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History

Juneteenth is a holiday that has at least some legislative recognition, in the form of a statute or official statewide observance, in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Considering its significance, Juneteenth is not as well known or widely observed among the general US populace as one would think, especially in comparison to the Fourth of July. The annual observance of Juneteenth commemorates the public reading in Texas on June 19th, 1865, of General Order No. 3, announcing that all slaves had been freed. If you’re doing the math between that announcement and the issue date of the Emancipation Proclamation, the latter occurred a full 2-1/2 years prior, on January 1, 1863. The reasons for the long stretch between the two are numerous, but many historians agree that the delay was due at least in part to Texas slave owners’ desire to reap the benefit of slave labor through one more cotton harvest.

Artists and Film

Author Ralph Ellison struggled over decades to complete his second novel after his first, Invisible Man, won the National Book Award upon publication in 1952. Unfinished at his death, the novel, Juneteenth, was reworked and published posthumously by Ellison’s longtime friend John Callahan.

Through IU Media Services department’s streaming platforms, you can use your IU credentials to access an in-depth documentary on the life and writings of Ellison, entitled Ralph Ellison: An American Journey (available through Alexander Street Press). TL:DR: watch a moving excerpt of that same documentary via Films On Demand’s Master Academic Collection entitled “Ellison’s Unfinished Work.” This  7-minute segment shows Toni Morrison doing a public reading of a passage from Juneteenth in which Ellison explores the complex relationship between Black women caregivers and the White babies they nurtured. Ellison eloquently captures the fraught changes in those relationships as the children grow up to assume a position at the top of the racial hierarchy. 

There are not many feature films that reference Juneteenth, but Miss Juneteenth is scheduled for release in conjunction with Juneteenth 2020. A character study within a pageant film, the story, directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples, “explores how Black women and girls support each other in a world that often fails them.”

Juneteenth Productions is a real-life effort to foster that same type of support. Launched by Emmy-award winner Judith McCray, the Chicago-based company focuses on educational and documentary media resources in support of social justice. McCray is also on the faculty of DePaul University and producer of the podcast Zebra Sisters: Crossing Racial Boundaries  for the Chicago Sun-Times.

National Holiday/Local Observances

There have been numerous attempts over the years to make Juneteenth a national holiday, and the idea seems to be gaining traction as more US citizens come to understand the significance of the observance, its importance to the Black community, and its symbolic value as both a symbol of hope and a challenge to manifest the ideals of freedom proclaimed centuries ago. One of the most visible activists in the push for national holiday status is Ms. Opal Lee, a 93-year-old who has been walking in her home state of Texas and in many other states in the nation, many times accompanied by a crowd of supporters, to draw attention to the importance of Juneteenth.

 

Indiana University and the City of Bloomington have local traditions for celebrating Juneteenth, and though the pandemic is having its effect on in-person observances, Bloomington Black Lives Matter is hosting a safe, physically distanced event with the following guidelines: Please remember that this is a Black Community event! We will be giving priority to Black Community members. You can learn more on BLM B-town’s home page, including how to register for food and space.

Juneteenth events large and small are happening all over the country. Here are a few more that offer entertainment, education, and sometimes both. All events are either cost-free or offer a cost-free option:

If you are in the mood for a large-scale party: Sweet Honey In The Rock streaming concert & guests (incl. Gina Belafonte, Jordan Ware, Danny Glover): https://sweethoneyintherock.org/juneteenth

Feeling like a more intimate event? Try Nnenna Ogwo and the Sterling Strings’ Annual Juneteenth Celebration live from New York: https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2020/j/nnenna-ogwo–sterling-strings-annual-juneteenth-celebration/

Nnenna Ogwo is a classically trained pianist and teaching artist dedicated to engaging listeners with her lush, richly layered performances. Her unwavering commitment to programming the music of under-represented composers is rooted in the belief that we can’t be what we can’t see or hear. This commitment is reflected in her various projects and collaborations with other musicians of color in presenting music of the African Diaspora and beyond.

 

Ibram X. Kendi, Director of the BU Center for Anti-Racist Research and one of the most sought-after anti-racist speakers, will give a talk entitled “How to Build An Anti-Racist Movement” sponsored by Boston Globe: https://globeoptalk.splashthat.com/?fbclid=IwAR3vDjeEfijZGlGbhi87kX0_d-g5kHnllOTtThKgj0dUkb8dxmjRo-oX-rU

The ACLU is also sponsoring an educational event entitled “Juneteenth, COVID-19, and the Killings of Black People.” This online forum can be found at https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/reparations-h-r-40-and-the-path-forward/?redirect=reparations

Additional resources

If you want to learn more about Juneteenth itself, check out the Juneteenth Jamboree series from KLRU-TV, the PBS affiliate station in Austin, Texas. From the inaugural episode in 2008 to the present, the annual Jamboree shows can be searched by topics such as Performing Arts, Community, Food and Dining, and History. 

All of us at Media Services wish all of you a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth! HS

Heather Sloan is the Media and Maps Assistant at Herman B Wells Library. In conjunction with her library work, she is a scholar of Afro-Caribbean percussion traditions. Ongoing projects include studying the effects of deforestation on African diaspora drum-making traditions in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Haiti. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science with a specialization in Digital Humanities at IU and was a 2019-2020 HASTAC Scholar.

 

Welcome to the launch of Media Services’ 2020-2021 blog post series, “Media, Democracy, and Justice.” Every two weeks, the department will devote its Media Beat blog space to issues and ideas at the intersection of media and justice. In conjunction with IU’s Fall 2020 Themester topic of Democracy, Media Services is committed to promoting discussion of issues fundamental to democracy and featuring strategies for engaging with democracy.  Because there are so many thought-provoking films in our collection that explore a wide range of perspectives on—and approaches to—media and justice, our series will extend beyond Fall through the end of Spring 2021. 

Our inaugural post, “Black Lives Matter: Past and Present Protests,” was written by a number of Media Services student staff members, who are dedicating the post to 38-year-old former IU football player Chris Beaty, who was shot and killed on May 30th at a protest in Indianapolis.

OUR WORLD TODAY

Protests have erupted around the world following the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man in Minneapolis who was arrested after being suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill. After being handcuffed, police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes while two other officers restrained the rest of his body. Two medical examiners ruled the manner of Floyd’s death a homicide, though there are inconsistencies in the cause of death. As a result of the protests, Chauvin’s charge has been upgraded to second-degree murder and manslaughter and the other offices involved have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. 

Floyd’s case is only one of many killings of unarmed African Americans in recent years. As a consequence of his death and the deaths of others, such as Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in order to demand change in the criminal justice system. Although most protests have started peacefully, some have included looting and property damage to some nearby businesses. As a consequence, curfews have been imposed, policing has increased, and police tactics have escalated.

IU’S PLACE WITHIN THE MOVEMENT

Indiana University is no stranger to student activism. National issues have regularly been addressed on campus, and that practice continues to this day. Student participation in protests at IU has at times been met with administrative resistance and negative public response. From the 1967 Dow Chemical Sit-In to the anti-war protest that accompanied the next day’s visit by then-Secretary of State Dean Rusk, up through present-day activism, response to student protests shapes the historical record. The Dow Sit-In was met with police brutality while the protest accompanying Rusk’s visit was not, and each prompted different levels of sympathy and backlash on the part of the general public. These responses contribute important information about what constitutes “acceptable” protest. Since public and institutional perception are defining factors in how such events are memorialized, they are worth examining critically. 

Certain events in university history encapsulate IU’s place within the BLM movement. The Afro-Afro-American Student’s Association (AAASA) formation in 1968 by sociology graduate student Clarence Turner encouraged member participation in activism on campus. AAASA led student activists to stage a sit-in inside the stadium where Little 500 was set to occur later that day. From this display of activism, IU President Elvis Stahr was persuaded to issue a statement to all Greek chapters on campus to remove racially discriminatory clauses in their national charters. 

In that same year, The Black Market on Kirkwood Avenue opened in collaboration with black students and faculty and featured books, clothes, records, and artwork celebrating black culture. On December 26, 1968, the store was firebombed, destroying the premises. This racially motivated attack was met with protest by students who used the event to speak to greater outrage about race relations on campus and in Bloomington. The incident highlights violent and continued racism in Indiana, and student activism in the face of community and institutional resistance.  

Historically, IU students have taken an active role in protesting violence, inequality, and racism. IU’s current and increasingly diverse student population continues this tradition. IU Bloomington’s student population is large enough to exert considerable influence and effect significant change, whether on university policies, within the local community, or as part of the work toward a more equitable and free society. (Total degree-seeking enrollment across all seven IU campuses is over 91,000 students)

MEDIA RESOURCES ON PROTESTS AND RACIAL INEQUALITY

Although we cannot yet open our doors to the public, there are still many resources Media Services provides online! Here are a few films that help illuminate the history and present-day root causes of racial inequality in the world today:

#BlackLivesMatter (IUCAT)

If you are interested in learning more about how the Black Lives Matter movement started, check out this documentary. The film explores how Black Lives Matter started out as a hashtag and grew into a movement as part of a new era of civil rights activism.

Whose Streets? (Kanopy)

Whose Streets? follows the Black Lives Matter movement in Ferguson, Missouri, one of the most influential racial-justice uprisings in modern history. It began as a response to the murder of 18-year-old Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson PD, but the film also relates police brutality to the prison industrial complex, the politics of protesting, and socioeconomic barriers for Black Americans. Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival, among numerous other accolades, Whose Streets? amplifies the voices of local protestors in a fight for civil rights.

Do the Right Thing (SWANK)

A revered classic, Do the Right Thing follows rising tensions in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, due to issues of gentrification as well as overt racism. The film’s commentary on these issues is cleverly delivered in comedy by director Spike Lee. Released in 1989, this film is as relevant in 2020 as when it was released and is dedicated to victims of police brutality. 

White Like Me (Kanopy)

From the imdb.com synopsis: In White Like Me, anti-racist educator Tim Wise explores race and racism in the US through the lens of whiteness and white privilege. This is a great resource for those yearning to understand the perspective of people of color in the US.

Policing The Police (IUCAT)

Many American cities are considering major reforms to police tactics that would have seemed highly unlikely just a few years ago. This documentary follows the Newark Police Department in New Jersey and their journey to reform after being ordered to do so by the Department of Justice. This film addresses topics of policing and race. 

Free Speech is Threatened on Campus: A Debate (IUCAT)

Peaceful protests have become more commonplace on college campuses in recent years. Students have protested issues ranging from white supremacy to climate change. However, some colleges have struggled with creating an atmosphere that allows for free speech but at the same time does not promote intolerance. This film features a debate about freedom of speech on college campuses.

MORE FILMS TO WATCH

Here is a list of other films related to the topic. These and more are available to stream using your IUB credentials. Check out more films at iucat.iu.edu, Kanopy, and SWANK. 

1. Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask
2. Bell Hooks
3. Sorry to Bother you
4. The Colonial Misunderstanding
5. The Great White Hoax
6. Racial Facial 

OTHER IU COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:

MCO – Media Collections Online

• IU Media Digitization & Preservation Initiative in 2017 digitized The Afro-American in Indiana radio broadcast series (1971-1983). In this collection, hosts Fr. Hardin and Sister Jane Schilling promote black history and explore a range of topics from medicine, law, labor history, colonialism, and finally Indiana-specific history. 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Although it’s important to stay connected and informed, the trauma and confusion related to unfolding events, on top of the persistent pandemic, can be overwhelming. Here are some accessible online resources you can utilize if you need to talk or otherwise process:

CAPS at IU

IU has counseling resources that you can access online or on the phone! Schedule a 30-minute session at 812-855-5711 or call the crisis line 812-855-5711 for an emergency session. Remember, each enrolled student has two free CAPS sessions per semester, so take advantage!

There are also numerous websites that aggregate contact information for therapists specializing in inclusive therapy for marginalized and intersectional communities, most if not all of whom have lived experience with the particular issues that arise from marginalization and/or exclusion. There are also reduced-fee and even FREE therapy options available. This is another article to help you find affordable therapy, whether you have insurance or not!

Beyond therapy, it’s also important to take the time to unplug from social media and the news. Everything happening in the world is at our fingertips and easy to consume, so remember to take steps to keep yourself from getting overloaded.

CALL TO ACTION – (BLOOMINGTON AND ABROAD)

There are so many ways that students can contribute to social change. Education is important in fueling and focusing energy and making sure the changes we make are lasting. There are lots of ways to incorporate what we learn into our civic involvement and action. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Black Lives Matter movement specifically and the fight for racial justice within the criminal justice system more generally, the Bloomington BLM chapter’s website is a great place to start. The group lists a wide variety of ways to get involved with BLM itself or with other community groups and events. Protests, petitions, and donations are typical ways to contribute to the community, but there are many other options as well.  

In the continuing tradition of social change and advocacy at IU, there is also a conversation about the role of the IU Police Department on campus, and the possibility of creating a police accountability board. 

What do YOU hope future IU students will say about our generation’s place in IU student protest history?

Black. Lives. Matter.

As an exhausted senior, I constantly think and dream of change: moving to a new city, starting a new job, meeting new people—there are so many exciting moments and experiences ahead. But of course, change isn’t exclusive to any one point in time. Life is defined by continuous change and is often comprised of ones that you can’t anticipate.

I was recently introduced to a show that well captures the constant change that characterizes life: Fleabag. It’s about a woman referred to as Fleabag (yes, Fleabag) navigating life after loss and in between a whole lot else. The circumstances of her life and relationships are always changing in tragically hilarious ways. She owns a cafe, has a carousel of men at her disposal, and navigates intense family relationships. Fleabag’s dry, dark sense of humor clocks the otherwise tragic narrative and disguises it as a very clever comedy. The show is as painful and awkward as life itself.

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What makes Fleabag so unique is that not only do we see the circumstances in Fleabag’s life changing, but we also see how they influence her interactions with others in her life. One of my favorite dynamics is between Fleabag and her sister Claire, because it’s probably the most erratic on the show. A self-described “cold” woman, Claire is certainly an opposite of—and foil for—Fleabag. She’s a high-powered international lawyer with great acclaim, an impressive office, and a recent promotion. To Claire’s dismay, however, she still manages to have a life that’s just as messy and crazy as her sister’s. This just goes to show that no matter how solid a hold you think you have on the course of your life, there will always be something beyond your grasp.

A key part of the show’s narrative is Fleabag’s use of asides within the story. When she breaks the fourth wall to make comments to viewers and/or herself is often when we see the most vulnerable and witty side of her. I believe there’s a lesson there; it’s important to contextualize the immediate events of your life into the the main overriding themes of your life: your relationships, your goals, and your fears. And of course, the main lesson from Fleabag is that, even when you wish to keep things constant, there will always be something unexpected around the corner, whether you like it or not.

Even if we can’t anticipate change, we can choose to look at it in different ways. Fleabag chooses to look at change with a self-deprecating humor, which is what makes the story so tragically hilarious. Even if she doesn’t deal with pain in the best way, there’s definitely value in being able to smirk in the face of adversity.

Note that this show is only for mature audiences, as it contains a lot of sexual content. There are conflicting reports on whether or not there will be a third season, but creator & lead actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge seems ready to leave Fleabag behind in pursuit of other creative ventures.

Waller-Bridge’s self-deprecating humor and wit form part of a great tradition in British comedy, and there are many films and shows in the Media Services collection emblematic of that same classic British comic style. The entire original British series The Office, on which the American version is based, is available for check-out, as is another dry British series, Absolutely Fabulous, which follows a group of friends having a good time and making bad decisions. Be sure to ask our Media Services staff for these titles upon your next visit! LA

Leah Ashebir is a senior majoring in Finance at Kelley. She enjoys watching Katherine Hepburn movies and the 2000s TV series Smallville in her spare time.

The Academy Doesn’t See Color And Gender. That’s Their Biggest Problem.

It’s a new year, a new decade, and a new world of cinema. Recently, the Academy released their list of nominations for the 2020 Oscars. This year’s broadcast of the Oscars is predicted to have a large viewership due to the number of groundbreaking films released last year and the large increase in diversity on the big screen. However, as predicted, with their nominations the Academy has once again failed to acknowledge that diversity (for a sampling of the widely discussed lack of nomination diversity, see USA Today, The New York Times, Forbes, CBS News, and BuzzFeed).

This year in the performance categories, only two people of color are nominated: Cynthia Erivo (for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet) and Antonio Banderas (for the role of Salvador Mallo in Pain and Glory). Most major news outlets had at least one piece on the many snubs of actors of color and women this year (see links above or Google “Oscars 2020 snubs”). Among actors of color, the snubs included Lakeith Standfield for his role in Uncut Gems, Lupita Nyong’o for her groundbreaking role in Us, Nora Lum (aka Awkwafina) for her role in The Farewell, and Jennifer Lopez for her role in Hustlers. There are many great performances that are snubbed this year, but these were arguably the most notable. For decades now, the Oscars have been very “white,” and increasingly, it has been a topic of discussion each year when the nominations are revealed. According to the history of the Academy, since the first Oscars in 1927, fewer than 20 black people  have won an Oscar for a performance, and only three Asian actors have won. According to the Washington Post, in the last 25 years, there have only been 16 nominations for Latin/Hispanic actors. Diversity has historically been a huge issue for the Academy and at this point, if the Academy is working on becoming more inclusive, it is not showing in the Oscar nominations (as the New York Times put it, “The Oscars Tried to Diversify. Somehow Diversity Didn’t Follow” (see article link in the first paragraph)).

On the topic of gender, the Best Director category has historically been dominated by men. Since 1927, there have only been five women nominated for Best Director, with only one of them winning the award (Kathryn Bigelow in 2010 for The Hurt Locker ). This year, the situation is no different: for the 2020 Oscars, all the nominees for Best Director are men. Many news outlets remarked on the slap this represented for all the great films directed by women this year (see article links in first paragraph). Lulu Wang, director of The Farewell, Lorene Scafaria, director of Hustlers, Claire Denis, director of High Life, and Céline Sciamma, director of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, were all snubbed. Given the history of the category, these omissions are quite disappointing but not surprising.

We are now at the beginning of the third decade of this millennium. Judging from the increasing amount of vocal backlash in response to the Academy’s nominees, the frustrated modern consumer and struggling filmmaker are fed up with the lack of diversity at the awards. If the Academy pays attention to the backlash and begins to acknowledge a wider array of film cultures and genres, the awards ceremony may continue to draw a sizable audience. If not, the Academy’s relevance will likely diminish as the 21st century unfolds, as audiences find other means of recognizing the filmmakers and actors they value. DH

Here are some of the many great films that were snubbed this year that are available in our collection at Wells:

* Us (Dir. Jordan Peele, Monkeypaw Productions, 2019), https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/17577783

* The Farewell (Dir. Lulu Wang, BIG BEACH Productions, A24, 2019), https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/17888076

 

 

 

 

As winter darkness drags on past the holidays, some folks combat the bleakness with weapons of coziness. Others relish the continued spookiness of the short days and dark nights. Still others strike a balance by watching eerie movies while snuggling up with warm apple cider and fluffy blankets. As your guest blogger and movie guide this week, I know a film that is the perfect blend of creepiness, comedy, suspense, and romance, with some great music thrown in for good measure.

It is hard to find someone who has not at least heard of the 1993 film  Hocus Pocus. It is my favorite movie to watch with a warm drink and some fuzzy socks. Why? It’s got everything!

Creepy:

This movie is crammed with creepiness! There are multiple deaths within the first fifteen minutes, which ramps up the creep factor to at least an eight before we even meet the main character. Also, there’s an eyeball on a book, the cover of which is made of skin. I mean, come on!

Suspense:

The suspense is more subtle, but the uncertainty woven into the plot keeps the tension high. Children possibly walking towards their doom, dead people being brought back to life—these things keep you on the edge of your seat!

Comedy:

The comedic timing and script are all genius, and are an integral part of what makes this movie so great! Winifred’s sass. . . spicy! Max’s skepticism and quick thinking. . . on point! Allison’s bratty yet clever personality. . . amazing! This dynamic, and the kooky cameos, lend themselves to great dialogue and lines that stand the test of time. Truly iconic!

Romance: 

Some people want romance even in the spookiest of stories, and this film fills those needs. While the romance is present and memorable, it in no way distracts from the central focus of the plot, which is crucial in a movie like this. Having a strong, female love interest that is helpful to the plot is one of the film’s strengths, and it is nice to see playful banter and even antagonism between the pair before their relationship blooms.

Music:

I PUT A SPELL ON YOU!  Classic song; classic rendition. No need to say anything else!

The amalgamation of all these thrills and delights makes Hocus Pocus a movie that will continue to be a go-to for years and years to come. If you have not seen it, come check it out from Media Services at Wells Library, and let us know if you agree! SM

Have a favorite wintertime movie of your own? Let us know in the Comments section!

Guest blogger Sydney Morrow is a third-year Choral Music Education major. She likes to spend time reading and watching musicals, Law and Order SVU, or the Hunger Games series!

Since making waves at the Cannes film festival and unanimously winning the Palme d’Or prize (the first film to do so since 2013), South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite has been getting hype worldwide as the best movie of the year. Artistically shot, with an all-too-relevant social message for today’s times, full of symbolism and messages delivered in morse code, it is easy to see why Parasite is topping film nerds’ Top 10 blogs. However, what really makes this film stand out is that it doesn’t allow these cerebral conceits to take away from the fun of the movie. Like many other movies in the recent trend of “social thrillers”—think Jordan Peele’s Get Out or Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You—Parasite defies genre categorization, jumping between witty comedy, family drama, and high-octane thriller in a matter of moments.

The film dropped at the same time as Scorsese fans and Marvel fans debate the role of film in contemporary society.* Throughout film history, people have argued about what movies should do for people: should they, as any other art medium, constantly strive to evolve and challenge the viewer? Or is it okay that Marvel puts out massive blockbusters that rake in millions, epics that people love to watch again and again, even though they all blend together and can feel like the same movie over and over again? Are movies a tool of enlightenment or escape?  The obvious answer to this is “yes.” We can have both types of movies and let people enjoy what they want, how they want. In fact, I’m not sure how the either-or film argument has persisted for so long.

What is so special about Parasite is that it expertly fills viewers’ desires for enlightenment and escape: it is simultaneously a “smart” movie and a “fun” movie. The comedy and action, along with the heart-poundingly tense scenes scattered throughout the movie, are expertly blended with the symbolism, social message, and evocative dialogue, such that in one fell swoop the film invalidates the entire “smart vs. fun” debate. This is likely why Parasite is getting so much buzz and winning so many accolades: it feels like a real breakthrough. Along with the other “smart thriller” films mentioned above, it represents fresh new cinematic territory, and I hope we see a lot more of it in the coming years. JB

Our guest student blogger Joey Bassett joined the Media Services staff this year. This is his second contribution to the department blog.

*In reality, Martin Scorsese’s contribution to this debate is more nuanced than “fun” vs. “smart” and centers on the effects of corporate monopolization on the film industry. Read more about his thoughts here.

 

The films of “Classic Hollywood”—the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s—are fun and fascinating to watch, especially for their glamorous aesthetics. This era of cinema was also filled with period pieces, many set in the ancient world of the Mediterranean. When classic Hollywood took on the classics—ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt—the results were often spectacular, dramatic epics. The sumptuous costumes and grandiose art deco sets make for a very different picture of the ancient world than contemporary adaptations like 300 or Troy.

1. The Ten Commandments (1956)

Cecil B. DeMille’s epic drama, depicting the life of the biblical figure Moses, is a visual treat regardless of religious affiliation. The film is nearly four hours, but every scene is filmed in striking VistaVision and packed with colorful detail. At the time of its production it was the most expensive film ever made, and it won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Charlton Heston plays Moses, who struggles against the Egyptian pharaoh Rameses (played by Yul Brynner of The King and I) for the freedom of enslaved Israelites. Filmed on location in Egypt, the epic follows the story of Moses and the Israelites searching for the Promised Land for forty years.

Media Services recently got a special edition of The Ten Commandments,which includes the 1923 silent film as well. Come check it out! (Click on the title link above. All title links connect to the item’s IUCAT record.)

2. Cleopatra (1934)

Another Cecil B. DeMille classic, Cleopatra jumps several centuries forward in history to depict the famous story of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marc Antony.

Claudette Colbert plays the powerful, glamorous and seductive Cleopatra, who is vying for power over Egypt and throughout the Roman Empire. Cleopatra follows the political and romantic intrigue between its titular queen, Julius Caesar (Warren William), and Marc Antony (Henry Wilcoxon)—but like The Ten Commandments, the visual spectacle of the Egyptian costumes and set designs is just as exciting as the plot.

Because it was made just before the enforcement of the “Hays Code,” the film is a bit more risqué than other black-and-white films of the period. Still, it was a smash hit: nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, it took home the award for Best Cinematography.

Available in the Media Services Teaching & Research section.

3. Helen of Troy (1956)

Jumping back to 1100 B.C., my next pick is the 1956 Warner Bros. film Helen of Troy. The film stars Jacques Sernas and Rossan Podesta, and is loosely based on Homer’s account of the Trojan War and the “face that launched a thousand ships.” Brigitte Bardot appears as Andraste—at 22, this was her first American film!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. The Celluloid Closet (1995)

For a change of pace, check out the 1995 documentary film The Celluloid Closet. The documentary is broadly about the history of LGBT representation in Hollywood. Filled with 90’s stars and narrated by Lily Tomlin, it tracks progress from stereotypes in early Hollywood, to covert representation in the Hays Code era, to emergent representation in the 90’s.

In the documentary, Gore Vidal shares a fascinating story about his contributions to the script of the 1959 Ben-Hur, which sets Charlton Heston in ancient Jerusalem. Vidal reports that, unbeknownst to Heston, he wrote the characters of Ben-Hur and Messala as former lovers. While Heston denies the story, it is an interesting take on the subtext of the campy Hollywood classic.

The Celluloid Closet is available in Media Services’ Teaching and Research and Browsing Documentary sections. JW

Josie Wenig is a PhD student in Religious Studies, studying early Christianity, philosophy, and transgender theory.

As a member of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design here at IU, I was struggling after the closing of the museum on campus. The Museum had been closed since mid-2017 for remodeling, but reopened last month (November 7th, 2019)—yay! During the closure, I met my need to discover new and exciting artwork by turning to the collection of arts-related films and TV shows housed right here in Media Services at Wells Library. Media Services’ collection of arts videos expanded significantly upon the permanent closure of the Fine Arts library branch that coincided with the Eskenazi renovation. The collection touches on many different artists and movements from all around the world. With everything from series about ancient and medieval art to features on modern-day creatives, our library is bound to have a title for you to enjoy. 

If documentaries are more your speed, you might be interested in one of our recent acquisitions—Kusama: Infinity. This gripping documentary on the life and artwork of Japanese artist Yoyoi Kusama gives you a detailed account of Kusama’s battles against formidable odds in her fight to make her mark on the world. The viewer is invited to reminisce with Kusama and other historians about her upbringing in a strict family, her daring move to New York in the 60s, and her ongoing battle with mental illness that caused her to leave America and move back to Japan. All the while we gain an understanding of how her work was not only a reflection of herself but of the socio-political atmosphere in which she lived. The film also provides a retrospective of her work, from early watercolors and net paintings to her infinity rooms. Your eye is bound to be tickled and intrigued by Kusama’s masterpieces. At age 80, Yayoi Kusama is now the highest-grossing female artist worldwide from a financial standpoint, and her creative spirit continues to inspire millions.

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Trying to avoid the outdoors as temperatures drop? How about streaming a title from one of our online services? As an IU student, you have access to our ResLife Cinema online while you’re on campus. Whether you’re snug in your dorm or bored between classes, we have hundreds of titles for you to explore. One title worth watching is director Julie Taymor’s Frida, starring Salma Hayek. This biopic focuses on iconic female artist Frida Kahlo and the life that fueled her work. Beginning just before her traumatic accident that became the subject of many paintings and ending after a solo exhibition of her work in Mexico, the film follows her rise to world-renowned artist as well as her turbulent marriage with fellow-artist Diego Rivera. The film allows the viewer to see the entangled experience of art-making and life for Kahlo while visually exploring her work. Visit ResLife Cinema to see the performance that won Salma Hayek an Oscar nomination in Frida. 

   

 

 

 

 

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Do you prefer to get an overview of an artist, but you’re strapped for screen time? No worries, we have just the series! Housed in Media Services is a variety of seasons of the PBS show Art:21 Art in the 21st Century. Providing the public with insight into the lives of leading creatives in contemporary art, this series focuses on all kinds of disciplines—sculpture, film, fashion, and painting are just a few. Kick off your binge-watching with Seasons One and Two of the show, which highlight artists like Barbra Kruger and Trenton-Doyle Hancock. The show seeks to answer important questions about the contemporary art world. Who are some of today’s most fascinating artists? How do they work, and why? Go beyond museum and gallery representation of these creators with Art:21, and get a glimpse of artists’ personal communities to augment your understanding of their work. These vignettes of each artist’s practice, thematic inspiration for work, and process all provide a wonderful jumping-off point for further research on someone you find interesting. You can also access their website, which provides an extensive list of artists they have filmed and explains more about their project. 

For many, art is not just the production of an object but an integral part of life. These films and series go beyond explaining how creators make their work to highlight the intricate connection between living and creating. Come explore your creative side with these titles and many more at Media Services! 

Other interesting artist documentaries and films: 

Ai Weiwei: the Fake Case 

Rivers and Tides Andy Goldsworthy Working With Time 

Marina Abramović : the artist is present

Invisible women : forgotten artists of Florence 

Guest student blogger Olivia Kalish is a Junior studying Painting and Art History in the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design. In her free time, she practices art making, spends time with her family, and listens to podcasts. 

 

Themester is an IU program held each Fall that combines classes and special events, like lectures and exhibits, to encourage students to experience that semester’s topic through multiple disciplines and formats. This program is part of the university’s attempt to give students a well-rounded educational experience. In honor of IU’s bicentennial, the Fall 2019 Themester topic is Remembering and Forgetting. Below are some movies that offer perspectives on memory, all of which can be checked out at Media Services.

Memento

This film is all about personal memory. From the same director of Inception (2010), this is another movie that will mess with your mind. The main character, Leonard, is searching for the man who raped and murdered his wife. One problem: he has short-term memory loss due to the attack and cannot make new memories. After a few minutes of hearing any new information, he forgets it. I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes to have their brain broken by a movie.

V for Vendetta

Set in a fascist, dystopian Britain, this story follows the life of Evie and a masked man known as ‘V’ while they ignite a revolution to overthrow the government. The film explores how we remember heroes and ideas. I recommend this movie to any superhero lover or lovers of revolution.

Coco

This film is all about how the dead are remembered in Mexican culture. The main character, Miguel, dreams of being a musician despite his family’s ban on music. After stealing a guitar from his dead idol, he finds himself in the Land of the Dead. He must make his way back to the Land of Living before he disappears forever, but he refuses to go back before getting his family’s blessing to play music. I recommend this movie to any Pixar lovers, or if you are in need of a good cry.

Blackkklansman

Director Spike Lee brings to life the true story of Ron Stallworth, a black police officer in Colorado who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan in an undercover operation. This film is all about how we, as a nation, remember our history of racism. I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in watching a great film about past and present racial tensions.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

This film is about personal memory and how we remember those we love. After the main character, Joel, finds out his ex-girlfriend has had a procedure to forget him and their relationship, he chooses to do the same. The movie follows him as he desperately attempts to stop the procedure while it is happening and before his ex, Clementine, is permanently erased from his memories.

Do you have memories you wish you could keep forever? Ones you would rather forget? Scientists are constantly learning more about human memory. Recent research has even identified specific neurons that map memories in the brain. For more information about Themester for Fall 2019 or to view upcoming Themester events, check out this link: https://themester.indiana.edu/about/theme/index.html

Isabella Salerno is a junior studying Political Science, American Studies, and Sociology. In her free time you can often find her in a coffee shop around Bloomington.

Three Foreign Films That’ll Make You Cry Your Heart Out

It is hard to believe, but semester finals are around the corner  , and finals can bring stress! Sometimes, the best way to release your stress is to cry, and there is no better time to cry it out than while watching a real tearjerker. If you need to let some tears flow while the film rolls, here are three foreign films I recommend for you.

1. Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Farewell My Concubine is not only the movie’s name, but also the name of the traditional Peking Opera it was inspired by. The film revolves around the joys and sorrows of two lovers who rely on each other during a time of political tensions. Farewell My Concubine showed thoughts and understanding of traditional culture, the living conditions of society, and human nature. In 1993, the film won the highest prize (Palme d’Or) of the Cannes International Film Festival and became the first Chinese film to win this honor. What’s more, the film has won many international awards, such as the Golden Globe Award for the best foreign language film and the International Federation of Film Critics award. In 2005, Farewell My Concubine was selected as one of the 100 best films in the world by Time magazine.

2. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)

This film offers an interesting perspective on the afterlife with drama and suspense. There is a law in the underworld: the dead have 49 days to go through seven extreme trials. Only those who go through all the seven trials are declared as innocent by the ruler of death and get the opportunity for another life. The story centers around a firefighter named Ja-hong Kim who died trying to save a child in a fire accident. This film is a funny, heart-touching, and also thought-provoking underworld adventure whose tender moments will give you misty eyes. The film’s deep grasp of emotions has been well received by audiences since its debut in 2017.

3. Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018)

Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days is the intense sequel to Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, but in this film the narrative takes a much crazier turn compared to part one. The film tells about three amnesiac underworld emissaries who are on their last of the seven trials. They meet a god that knows about their secret previous lives. But what secret? And who is this strange deity? Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days is tender and thought-provoking like its predecessor, but it also has some ironic moments and includes deeper underlying narratives about socioeconomic struggles.

If you need to cry, doing so while watching these films provides some great cover. They just might help you sail through the end of your semester! LL

Lilly Li is a new Media Services staff member. This is her first guest blog post.