SCREENING: PERSISTENCE OF VISION with Filmmaker Kevin Schreck

Special Screening: PERSISTENCE OF VISION
Filmmaker Kevin Schreck via Skype
Playing at the Rafael Film Center
Thursday, November 21, 7:00

'The untold story of the greatest animated film never made, Kevin Schreck's fascinating documentary traces the quixotic quest of visionary animator Richard Williams, who toiled more than three decades on his masterpiece, The Thief and the Cobbler, only to have it torn from his hands. Working out of London and beginning his dream project in 1964, Canadian-born Williams won Oscars for animating A Christmas Carol (1971) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), and earned universal acclaim for his credit sequences for the Pink Panther movies, but he re-invested all his resources into his Middle Eastern fable. This "heartbreaking documentary about a staggering genius" weaves together mind-blowing animation, archival footage and exclusive interviews with key animators and artists to bring to light a lost, precious chapter of animation history. Producer/Director: Kevin Schreck. (US 2012) 83 min. plus discussion.' via CFI

Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan (Special screening with Dennis Muren and Craig Barron)

// RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN

Special Screening at the Rafael Theater

Sunday, August 18, 7:00, Introduced by Dennis Muren

Sunday, August 25, 7:00, Introduced by Craig Barron

'Produced by the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation, this is the definitive documentary on the visual effects and stop-motion pioneer whose imagination thrilled millions. Special Effects Titan traces the productions of The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts and other Harryhausen classics, with archival footage, on-camera commentary by the master himself and interviews with many who knew or learned from him, including: Ray Bradbury, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Nick Park, Phil Tippett, Joe Dante, John Landis, Dennis Muren, John Lassiter, Tim Burton, Henry Selick, Guillermo del Toro, Terry Gilliam and others. Producers: Alexandre Poncet, Tony Dalton. Writer/Director: Gilles Penso. (France/UK 2012) 92 min.

We are happy that two of Ray Harryhausen's friends will introduce our screenings. Dennis Muren has received nine Academy Awards for his visual effects on Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and others. Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Craig Barron (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) serves on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.' via Rafael Theater

SHORTS IN BRIEF Featuring all Pixar Animation shorts

For my friends in the Bay Area!

SHORTS IN BRIEF

Featuring all Pixar Animation Studio shorts
Sunday, May 20, 2:00 pm 

All Tickets $5

more info here //  Rafael Film Center

2010 Oscar Nominated Short Films at the Rafael

The Rafael Theater in downtown San Rafael, CA is showing the 2010 Oscar Nominated short Films. They're screening both the live action and animated shorts.

The animated short films include:

French Roast
Granny O'Gimm's Sleeping Beauty
The Lady and the Reaper
Logorama
A Matter of Loaf and Death
Partly Cloudy
The Kinematograph
Runaway

*One side note - The Live Action Shorts are rated R for those interested in taking kids to see the animated shorts.


Playing at the Rafael Feb 19th - 25th


2010 Oscar Nominated Short Films

Ray Harryhausen and Friends

Well, last night Tiff and I along with friends and co-workers turned out to see Ray Harryhausen, Craig Barron, Arnold Kunert, Dennis Muren and Phil Tippett talk about Ray's films and the effects industry. One of the highlights of the night was when Arnold Kunert showed some clips from The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms that were cut from the original film. Some of the shots were of Ray's animation tests for the film and others were extended scenes. Despite being 87 years young Ray held his own and provided wonderful incite and commentary on some of his most memorable works in stop motion animation. It was inspiring to see these giants of the effects industry all on one stage together talking shop! Special thanks to Anna for the pictures!