The latest film by America’s greatest documentarian, Frederick Wiseman, will be getting a special screening at the Mercantile Library — presented by the non-profit Mini Microcinema — on April 25. The subject fits the location — Ex Libris — The New York Public Library takes a long (197 minutes) careful look at how the nation’s premier library systems operates.
Wiseman has a record of finding the humanity inside seemingly imposing large public systems that might get written off as “bureaucratic.” His previous 41 documentaries have looked at high schools, public housing, Central Park, hospitals, ballets, whole communities. When Cincinnati Art Museum presented his 2014 film National Gallery, it drew a huge audience.
About the New York Library, Wiseman’s film distributor said, “It is one of the most democratic institutions in America. Everyone is welcome. The Library strives to inspire learning, advance knowledge and strengthen communities. The New York Public Library exemplifies the deeply rooted American belief in the individual’s right to know and be informed. It is one of the most democratic institutions in America.”
The director, who is 88, received an Honorary Oscar in 2016 and is a MacArthur Fellow. The screening at the Mercantile starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a $5 donation suggested.
The Mini’s just-released March/April schedule features many other notable screenings. For instance, an early film, Alps, by the Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos — whose recent dark comedy Killing of a Sacred Deer was shot in Cincinnati — will screen April 14 at the cinema, 1329 Main St. It is about a group of ill-prepared people starting a grief therapy group. Also, on March 13 Robert Altman’s 1977 3 Women — considered one of his best movies but long hard to see — will be presented.
As seating is limited, reservations are needed and can be made at reservations@mercantilelibrary.com or by call 513-621-0717.For more information, visit mini-cinema.org.
This article appears in Feb 28 – Mar 7, 2018.