Editor

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM SUMMER FILM SERIES

Summer of '69 & Stonewall 50th Anniversary

It's free, it's fun, and it's all about the '60s. Celebrating 50 years since the end of the '60s with films reflecting the climate of the time. Presented in collaboration with Palm Springs International Film Society at the Annenberg Theater bi-weekly on Thursday Nights. First come first serve so get there quick.

Thursday, June 27

Doors Open 5:30 PM

Film starts 6:00 PM

Free Open Seating

Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum

HATS OFF TO HOLLYWOOD

Dir. Penelope Spheeris

1972, 22 Minutes

This short film brazenly and brilliantly mixes documentary reality with fully staged recreations/re-imaginings of episodes in the lives of Jimmy/Jennifer and Dana, a loving, bickering couple who challenge the notion of homonormativity. Drugs, poverty, disease, bigotry, and prostitution all figure into this disarmingly candid and often hilarious film, a remarkable work that is the apotheosis of director Spheeris’ early work.

Penelope Spheeris in attendance for Introduction and Q&A

Spheeris is often referred to as a 'rock 'n roll anthropologist'. In 1974 she formed the first Los Angeles music video production company, ROCK 'N REEL. She concluded her music video work with the Grammy-nominated, "Bohemian Rhapsody" video for "Wayne's World". Spheeris' feature film debut was the 1979 documentary on the Los Angeles punk scene, "The Decline of Western Civilization" which was received with stunning and unanimous critical praise. In 1983 she wrote and directed "Suburbia", produced by Roger Corman. It is a disturbing and prophetic story of rebellious, homeless kids squatting in abandoned houses, trying to make new families, and protecting one another. "Suburbia" won first place at the Chicago Film Festival. Almost 25 years later her documentary, "The Decline of Western Civilization, Part III" would eerily mirror the events she scripted in "Suburbia". In the mid-80s she directed "The Boys Next Door", starring Charlie Sheen and Maxwell Caulfield, then "Dudes" starring John Cryer, Flea, and Daniel Roebuck. Both films have attained cult classic status. "The Decline of Western Civilization, Part II: The Metal Years" was released in 1988, again to spectacular critical acclaim. Commentaries from Ozzy Osbourne, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, Lemmy of Motorhead, Poison, etc. make it one of the most memorable pieces of rock film history.

In 1992, Spheeris directed her seventh feature, and first studio film, "Wayne's World" at Paramount Pictures. Subsequently she directed and produced "The Beverly Hillbillies" (Fox), wrote and directed "The Little Rascals" (Universal), then directed "Black Sheep" (Paramount), etc. In 1999, Spheeris documented The Ozzfest, America's most successful summer concert tour, and the reunion performances of the original Black Sabbath. Both as director and one of the cinematographers, Spheeris achieved a remarkable and historic film which offers the audience a unique view of life on the road: "We Sold Our Souls For Rock 'N Roll".

WORD IS OUT

Directors: Nancy Adair, Andrew Brown, Rob Epstein

1977, 132 Minutes

The Stonewall riots of 1969 provoked LGBTQ activists to fight for public visibility and civil rights. This landmark documentary, released just eight years later, brings together two dozen men and women of various backgrounds, ages, and races talk about their sexuality and identity. Their stories are arranged in loose chronology: early years, fitting in, disclosing their sexuality, establishing adult identities, and reflecting on how things have changed and how things should be.

In collaboration with the Palm Springs Art Museum

One Screening a month, select Thursdays at 6:00 PM

ADMISSION IS FREE

101 N Museum Dr 

Palm Springs, CA 92262

For more information on the rest of the series check our website below