Movie Night · International Jazz Day

Join us on April 30th for a screening of "The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith" is a documentary that delves into a unique period in the history of jazz and photography in New York City. It centers on the legendary photographer W. Eugene Smith's time living and working in a loft in the city's Flatiron district from 1957 to 1965. This loft became an unlikely hub for some of the era's most prominent jazz musicians.

The film intricately weaves together Smith's extensive audio recordings and photographs, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and creative processes of musicians like Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Zoot Sims. Smith's recordings captured not only their musical improvisations but also their candid conversations, providing a rare and unfiltered look into their world.

"The Jazz Loft" serves as both a historical document of the vibrant jazz scene of that time and an exploration of W. Eugene Smith's artistic vision. It highlights the intersection of his photography and his passion for jazz, revealing how these two art forms intertwined in his work, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

A lively discussion will follow the screening.

Movie Night at ICANA is a place where you can come to watch a good movie, engage in conversations, learn and find inspiration and have a great time.

The program is 100% in English and it includes:

• Screening of "The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith"
• Discussion and conversation with the audience. The discussion will be facilitated by ICANA staff.

Audience: program open to the community at large. +17 years old. Intermediate and Advanced level of English. Free of charge.

THE JAZZ LOFT ACCORDING TO W. EUGENE SMITH: USA (2015)

Directed by Sara Fishko.

Run time: 1h 27m

Synopsis: Art, obsession and anxiety permeate a dilapidated Manhattan loft building in Mid-century: The first movie to use photographer W. Eugene Smith's massive, fly-on-the-wall archive of photos and audio tapes documenting the likes of jazz greats Thelonious Monk, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Giuffre, Hall Overton and others at work and play in the Sixth Avenue wreck that was Smith's home and studio from 1957 through the '60s.

Themes: Photography. Jazz. The intersection of art forms. The creative process. Music in NYC. Jazz musicians.