Two acclaimed documentary features, David LaChapelle's Rize (above) and Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary's Favela Rising, will be screened on Wednesday, May 9, as the next installment in the 2006–2007 Contemporary Documentaries series, presented by the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. The screenings will begin at 7 p.m. at the Academy's Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Admission is free.
Rize looks at a South Central Los Angeles dance style known as "krumping." As per the Academy's press release, "the film focuses on a sub-community of young performers who, despite being surrounded by drug addiction, gang activity and poverty, remain optimistic and upbeat. The spirit and creativity of these krumpers allow them to rise above their environment and foster a sense of family where none existed before." Rize was produced by LaChapelle, Marc Hawker, Ellen Jacobson-Clarke, Richmond Talauega, and Tone Talauega. Following the screening, LaChapelle will discuss the making of the film and take questions from the audience.
Favela Rising (above) is mostly set in Vigário Geral, "one of Rio de Janeiro's most notorious slums, or favelas — home to teenage drug armies, ferocious violence and countless murders. In the film, one man, Anderson Sá, rallies his community to deploy music and dance as weapons against drug lords, corrupt police and the oppression of their surroundings. But just as the AfroReggae movement is showing signs of success, a tragic accident threatens its future."
All screenings in the series are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy's Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, 1313 Vine Street, at the northwest corner of Fountain Avenue and Vine Street in Hollywood. Parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue, one block north of Fountain. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or (310) 206-FILM.
AMPAS/UCLA Contemporary Documentary Series
RiZe! together with Jackie Brown my all time favourite movie!! (alternative? its NOT underground, it's UPGROUND!!!) bless xxx