It is a pleasure to present the first BLUE DOOR CINEMA screening on the third Friday of July. This series of monthly screenings will combine Guest Curated programs and presentations with visiting artists followed by discussion among the audience. Top quality and cutting edge films on art and by artists will include the work of Eve Sussman, Matthew Barney, Banksy and Seth Carnes, with classics by Rene Clair, Francis Picabia, Salvador Dali, Luis Bunuel and Hans Richter.

It is appropriate in the context of an exhibition centered on folk art and community voices to screen this skillful and shockingly beautiful combination of animation and documentary material about the intensely private and self-taught Henry Darger, an true outsider artist. Who knows a Henry Darger may live among the people of Yonkers yet to be discovered. Witness a remarkable film that imparts life to his extraordinary achievement and extensive body of work.

This innovative feature length documentary, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu and produced by Susan West, explores the parallel lives of legendary outsider artist Henry Darger. Reclusive janitor by day, visionary artist by night, Darger’s 15,000 page novel details the exploits of the Vivian Girls, seven angelic sisters who lead a rebellion against godless, child-enslaving men. Featuring the voices of Dakota Fanning (I am Sam, Cat In The Hat) and Larry Pine (The Royal Tenenbaums), the music of Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal and the work of a team of animators, this wholly original film tells the story of a hidden universe.

L. Brandon Krall, Curator

This program is made possible in part by ArtsWestchester with funds from Westchester County Government