“The film pushes the viewer from the confines of the private to the public; there, we see the outside world requires—needs—our participation, if we want a civic sphere that is vibrant, colorful, truly pluralistic. If you look at your cell phone all day, of course, you don’t realize this. The world falls apart around you, and no app can change that.” ~ Michael Devine (Source: Saranac Review)

The Lake Champlain International Film Festival kicks off this evening at the Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh, and the opening night will feature Burgh, a film-poem by SUNY Plattsburgh professors Julia and Michael Devine. This short format cinematographic reflection on place (and the relationship between place, people, and identity) will be screened together with Manhatta. Devine described his film as an homage to Paul Strand and Charles Sheeler’s 1921 avant-garde film which he explored in less poetic, more academic terms in “An Art That Won’t Behave“.

I am anticipating this evening’s screening with high hopes. I look forward to sharing my reaction soon.