It isn't every day that aspiring, local filmmakers have the opportunity to listen to a legend of American cinema speak on his career in film. And to have the opportunity to attend a workshop with that legend the next day is almost unheard of.
But that is what we get when Paul Schrader, former Grand Rapidian and award-winning screenwriter/director of such films as Taxi Driver, Hardcore, Raging Bull, American Gigolo, and Light of Day arrives in Grand Rapids.
What many newer residents may know is that this visual studies artist is one of the most celebrated and awarded graduates of Calvin College – a place I know a thing or two about. While at the Christian Reformed college, Schrader's antics were legion and have since inspired new generations to engage in their own artistically fueled disruptive techniques.
Since those early college days, Schrader has performed other grand and more mature philanthropic acts of generosity, establishing a film studies collection on cinema at the library as well as returning on numerous occasions to speak to the arts audience and artists of this region.
This time he is back in Grand Rapids to kick off a new Visiting Film Artist Series presented in collaboration with UICA and the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance (who are about to release a brand new magazine on Michigan filmmaking this year).
So if you want to hear stories on the films he has authored or lensed (including Hardcore, filmed along Division Avenue) or participate in a workshop with the artist, then this is the movie moment you have been waiting to see happening here.
Admission: Lecture, UICA/WMFVA members $10, non-members $15 / Workshop $85 (pre-register, space is limited)
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