Levitated Mass

Synopsis & Film Details

Filmworks re-ignites a centuries-old debate — “What is art?” — when it presents the American independent documentary “Levitated Mass.” The movie tells the story of a spectacle in motion: a 340-ton granite boulder is painstakingly moved from a quarry in Riverside to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, then mounted atop the walls of a gigantic slot in the earth. The massive display of conceptual art, a “land sculpture” created by the reclusive and often-misunderstood artist Michael Heizer, references the expanse of art history, from ancient traditions of megalithic stones to modern forms of abstract, cutting-edge feats of engineering. The boulder’s 105-mile journey from quarry to museum draws international attention, and it challenges the imaginations of thousands of Southern Californians over the course of 10 nights in 2012, as it crawls through 22 cities aboard a football-field length, 206-wheeled trailer. From veteran filmmaker Doug Pray, who directed “Art & Copy,” “Surfwise,” and other films about unusual subcultures. Featuring an experimental score from the band Akron/Family.

Director: Doug Pray
USA (2014) • 89 minutes • Not Rated

DISCUSSION CIRCLE:
After the 5:30 p.m. show, join visiting filmmaker Katie McNeill to talk about the movie. McNeill served as co-producer of “Levitated Mass,” working closely in the field with director Doug Pray. As an associate producer, she previously worked on “Straight Outta L.A.,” a documentary directed by rapper Ice Cube for ESPN’s 30/30 series; “Little Birds,” a feature directed by Elgin James for the Sundance Lab project; and “The Place Beyond the Pines,” starring Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling. She currently serves as Vice President of Production at Electric City Entertainment in Southern California. Moderated by Filmworks board member Mary Husain.

Support for this special filmmaker appearance comes from: Kathy Wosika & David Fox, and one anonymous donor.

SCREENING SPONSORS:
Arthur-Dyson-450pxArthur Dyson Architects
Arthur Dyson Architects is an international practice committed to achieving private and public architecture of the highest quality. For more than 40 years, the office has utilized the capacity of architecture to empower and rejuvenate clients, providing conceptual expertise that generates inspiring environments that enhance the human condition and replenish people with expressive and positive life energy. Our emphasis is still to innovate, to create meaningful structures, to challenge conventional thought, and to constantly strive for pure, environmentally responsible designs, gracefully implemented.

FresnoArtMuseum-500pxFresno Art Museum
The Fresno Art Museum offers a dynamic experience for appreciating art. The museum welcomes, inspires, and educates a diverse regional audience through significant exhibitions, thought-provoking programs, and meaningful interactions with artists and the creative process. Current exhibitions include: Fresno Art Museum’s Council of 100 Distinguished Woman Artist for 2014 Mildred Howard: Collective Memories; The AIDS Memorial Quilt of The NAMES Project Foundation; Gallery 25: 40th Year Anniversary; and more.

Monthly-Presenting-June2014
Filmworks thanks Jewel FM 99.3, The Fresno Bee, Granville Homes, Vida en el Valle, and Stella Artois for their ongoing support.