marine and terrestrial animals and insects.  

Challenge your knowledge of the birds and the bees and visit the site to view the films and the creative process behind-the-scenes.

Green Fire and Panel Discussion (Dec 5)

Save the date to attend a special screening of Green Fire, a feature-length documentary film about the life and legacy of Aldo Leopold. The film is narrated by Curt Meine, Nelson Institute alumnus and Leopold Scholar.  Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Dick Cates, CIAS. Scheduled panelists include:

• Paul Johnson, past chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Curt Meine, Aldo Leopold Biographer and Scholar
• Stanley Temple, Emeritus Leopold Chair in Wildlife Ecology
• Joy Zedler, Professor of Botany and Aldo Leopold Chair in Restoration Ecology
• Michael Bell, CIAS Director 

What:  Green Fire, Agriculture and the Land Ethic: Leopold’s Legacy, Screening and Panel Discussion 

When:  Wednesday, December 5, 2012 (7:00 PM) 

Where:  Biochemistry, Room 1125 (420 Henry Mall)

This event, a CIAS Culture of Agriculture event, is free and open to the public. 

"We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes – something known only to her and to the mountain. I was young then, and full of trigger-itch; I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters’ paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."

--Aldo Leopold, "Thinking Like a Mountain," Sand County Almanac with Essays on Conservation from Round River

Of related interest do consult the Aldo Leopold Archives, UW Digital Collections.

Print an event poster. (PDF)

Scary Movie Night at Steenbock Memorial Library

To celebrate Halloween, Steenbock Memorial Library is having a scary movie night!

The evening will feature The Little Shop of Horrors, a humorous scary movie about a harmless little Venus flytrap that becomes a giant man-eating menace!  The movie will be shown on Halloween night, Wednesday October 31, at 7:00 p.m. and then again at 9:00 p.m.  The showings will take place on the first floor in the space near office room 119.  Snacks will be provided!

So, stop by on Halloween night and enjoy a showing of The Little Shop of Horrors!

Photo credit: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/asw909/2033463375

film. farther. Wisconsin Film Festival

A is for Audience; B is for Buzz; C is for Cinema. The annual Wisconsin Film Festival, April 18-22, brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. Advance tickets will go on sale beginning March 31 (online or at the Festival Box Office, Memorial Union) and running until April 17. After this date, online ticketing will no longer be available but tickets to some shows may be purchased at each theater for films playing at those respective locations.

Festival venues--campus, public and independently-owned theaters in the heart of Madison--are conveniently within walking distance from one another which makes it possible to catch more than one film each evening.

This year’s international feature roundup includes special salutes to Iranian Cinema and films from the Quebec region of Canada. See the guide to all films.

The Festival is presented by the UW-Madison Arts Institute and the UW Department of Communication Arts; additional sponsorship is provided by UW and community businesses and foundations.

Tales from Planet Earth, March 28-31

Tales from Planet Earth is a week-long film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and film media to capture and to examine those issues.

The festival is a public outreach event from the Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.

View film schedule; speaker schedule, Facebook page.

This year's film festival runs in conjunction with the meeting of the American Society for Environmental History (ASEH), March 28-31, 2012. Visit the Registration and revised session schedule for more information.

The Greenhorns (Nov 29)

FH King and Steenbock Library are pleased to partner for a screening of The Greenhorns on November 29 (12:15 PM). This documentary film examines the possibilities and challenges facing young American farmers as they enter and reinvent the art, science and vocation of farming.

The screening will be followed by discussion.
For more information on the film and The Greenhorns organization, visit their Website.

Date: Tuesday, November 29
Time: 12:15-1:30 PM
Place: Steenbock Library, Room 340 (third floor)

Print a flyer (PDF)

Film Farther, Wisconsin Film Festival (Mar 30-Apr3)

The annual Wisconsin Film Festival, March 30 – April 3, brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. Advance tickets will go on sale beginning March 5 (online or at the Festival Box Office, Memorial Union) and running until March 29. After this date, online ticketing will no longer available but tickets to some shows may be purchased from the box office and at each theater for films playing at those respective locations.

Festival venues--campus, public and independently-owned theaters in the heart of Madison--are conveniently within walking distance from one another which makes it possible to catch more than one film each evening.

The Festival is presented by the UW-Madison Arts Institute, with the assistance of the UW Department of Communication Arts and UW, community and local corporate support.

Green Fire, Madison Premiere (March 4, 6)

Mark your calendar for a screening of Green Fire, a feature-length documentary film about the life and legacy of Aldo Leopold. The film is narrated by Curt Meine, Nelson Institute alumnus and Leopold Scholar. Madison screenings will be hosted by two locations detailed below, the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery (March 4) and the Barrymore Theatre (March 6).

New! The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery has been sold out, but tickets remain for the Barrymore Theatre.

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM, (Reception to follow screening)
Location: Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, Town Center (1300 University Avenue)

Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM, (Reception to follow screening)
Location: Barrymore Theatre (2090 Atwood Avenue)
Tickets: Available through Barrymore Theatre, $8 advance ; $10 at the door

The Madison premiere screenings are sponsored by the following:
Barrymore Theatre
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison
Steenbock's on Orchard
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
First Business Bank
Foley and Lardner, LLP
Dane County Pheasants Forever
Gathering Waters Conservancy
The Prairie Enthusiasts
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Wegner LLP

Truck Farm

It's not just about urban gardening and real food, it's a movement, or shall we say "moving" and proof-positive that one can farm nearly anywhere, given the inspiration.

Metaphor aside, Truck Farm is a non-profit art and advocacy project developed in cooperation with Practical Farmers of Iowa. Take a pick-up truck, outfit the bed with drainage and soil, plant the seeds and watch them grow--all while taking it on the road and bringing information and fresh produce to residents of urban communities (specifically, NYC).

The Truck Farm documentary, from the film-makers who brought us King Corn, joins the tour and chronicles the development of the project and its outreach mission. Visit the site for excerpts.

It Changes You! Wisconsin Film Festival 2010

The Wisconsin Film Festival, April 14-18, brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. Tickets remain available for many films—and can be purchased online or at the Festival Box Office (Memorial Union) through April 13. After this date, and during the festival, tickets can be purchased at each theater for films playing at those respective locations. Festival venues-- campus, public and independently-owned theaters in the heart of Madison--are conveniently within walking distance from one another which makes it possible to catch more than one film each evening.

The Festival is presented by the UW-Madison Arts Institute, with the assistance of the UW Department of Communication Arts.

Of special interest this year is a set of films devoted to the theme of Animals (and Beasties).

The Babcock Hall Dairy Store has also rolled out its signature ice-cream flavor for the film festival—namely, “In the Dark” which features chocolate malt ice cream, chocolate truffle pieces, chocolate chips, dark fudge swirl, and pecans.

Fresh!

Save the date for a screening of Fresh: New Thinking about What We’re Eating and faculty-led discussion, March 11 (5:00-7:00 PM), Memorial Library Commons (Room 460). The film, produced and directed by Ana Sofia Joanes, examines the current food system and celebrates the individuals who are looking to forge healthier and sustainable alternatives. The film features Will Allen (Growing Power), Joel Salatin (Polyface Farms) and David Ball (Hen House Markets), among others (see bios)

Professors Jack Kloppenburg and Jill Harrison, from the department of Community & Environmental Sociology, will lead discussion about the ideas sparked by the film--an event that is free and open to the public.

This event, held in conjunction with UW-Madison's Go Big Read common-reading program is intended to provide a forum for students, staff, and community members to share ideas and perspectives related to the film and their reading of In Defense of Food.

Tales from Planet Earth, Film Festival (Nov 6-8)

Tales from Planet Earth is a three-day film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and the film media to capture and to examine those issues.

The festival is a public outreach event from the Center for Culture, History, and Environment within the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

The festival kicks off at the Wisconsin Union Theater (Friday, November 6, 7:00 PM) with keynote address from MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient and founder of Sustainable South Bronx, Majora Carter.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.

View film schedule; speaker schedule.

Microbes at the Movies (April 7)

Come to a free showing of Gattaca on April 7 (6:30 PM) in the Microbial Sciences Building, Room 1520. Microbiology students and staff will be on hand to lead discussion and to answers after the show.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.

Wisconsin Film Festival (April 2-5)

Tickets remain on sale for the Wisconsin Film Festival (April 2-5), hosted at campus, public and independently-owned theaters in the heart of Madison—all conveniently within walking distance of one another. The festival brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the special selection of films called The Cream and the Crop: Farming and the Land on Film.

Additionally, the Babcock Hall Dairy has crafted a themed ice-cream for the film festival—namely, “In the Dark” with such tasty ingredients as chocolate malt ice cream, chocolate truffle pieces, chocolate chips, dark fudge swirl, and pecans.

Reading Between the Oscars

Slumdog Millionaire swept the Academy Awards, including the award for best picture. As compelling as audiences have found the film, did you know that its genesis was the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup? In fact, many of the films represented by winning cast and crews have their roots in text—the following (below) to be found in campus library collections.

Use the MadCat catalog or speak with your favorite librarian to confirm availability. Should one these titles be checked-out to other library users, do consider a UW-System search or visit one of our area public libraries. Again, campus librarians are happy to help you find available copies.

Curious Case of Benjamin Button (short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Title: Before Gatsby: the first twenty-six stories / F. Scott Fitzgerald; edited by Matthew J. Bruccoli with the assistance of Judith S. Baughman.
Location: College Library Main Book Collection, 3rd Fl. West, Rm 3191
Call Number: PS3511 I9 A6 2001

Location: Memorial Library Stacks Regular Size Shelving
Call Number: PS3511 I9 A6 2001

Author: Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis Scott), 1896-1940.
Title: Novels and stories, 1920-1922 / F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Location: Memorial Library Stacks Regular Size Shelving
Call Number: PS3511 I9 A6 2000

Doubt (play by John Patrick Shanley)

Author: Shanley, John Patrick.
Title: Doubt: a parable / John Patrick Shanley.
Location: College Library Main Book Collection, 3rd Fl. West, Rm 3191
c.1 Temporarily Shelved at College Library Reserve Collection, 1st Fl. Center
Call Number: PS3569 H3337 D68 2005

Location: Memorial Library Stacks Regular Size Shelving
Call Number: PS3569 H3337 D68 2005

The Reader (novel by Bernhard Schlink)

Author: Schlink, Bernhard.
Title: The reader / Bernhard Schlink; translated from the German by Carol Brown Janeway.
Location: Memorial Library Stacks Regular Size Shelving
Call Number: PT2680 L54 V6713 1997

Location: College Library Open Book Fiction, 1st Floor, Room 1250
Call Number: PT2680 L54 V6713 1998

Slumdog Millionaire (based upon the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup)

Author: Swarup, Vikas.
Title: Q & A: a novel / Vikas Swarup.
Location: Memorial Library Stacks Regular Size Shelving
Call Number: PR9499.4 S93 Q13 2005

Wisconsin Film Festival (April 3-6)

There are still tickets available for films at the tenth annual Wisconsin Film Festival (April 3-6). See the Guide for a list of films, venues and ticket availability. Tickets run $7.00 for the general public and $4.00 for students (additional discounts apply with the purchase of multiple tickets).

You may purchase online until Wednesday, April 2; some tickets may also become available at participating theaters, day-of-show. A special Festival box office window is open in Memorial Union, second floor, Annex Room, Monday & Tuesday (noon-8:00PM), Wednesday through Saturday (noon-5:00PM).

The Wisconsin Film Festival was founded in 1999 and features new American independent and world cinema (narrative, documentary, shorts, experimental), restored classics, and the work of Wisconsin filmmakers.

Film Venues and Movie Collections

The Academy Awards’ broadcast always reminds me of great films, past and present, which I haven’t yet seen. For our campus community of frugal consumers, there are some wonderful options--from campus film clubs to library collections--in which to catch up on some viewing.

Campus Venues:

Wisconsin Union, Films

Contemporary films—series of international, documentary and cult classics.

Cinematheque (Vilas Hall)

Classic film series, international, rare and archival.

Library Collections:

Open Book Café

Collections of popular literature, graphic novels, music, audio-books and, of course, movies.

Tip: Looking for a specific film or artist (actor or director)? If so, then run a search for the film or artist by using the MadCat library catalog.

Open the MadCat Basic search screen.
Enter your search terms (title or name of artist), and set search for Words Anywhere.
Limit your search to “Video, Slide, Film, etc.” by selecting this choice from the "Quick Limit" pull-down menu.
Click search for selection of records.

(See the video clip of this navigation)

Tales from Planet Earth (November 2-4)

Tales from Planet Earth is a three-day film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and the film media to capture and to examine those issues.

The festival is the first public outreach event for the Center for Culture, History, and Environment within the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.