Big Smash! Music Scene - Thursdays at the Cinematheque

A new weekly series of music films that aims to enlighten as much as entertain, BIG SMASH! MUSIC SCENE traverses broad musical terrain: baroque pop, country, metal, punk, soul & funk, folk and outsider music – all for a discounted admission of $5. Although in some cases premieres of popular films may hold over for longer runs, the series will focus on niche artists and the work of independent directors, with one-night-only screenings. Series curated by Kier-La Janisse with promotional assistance from MARIA, CKUW 95.9FM and Into The Music.

13 Mar 2008, 9:30 PM - JOE STRUMMER: THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN
Filmmaker Julien Temple (THE GREAT ROCK N’ ROLL SWINDLE) chronicles the transformation of a self-described "mouthy little git" into an anti-establishment icon known to the world as Joe Strummer. In his latest documentary, Temple uncovers the myth behind the frontman of the seminal punk band the Clash. Through previously unearthed interviews with Strummer himself and recollections of those who knew him best, Temple reveals a complex man who used his music as a bullhorn for his conscience--as well as a means to educate others about the injustices of the world. The film includes live concert footage spanning Strummer's career and tapes of his BBC radio program, all of which provide a fitting soundtrack to his distinctive and storied existence. (Sundance Film Festival)

20 Mar 2008, 21:00 -  LA BRUNE ET MOI
A rich business man falls for a young girl and vows to fulfill her dream of becoming a punk rock star.

27 Mar 2008, 21:00 -  I’M NOT THERE
Ruminations on the life of Bob Dylan, where six characters embody a different aspect of the musician's life and work. Starring Cate Blanchett.

3 Apr 2008, 21:00 - THE OLD, WEIRD AMERICA: HARRY SMITH AND THE ANTHOLOGY OF AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC
The Old, Weird America tracks the history of the Anthology of American Folk Music from its initial compilation of 78 records from rural Americana to its 1952 release on Folkways Records, the urban folk revival of the 1960s, and its continuing influence on contemporary music.

17 Apr 2008, 21:00 - UNAUTHORIZED: TODD LOREN’S ROCK N ROLL COMICS
The controversial publisher of unauthorized comic book biographies of rock stars, Todd Loren, was praised by some (Gene Simmons, Jerry Garcia, Nick Mason) and threatened with law suits by others (Axl Rose, Bon Jovi, Skid Row). But the California Supreme Court ruled that Rock'N'Roll Comics was protected by the First Amendment, and Todd could continue publishing. His mysterious murder more than thirteen years ago has remained unsolved with suspicions that he had been killed by Andrew Cunanan, the murderer of Gianni Versace. BulletProof Film's innovative documentary mixes hilarious animation and eerie home video of Todd with interviews that reflect the divergent opinions about him and his legacy. Characters from the comic book world interviewed in the film include Mary Fleener, Dennis Worden, Robert Williams, Denis Kitchen, Gary Groth, and Steve Crompton, along with British music critic Ian Shirley (author of Can Rock and Roll Save the World?) and reflections on the mix of Rock'N'Roll and comic books by Mojo Nixon and Alice Cooper.

24 Apr 2008, 21:00 - GEORGE CLINTON: TALES OF DR. FUNKENSTEIN

Find out more at http://www.myspace.com/bigsmashfilmfestival.