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Author Archive | Alex Kamody

Sustainability Series: THE VELVET QUEEN with Kristeena Blaser

Watch Trailer Director: Marie Amiguet, Vincent Munier

Award-winning wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and writer Sylvain Tesson join together to comb the frigid highlands of Tibet on a quest to track down and document the region’s elusive big cat – the snow leopard. The two Frenchmen learn hard lessons of patience and perseverance while enduring the harsh environs in the hopes of revealing the beauty and magnificence of this rarely-seen phantom of the mysterious mountains. It is a journey that compels them to reflect upon not only their own individual humanity, but also the larger role that humans play in the grand scheme of life on Earth. For anyone who has read Peter Matthiessen’s National Book Award-winning account of his similar attempt at making contact with Nepal’s snow leopard in the 1970’s, The Velvet Queen promises a visually satisfying experience equivalent to Matthiessen’s literary one.

About the Speaker

Kristeena Blaser graduated from Ohio University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a focus on environmental, sustainability and climate change politics. She received her Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Ohio University in 2017. While attending graduate school, she worked as a graduate assistant for the Office of Sustainability at Ohio University. She also worked as a GSI technician, landscape and maintenance worker, and a research assistant for an anerobic digestion project. While also working at the on-campus recycling center and compost facility when time permitted. Since graduation, she has worked as the Sustainability Coordinator for Aramark at Kent State University within their Dining Services department, as the Sustainability Coordinator at Oklahoma State University, and since March of 2023 has served as the Director of Sustainability for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.

Check out the rest of our line-up of Sustainability Films

The series is made possible thanks to the support of: University Libraries, Honors Tutorial College, Office of Sustainability, and The Voinovich School’s Environmental Studies Program.

Learn more about the Voinovich School’s Environmental Studies Program’s 50th Anniversary

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Running Time: 92 MIN92 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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Native American Heritage Month: SMOKE SIGNALS

Watch Trailer Director: Chris Eyre
Cast: Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard, Gary Farmer

Join us Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 p.m. as we host a special screening of SMOKE SIGNALS in celebration of Native American Heritage Month!

FREE Admission – tickets are required for entry

Written, directed, produced, and performed exclusively by a Native American creative team, Smoke Signals was the first feature film of its kind when it was released in 1998, winning countless awards on the independent film festival circuit and paving the way for greater representation in media for indigenous cultures via projects like Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Reservation Dogs, Prey, and True Detective: Night Country.

About the Film

Prompted by the death of his acerbic and alcoholic father, Victor Joseph and his childhood friend, Thomas Builds-the-fire, embark on a road trip beyond the boundaries of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in order to retrieve the ashes of the dead man. The two friends each had a different relationship with the deceased – in Victor’s case, his father was not the best of role models; in Thomas’ case, the man saved his life from a house fire during infancy. Moreover, Victor and Thomas have different personalities and perspectives on their native identities, and these many differences come to the surface as the two make the very important (and often hilarious) journey to their ultimate destination — each learning a great deal about the other when it finally comes to spread the ashes and say farewell.

 

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Running Time: 89 MIN89 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

It is a warm film of friendship and reconciliation, and whenever it refers to historic injustices or contemporary issues in Native American culture, it does so with wry, glancing humor.

Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
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Stand With Ukraine Through Film: THE GUIDE

Watch Trailer Director: Oles Sanin

In collaboration with Stand With Ukraine Through Film, we’re pleased to host a screening of the award-winning 2014 Ukrainian film The Guide – Please join us and show your support for the people of Ukraine.

Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public

About the Event

November is the time of the year when Ukraine commemorates the millions of its people who fell victim to Holodomor (“death by starvation”, in Ukrainian) in 1932-33 – a famine caused by the policies of the Communist Party and Soviet government authorities headed by Josef Stalin. To support Ukrainian people in this commemoration and to learn more about Ukrainian culture join the screening and Ukrainian Poetry Night to be hosted on November 9th, at Donkey Coffee, 5-7 pm, by the student organization Bobcats for Ukraine. Special thanks to Tetyana Dovbnya who made these events possible and who will introduce the film.

For more information about Bobcats for Ukraine, contact Tetyana Dovbnya at dovbnya@ohio.edu

For the entire month of November, we’ll be accepting donations for Ukrainian Relief Funds – please consider showing your support for the people of Ukraine.

About the Film

Ten-year-old American boy Peter Shamrock arrives with his father in Soviet Ukraine during the tumultuous 1930’s. When the boy’s father, an engineer who is in-country to bolster the cause for Socialism, is killed by Stalin’s police for possession of secret documents that detail the oppression of the Soviet regime, Peter goes into hiding. He encounters Ivan, a blind “kobzar” – an itinerant minstrel who travels from village to village, performing folksongs to earn a livelihood – and becomes the man’s guide. As the two wander the famine-stricken country, Ivan teaches Peter how he can survive with a pure soul amidst an unforgiving landscape where the danger of losing one’s innocence is an everyday reality.

Directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Oles Sanin, The Guide was Ukraine’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards. While it failed to garner the nomination for Oscar, the film is still regarded as a fine achievement and stands as a critically-acclaimed, heartfelt drama about a nation that continues to this day to exert its independence from Russia’s political designs.

This event is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Ohio University Honors Tutorial College and the Ohio University School of Film

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Running Time: 122 MIN122 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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From the Hills and Hollers: FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES with Josh Brooks

Watch Trailer Director: Robert Tinnell
Cast: Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Joe Pantoliano

It’s Christmastime, 1983, in a small rust-belt town in the Monongahela River Valley. Tony Oliverio, a good Catholic boy from a large family, is on holiday break from the local community college where he’s enrolled in business classes so he can (reluctantly) take over the family grocery store after he graduates. One night, he bumps into Beth, a beautiful blonde Protestant girl, at a club and they hit it off. Only trouble is, Tony’s self-destructive ex-girlfriend (who’s still strongly in love with Tony) sets herself on a course of action that could make some waves for Tony and Beth’s budding relationship. There’s also the fact that Tony’s eccentric Catholic family isn’t quite ready to accept his hanging out with a Protestant girl, no matter how wonderful she might be. And, last but not least, Tony isn’t even sure if getting a business degree is the direction he wants to take in life. A lot can happen to a young man during winter break!

Starring Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza), Madison Iseman, and Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), and directed by West Virginia native Robert Tinnell, Feast of the Seven Fishes is a fun comedy about family ties and traditions and what it takes to find your own way in life.

 

About the Speaker

Joshua Brooks is a 35-year veteran of community and professional theater and film throughout middle Appalachia. He could not be more proud of his involvement in this unique, loving, and accurate story of romance and family in our strong and beautiful region. He was also apparently a “student” at THE Ohio University some years ago, but memories are “fuzzy”.

 

 

Check out the rest of our films for the Appalachian Stories series

This series is sponsored by the Ohio Honors Program, University Libraries, College of Health Sciences and Professions, The Department of Social and Public Health, GO Local, University College, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The Multicultural Center and The Black Student Cultural Programming Board, Center for Campus and Community Engagement, and The Women’s Center.

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Running Time: 99 MIN99 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: 20th Anniversary Extravaganza!

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Are you ready, kids..? Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? That’s right – SpongeBob SquarePants!

And, guess what turns 20 this year..? The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie!

Come join us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of this fun animated comedy/adventure based on the hit cartoon series. We’ll have a themed cocktail, pre-show trivia, and (hopefully) some ambitious folks dressed as their favorite SpongeBob character!

Screenings:

Friday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 16th at 3:00 p.m.

Admission is $8

Themed Cocktail: “The Triple Goober-Berry Sunrise”

About the film

Set sail with SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick as they venture beyond the bounds of Bikini Bottom on a wild and wacky quest. Mr. Krabs, proprietor of the Krusty Krab restaurant where SpongeBob works (and hopes to become manager of a new location), is charged with stealing King Neptune’s crown. However, it seems as though old Krabs has been set up! So, Spongebob and Patrick embark on a quest to Shell City where they hope to recover the crown and clear Krabs’ name (and, obviously, to get on Krabs’ good side). But, if you know anything about SpongeBob, you know that things won’t be that simple!

 

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Running Time: 97 MIN97 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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WOUB Presents: CARL THE COLLECTOR

Join us Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 a.m. as we partner with WOUB Learning Lab for a special “kid-friendly” and “sensory-friendly” screening of episodes of the wonderful new animated series CARL THE COLLECTOR!

We will be screening 2 episodes of the series in rotation starting at 11:00 a.m. and concluding at approximately 1:00 p.m. — Each of the two 23-minute episodes will play through two times.

Popcorn, juice boxes, and mini water bottles will be available free-of-charge.

Admission is FREE – Tickets are required

About the Event

This event is designed to be a welcoming, relaxed space where kids can be themselves and families can enjoy the animated series at their own pace. Feel free to pop in or out of the theater, explore fun activities, and take home PBS Kids resources and free books!

The “sensory-friendly” atmosphere will include:

  • Dimmed lighting
  • Softer sound
  • Relaxed seating – move around or take a break at your leisure
  • A calming space with fidgets available

About the Series

Carl is a lovable young raccoon living with autism whose favorite pastime, aside from hanging out with his friends, is collecting things — trinkets, fun sweaters, stuffed animals…essentially, anything you can imagine. As a result of being on the spectrum, Carl has a special talent for attending to minute details and for thinking outside the box. When problems arise in Carl’s Fuzzytown neighborhood, his friends and family look to him and his unique collection of odds-and-ends for a one-of-a-kind solution!

This fantastic 2-D animated series is the brainchild of award-winning children’s book illustrator and author Zachariah OHora. Additionally, it breaks new ground as the first PBS KIDS show to feature not only central characters on the autism spectrum, but also a production team that includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors, and voice talent. With its stories, characters, and messages that everyone can relate to, this series celebrates the differences and commonalities of the neurodiverse community in ways that haven’t been done before. Each episode leaves viewers with the belief that everyone has something special to offer.

Click here to learn more about the WOUB Learning Lab

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Running Time: 120 MIN120 MIN
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Sustainability Series: THE ENGINE INSIDE with Jasmine Facun

Watch Trailer Director: Darcy Wittenburg

In a world that is growing more car-centric by the day (and more congested and polluted as a result) many people have turned to bicycles as a worthy, clean alternative to getting from point-A to point-B. In an effort to show how impactful bikes can be on a better global future, filmmaker Darcy Wittenburg followed, documented, and wove together the stories of six individuals who spend a good part of their days on two wheels — ultimately creating what some critics are calling “a cinematic ode to cycling.” Spanning the globe and featuring cyclists from all walks of life, The Engine Inside is an inspiring testament to the human spirit and proof that the technology we require to make positive change in the world may already lie within us.

About the Speaker

Jasmine Facun is the US Forest Service Partnership Coordinator at the Wayne National Forest, as well as a two-time Ohio University alumna with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies. She enjoys roller derby, making art, and homesteading.

 

 

Check out the rest of our line-up of Sustainability Films

The series is made possible thanks to the support of: University Libraries, Honors Tutorial College, Office of Sustainability, and The Voinovich School’s Environmental Studies Program.

Learn more about the Voinovich School’s Environmental Studies Program’s 50th Anniversary

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Running Time: 81 MIN81 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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History Organizations Present: Knives Out, a Hurricane Helene Fundraiser

Watch Trailer Director: Rian Johnson
Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis

Join us Thursday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. to help raise funds for Hurricane Helene Relief

Admission is FREE, Tickets are required

Tickets are available in-person in The Athena lobby during our normal business hours

Free small popcorn and small drink/water bottle for the first 50 people

The History Graduate Student Association, Phi Alpha Theta, and Ohio University History Association are hosting a free showing of Knives Out to raise donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene. We will be accepting donations of canned goods and will be advertising other fundraisers for monetary donations. We highly encourage a donation to be made for entry.

About the Film

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate.

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Running Time: 130 MIN130 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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Variant Movie Night at The Athena: SALTBURN

Watch Trailer Director: Emerald Fennell
Cast: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike

Join us Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for a special movie night hosted by Variant Magazine – a night of intrigue and luxury!

Admission is FREE, Tickets are required

Tickets will be available the day of the show in The Athena lobby starting at 4:00 p.m.

About the film

Oliver is humbly struggling to fit in with the crowd at Oxford: He’s certainly intelligent enough, but he lacks a certain polish that characterizes the well-monied majority of students who attend the prestigious school. When he chances to make friends with Felix, an aristocratic fellow student, he’s invited to come spend the summer with Felix and his family at “Saltburn”, their massive country manor. It is here that Oliver stands to learn lessons about how the world really works as he’s initiated deeper into the lifestyle ultra-rich.

 

 

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Running Time: 127 MIN127 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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The Met: Live in HD: Puccini’s TOSCA

Extraordinary Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen stars as the passionate title diva in David McVicar’s thrilling production of Puccini’s monumental opera. British-Italian tenor Freddie De Tommaso makes his eagerly anticipated company debut as Tosca’s revolutionary lover, Cavaradossi, and powerhouse American baritone Quinn Kelsey is the sadistic chief of police Scarpia. Maestro Xian Zhang conducts the electrifying score, which features some of Puccini’s most memorable melodies.

The screening will begin at 12:55 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 4:25 p.m.

Admission $20 (Senior $18, Children $8)

OHIO Students Free with valid ID*

*Thanks to support from Arts for OHIO, we are able to offer a limited number of FREE student tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must have valid student I.D.

Click here to view the rest of the Met: Live in HD schedule

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

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Running Time: 210 MIN210 MIN
This Film is Wheelchair Accessible

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