ANTHOLOGY FILM ARCHIVES
32 SECOND AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10003; (212) 505-5181
For Immediate Release January 12, 2010
Contact: Stephanie Gray at publicity@anthologyfilmarchives.org
NEW YORK THEATRICAL PREMIERE RUN!
David Ridgen & Nicolas Rossier
AMERICAN RADICAL: THE TRIALS OF NORMAN FINKELSTEIN
Feb 11 - 17
Documentary follows academic Norman Finkelstein, exploring his history and his stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the politics of the Holocaust
Filmmakers and Norman Finkelstein in person opening weekend!
Anthology Film Archives is thrilled to present the NY Theatrical Premiere Run of AMERICAN RADICAL, a probing, definitive documentary about American academic Norman Finkelstein. A devoted son of holocaust survivors, ardent critic of Israel and US Middle-East policy, and author of five provocative books, including THE HOLOCAUST INDUSTRY, Finkelstein has been at the center of many intractable controversies. Called a lunatic and a self-hating Jew by some and an inspirational street-fighting revolutionary by others, Finkelstein is a deeply polarizing figure whose struggles arise from core questions about freedom, identity, and nationhood. From Beirut to Kyoto, Ridgen and Rossier follow Finkelstein around the world as he attempts to negotiate a voice among both supporters and critics, providing an intimate portrait of the man behind the controversy while giving equal time to both his critics and supporters.
“For us, Finkelstein is the consummate documentary subject: a complex firebrand, principled to the point of self-ruin, at the apex of several of the world’s largest conflicts. A man who has never been asked to appear on mainstream American television, but who regularly appears – always creating controversy – in the international media. At once anti-hero, clown, and merciless scholar, Finkelstein creates as many storms as he enters. And to what end? When radicals collide, does it create understanding? Some would argue that it sometimes does. Others would claim that Finkelstein’s principled but too often bitter advocacy does much to discredit the cause of a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Audiences can decide for themselves.” –David Ridgen & Nicolas Rossier
“A guaranteed argument starter, …..an engaging portrait of an academic whose work is both fueled and undermined by his vitriolic personality” -Chicago Reader
“Finkelstein’s critics, most notably Harvard prof Alan Dershowitz, get plenty of face time…There is much to make any fair minded observer stop and think.” —Ben Harris, JTA
“A fascinating, well-rounded portrait of Finkelstein that simultaneously informs, inspires and infuriates…the filmmakers ride a delicate line, assembling a warts-and-all portrait that shows why Finkelstein is deeply respected and equally reviled.” - Mark Achbar, Director of The Corporation and Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
SCREENING TIMES:
Thursday, February 11 through Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 & 9:00 nightly. Additional screenings on Saturday and Sunday at 5:00.
IN PERSON!
Filmmakers Nicolas Rossier & David Ridgen and Norman Finkelstein in person for intro and Q&A at the following screenings:
Opening night Thurs, Feb 11 at 7p& 9p;
Fri Feb 12: Nicolas Rossier & Norman Finkelstein at 7p; David Ridgen & Norman Finkelstein at 9p; Sat Feb 13: David Ridgen and Norman Finkelstein.
**
AMERICAN RADICAL, USA/Canada, 2009, 84 minutes, video.
Distributed by Typecast Releasing;
special thanks to Alex O. Williams.
**
Check out these websites for more info
Official website, including trailer and press kit:
http://www.americanradicalthefilm.com
Typecast Films, distributor:
http://typecastfilms.com/theatrical/american-radical-the-trials-of-norman-finkelstein/
**
PRESS SCREENING WILL BE HELD:
Wednesday, January 27, 1pm – 2:30pm
DVD SCREENERS & IMAGES AVAILABLE
Full press kit available.
Please inquire about interviews with the
filmmakers and Norman Finkelstein.
To RSVP to press screening, request a screener or an image, inquire about interviews, or other info please email Stephanie Gray: publicity@anthologyfilmarchives.org
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About Anthology Film Archives: Founded in 1970, Anthology’s mission is to preserve, exhibit, and promote public and scholarly understanding of independent, classic, and avant-garde cinema. Anthology screens more than 900 film and video programs per year, publishes books and catalogs annually, and has preserved more than 800 films to date.
Directions: Anthology is at 32 Second Ave. at 2nd St. Subway: F or V to 2nd Ave; 6 to Bleecker.
Tickets: $9 general; $8 Essential Cinema (free for members); $7 for students, seniors, & children (12 & under); $6 AFA members.
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