Kristen Nutile won the Al Maysles Award at the Dallas Video Festival the year that I attended. The award is given to an up and coming maker so I’m always eager to see where folks who get these kinds of awards go. I’m pleased to post but sad to not be able to attend, a free screening of her new film in NYC, Sally Gross - The Pleasure of Stillness. The screening is July 24 at 6 PM at the Donnell Media Center Auditorium ( 20 West 53rd Street):

Sally Gross - The Pleasure of Stillness is an intimate documentary portrait about the life and work of the critically acclaimed New York based dancer and choreographer, Sally Gross, who has been performing for over 50 years. The film features excerpts from her work as well as interviews with dance critics, collaborators and friends.  The film also captures Sally’s unique history including her days growing up as a daughter of immigrants in the Lower East Side of New York City, her training with visionary choreographer Alwin Nikolais at Henry Street Playhouse, and her involvement in the legendary Judson Dance Theater. Now in her seventies, Sally still continues to choreograph and perform. Verite style, filmmakers Albert Maysles and Kristen Nutile follow this charismatic artist as she embarks on the unpredictable journey of creating a new work. The film successfully premiered at the 2007 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, had its US premiere at the 2008 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and is currently playing the festival circuit world-wide.

Followed by:

Stopped in Her Tracks A film by Susan Brockman and Sally Gross, USA 1978, 6 min, 16 mm
Stopped in her tracks she descends and ascends the staircase.

Q&A with the filmmakers Albert Maysles, Kristen Nutile, choreographer Sally Gross and producer Tanja Meding, moderated by David Callahan, principal librarian,  NYPL Donnell Media Center.

Village Voice review of Sally Gross’ The Pleasure of Stillness