Press/Journalists

Press Release
March 30, 1999
Films at the National Archives in May

Washington, DC . . . In May, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings relating to the major exhibition Picturing the Century: One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (201)501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD (202) 501-5404 for information.

Please Note: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth.

Washington, DC Events

Friday, May 7—Picturing the Century
Uncommon Images: James Van DerZee, released in 1978. This is a portrait of one of the first and foremost photographers of black American life, who set up shop in Harlem at the beginning of the century and spent the next 60 years taking pictures there. A film by Evelyn Barron. (22 minutes.)

Conversations with Roy DeCarava, released in 1984. In 1952, Roy DeCarava became the first black photographer to receive a Guggenhiem fellowship. His images have immortalized such jazz greats as Billie Holliday and John Coltrane. This film is an absorbing chronicle of an important artist's life and work. A film by Carroll Parrot Blue. (28 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, May 14—Picturing the Century
Forever in Time: The Art of Edward S. Curtis, released in 1990. Ranked among the world's foremost photographers, Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) is best known for his work documenting Native Americans during the first three decades of this century. This film chronicles Curtis's remarkable career, featuring interviews with Curtis family members. Produced by Robert Mull. (50 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, May 21—Picturing the Century
Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, released in 1990. This fascinating film investigates the mysterious life of pioneering photographer Paul Strand. The film traces Strand's path from New York to Mexico to Europe, interviewing friends and collaborators, while presenting examples of his work, from early avant-garde to portraiture to natural and urban studies. Directed by John Walker. (81 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, May 28—Picturing the Century
High Heels and Ground Glass: Pioneering Women Photographers, released in 1993. This award-winning film portrays the life and work of five outstanding women photographers, born around the turn of the century, who perfected their craft in an era when photography was considered a man's domain. Produced by Deborah Irmas and Barbara Kasten. (29 minutes.)

John Hoagland: Frontline Photographer, released in 1985, examines the life and work of one of this generation's most renowned war photographers. At the time of his death in 1984, Hoagland had logged more time and shot more film in more parts of Central America than any other American journalist. Produced by David Helvarg. (29 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Events
(For descriptions of College Park films, see above listings)

Wednesday, May 5
Uncommon Images: James Van DerZee (22 minutes.)
Conversations with Roy DeCarava (28 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, May 12
Forever in Time: The Art of Edward S. Curtis (50 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, May 19
Strand: Under the Dark Cloth (81 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, May 26
High Heels and Ground Glass (29 minutes.)
John Hoagland: Frontline Photographer (29 minutes.) Noon.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272