Moving Image presents Expanding the Frame: Imagination is Power
“I know that justice is indivisible and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. I’m concerned about justice for everybody the world over.” —Martin Luther King, Jr., University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 1967
As politics and culture buzzed with radical change and reform in the mid-1960s, the creativity of progressive artists and filmmakers helped imbue the turbulent moment with lasting impact. Imagination Is Power looks at the spirit of this time and its continuing influence 50 years later, with four programs of short films that trace the search for civil liberties, revolution, and freedom. Focused on the diverse perspectives of artists, activists, and journalists, the series brings together moments of international significance with local experience and connects the madness, grace, ideologies, and iconoclasm that helped shape our global outlook.
Expanding the Frame is an annual program of experimental and alternative media. Presented in collaboration with artist Valérie Déus and Coffee House Press, putting Books in Action through literary programs. Unless otherwise noted, programs are presented in the Walker Cinema.
Tickets to free programs are available at the Main Lobby Desk from 6:30 pm the day of the event.
I AM A…
Thursday, April 5
Walker Cinema, 7:30pm, Free
Reflecting on decades of unrest and activism, this program features films and archival footage that represent contrasting forms of protest linked by the universal search for change, justice, and humanity. Beginning with a film of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1967 speech at the U of M, the works presented examine the urgent voices and radical action of those who creatively interpreted pivotal moments of international upheaval since the mid-1960s. Introduced with poetry by Taiyon Coleman, Poet, essayist, and assistant professor at the College of St. Catherine.
Be Realistic, Ask The Impossible
Thursday, April 12
Walker Cinema, 7:30pm, Free
What motivates demonstration and uprising? These short films explore inequality and agitation related to living conditions and urban planning through works by artists, governmental propaganda footage, and newsreels by journalists and activists. Each reflects a different approach to change or dissent, showing how things are or offering a vision of what could be. Includes historical KSTP footage of St. Paul. Introduced with poetry by Válerie Déus, Artist and poet.
We Shall Overcome
Thursday, April 19
Walker Cinema, 7:30pm, Free
Looking at relationships between private lives and public systems, We Shall Overcome reflects on race, gender roles, labor, and leisure. Examples of mass-media and propaganda footage are interwoven with creative interpretations of domestic issues, juxtaposing the perspectives of historical archives with cutting-edge short films. Introduced with poetry by Válerie Déus, Artist and poet.
Rather Life
Sunday, April 21
St. Anthony Main Theater, 7pm
$14 ($11 Walker & Film Society members; $8 ages 25 and under/students)
How have developing media and technologies helped artists drive forward the spirit of activism? These politically motivated short films explore how advancing technologies and media influence progressive political and social ideas and how artists use innovation to drive forward the spirit of activism. Copresented with the 2018 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), April 12–28.