Event Archives

Martin Scorsese’s The Blues

Film Screenings + Discussions

Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, The Blues™ consists of several films that capture the essence of the blues and explore its profound influence on music and people the world over. Originally aired on PBS, the films trace the evolution of the blues from parochial folk tunes to a universal language, each film focusing on a distinct topic from the perspective of seven different directors. Together, the films honor the art form and preserve its legacy in a celebration of its lasting impact. “Our goal never was to produce the definitive work on the blues,” Scorsese said. “It was, from the start, to create highly personal and impressionistic films as seen through the eyes of the most creative directors around with a passion for this music.”

Our African Roots, American Voices season-long focus on the blues includes four free film screenings from The Blues™ series, each with a post-show discussion:

9/28 @ 7 PM
Feel Like Going Home
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Featuring a discussion with The Blues Series Producer Alex Gibney and Dr. Timothy Corrigan, Professor of English, Cinema Studies and History of Art at Penn.
Run Time: 80 minutes (film) + 30 minutes (post-show discussion)

10/26 @ 7 PM
The Road to Memphis
Directed by Richard Pearce
Run Time: 89 minutes (film) + 30 minutes (post-show discussion)

2/1 @ 7 PM
Warming by the Devil’s Fire
Directed by Charles Burnett
Run Time: 89 minutes (film) + 30 minutes (post-show discussion)

3/1 @ 7 PM
Red, White & Blues
Directed by Mike Figgis
Featuring a discussion with Red, White & Blues Director Mike Figgis
Run Time: 93 minutes (film) + 30 minutes (post-show discussion)

These events are FREE! Registration is requested, but seating is first come, first served. Registration does not guarantee you a seat.

Performances

• Wednesday, September 28 @ 7 PM
• Wednesday, October 26 @ 7 PM

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Artist Information

Artist Site

This event is co-presented with Penn's Cinema and Media Studies Department.

Line-up subject to change.

Photo credit: Michel Verlinden