I’m the Mayor of the IMA.

And I don’t wanna brag, but I also happen to be the Mayor of 100 Acres and Nourish Cafe. Bet you didn’t know I was such a big shot, did you? Now gimme your lunch money.

You don’t recall voting, so how did I end up in office? By frequently “checking in” on the social media app. Foursquare, via my smart phone. And get this: I checked in to the IMA on Foursquare last week and to my surprise, received this badge:

I have to admit, I was slightly offended. Until I actually looked up what it meant: A zoetrope, which means ‘wheel of life’ in Greek,  is a device that produces an illusion of action from a rapid succession of static picture. So basically, a motion picture.

So how is it I won this badge by frequenting an art museum? Oh, well yes.  The IMA does offer quite a bit for the film buff. And I’m not just talkin’ The Toby.

Part of the 40^th Annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, the IBE Film Fest features the artistry of established and emerging filmmakers creating non-Hollywood productions on subjects relevant to the African-American experience.

Indianapolis International Film Festival

July 15-July 25: DeBoest Lecture Hall & The Toby

The 2010 Indy Film Fest partners with the IMA to host another world-class selection of independent films, actors and directors from around the globe. This year’s line-up includes films from both award-winning professionals and emerging filmmakers, ranging from short-subject documentaries to full-length feature films.

Summer Nights Film Series

June 4- August 27: IMA’s Outdoor Amphitheater

From June 4 to August 27, the IMA will be screening films every Friday in its outdoor amphitheater, located on the west side of the Museum.  The 2010 series includes films from six different decades. This week’s film is Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful classic North by Northwest.

So whatever you are: film-buff, videophile, movie-junkie or zoetrope… we’ve got what you need. And we promise not to call you any names.

Filed under: Art and Nature Park, Film, Local, New Media, The Toby

It was the nose that got me. So baroque! So infinite! The first time I laid eyes on Crispin Hellion Glover was in 1985’s Back to the Future. Now Crispin – star of films like Alice in Wonderland, Charlie’s Angels, and Willard – is coming to The Toby this week.

So what’s Crispin’s mission at the IMA? To present a taboo-busting film he co-directed called It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE! It’s a journey into the psyche of a kinky, bloodthirsty guy with cerebral palsy. Crispin calls the film a response to the question: “What does it mean when a culture does not properly process taboo?”

He’s referring to the fact that the major film studios tend to pre-censor material that is darkly ambiguous or productively disturbing, thus preventing our ability to wonder, question and learn from cinema.

So Crispin has taken the making of challenging films into his own hands. He uses the proceeds from his roles in films like Hot Tub Time Machine to fund independent film projects at his new sound stage in Prague.

Joe Shearer of the local website The Film Yap did a great interview with Crispin (to be posted soon) in which Crispin expounds on his mission as an artist.

Crispin’s Toby April 24 appearance will include the 74-minute film, a one-hour narrated slide show, Q&A, and book signing. He is committed answering every fan question if it takes all night. Tickets are $15 for IMA members and $20 for non-members. It’s open seating; doors open at 6:30 pm.

This culturally adventurous event is co-sponsored by Big Car, Indianapolis International Film Festival, and the Naptown Roller Girls – some of whom will act as ushers, rolling up and down The Toby’s steep aisles.

Racer Xtasy (via Marc L)

What’s your favorite (or least favorite) Crispin role?

Filed under: Art, Current Events, Film, Local, The Toby

As my first time attending an organized multi-day movie experience, the opening week of the Indianapolis International Film Festival here at the IMA has made a great first impression. What’s left an impression so far? Well, I laughed my sad/happy heart out for the animated wonder Sita Sings The Blues, got my throat choked-up by the plight of a little orphan tyke in Prince of Broadway, and joined the cult of Best Worst Movie right after I got my picture taken with the dad from Troll 2!  Given my already stellar performance as film festival attendee and a personal must see list still containing multiple films, anticipation for the remaining days of the IIFF is high.

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Filed under: Current Events, Marketing, New Media

Phil’s Pharmacy prescribes the following links to combat Monday online anemia.

Indianapolis International Film Festiva (IIFF) – Only six years old and already pulling in some pretty notable films. Opening night had sneak peak of “500 Days of Summer” and last Friday there was a double feature of “Best Worst Movie” and “Troll 2.” Some films I’m looking forward to seeing are “The Dungeon Masters” tonight at 9 PM, “Garbage Dreams” tomorrow at 7:30 pm, and a documentary about the  Showbiz Pizza band, “The Rock-Afire Explosion” on Thursday at 7 pm. Films show throughout the day now through July 25 at the IMA. Full IIFF schedule.

Intolerable Beauty: Portraits of American Mass Consumption – A thought provoking collection of photos by Chris Jordan regarding the discarded. Here’s a question: if dinosaurs died, got buried, and turned into sweet sweet oil, what happens to motherboards and diapers?

Elizabeth Kolbert: Why are we so fat? – Speaking of mass consumption, “If this was about tuberculosis, it would be called an epidemic.” Ha! Check out this interesting read on some of the science-y theories behind our growing behinds and a scary observation about how people will basically continue to eat so long as there is food in front of them. This in mind, I’m going to have to rethink the compulsive popcorn eating I planned for IIFF.

Monday Music – “Young Hearts Spark Fire” by the Japandroids. Giving The Crocodiles a run for their money. 

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Filed under: Art, Current Events, Marketing, New Media