Since the Rose began streaming films in early April, one of the frequent questions I've received is, Why aren't you streaming THE BOWMAKERS? I produced the feature film for local director Ward Serrill, but our original theatrical release plan evaporated with the presence of the pandemic. The Rose will be streaming it in the near future, but it actually began its virtual debut last weekend in partnership with Orchestra Seattle and the Seattle Chamber Singers. You can view the film (or pre-order the DVD) by visiting their website. The final day of the film - this Sunday 9/20 - includes a live Q&A at noon with Serrill, Port Townsend bowmaker Robert Morrow, violinist Will Fedkenheuer of Miró Quartet, and OSSCS Music Director William White. The Q&A allows you to ask questions of the participants.
I have yet to watch THE DARK DIVIDE, but my curiosity about it was immediately piqued upon discovering that one of its producing partners is REI Co-op Studios, the Northwest-born outdoor equipment retailer. The film is a fictional account of the life and work of esteemed butterfly and moth expert Dr. Robert Pyle. Pyle's research, writings and teachings - with a strong focus on the Pacific Northwest - has earned him world-wide recognition and awards (National Outdoor Book Award, Distinguished Alumnus - Yale University and University of Washington, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Scholarship, Washington Governor's Book Award, and many others.) The movie begins streaming this Friday (9/18) for two weeks. Here's a short piece about the making of the film.
Seven of the 24 films that we're streaming this week are music oriented. I think the prevalence of these films is two-fold: great music, and backstory revelations that often lead us to exclaim, "I had no idea!" CHUCK BERRY: THE ORIGINAL KING OF ROCK "N' ROLL delivers on both accounts. Nicknamed the "Father of Rock and Roll," Berry's life is full of major ups and downs, but the esteem with which other rock 'n' roll luminaries hold him in the highest regard is unwavering.
The prevalence of forest fire smoke necessitated canceling our pop-up popcorn last Saturday. We plan to be back this Saturday (9/19), 2:00-5:00. If poor air quality necessitates cancelling again, this information will be posted on the Rose's Facebook and Instagram pages Saturday morning.
Cinematically yours,
Rocky