The "Reel Time" film series, which was started during the 2006 Spring semester by the Museum of Art, will resume this Sunday. The first "Reel Time" film of this semester, the Japanese anime "Space Firebird," will be shown at 2:30 p.m. at the Museum of Art Recital Hall, Room 217.
Films for the series are chosen by Tina Said, curator of education at the Museum of Art, with advisement from the Ball State staff and community members of east central Indiana. The goal of the film series, she said, is to expose the community to the art involved in film.
"We want to show our visitors that the worlds of art and film are related," Said said. "By showing films, they see that art is all around them and is a part of everyday life."
There were multiple reasons for the selection of "Space Firebird" in the "Reel Time" series. The film was released in 1981, and has since become an anime classic. Said said the selection of an anime film was based on the museum's recent experience showing art related to animation, as well as art showcasing animals such as those seen in the movie.
"We chose "Space Firebird" because we have a special exhibition (in the museum) called 'Creatures of the Sea and Sky,'" she said. The exhibition features art with oceanic and aviary motifs. It was also chosen because of a resurgence in popularity of Japanese anime on campus, she said. Another reason for its selection is the positive reaction to last year's exhibition "Art in the 'Toon Age."
"Space Firebird" is set in the future and follows Godo, who is on a mission to find the Space Firebird, which has the power to restore life to Earth. During his journey he meets myriad creatures who join him, and together they question all that surrounds them and life itself.
Throughout the film series, each film is introduced by an expert who gives the audience context surrounding the film they are about to see. "Space Firebird" will be introduced by associate professor of art Lien Fan Shen, who has a focused interest in anime. Her doctoral thesis is titled "Knowledge, Pleasure, and Power of Viewing Japanese Anime." Shen will also host a question and answer session following the film.
The first "Reel Time" theme was "Surrealist Films," and the two shown were "An Andalusian Dog" by Luis Bu+â-¦uel (screenplay by Bu+â-¦uel and Salvador Dal+â-«) and "Ent'racte" by Ren+â-¬ Clair. The second theme was "Video Art Illuminated" and included digital video and 3D animation produced by Ball State students.
Based on the success of past "Reel Time" showings, the museum is already planning showings for the remainder of the year.
In observance of World AIDS Day Dec. 1, "Reel Time," in conjunction with the Ball State Health Center, will show the documentary "Sea in the Blood" by artist and educator Richard Fung.
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