The International Buddhist Film Festival co-presents the west coast premiere of Meredith Monk: Inner Voice, at the 2009 Mill Valley Film Festival.
A film by Babeth VanLoo.
In association with Meredith Monk/The House Foundation for the Arts
Holland, 2008, 82 min
Director to attend both screenings for Q&A.
Thursday, October 15, 6:45 pm
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center 2, San Rafael
Sunday, October 18, 1:00 pm
CinéArts @ Sequoia 2, Mill Valley
One of the most original and important artists of her generation, acclaimed as a “magician of the voice,” Meredith Monk has spent her life creating and innovating as singer, composer, director, filmmaker, and choreographer. In intimate conversations and through archival footage, director Babeth VanLoo braids together the threads of Monk’s life exquisitely: her creative process; her Buddhist practice; the untimely death of her life partner; her connection with friends, collaborators, and her mother (Audrey Marsh, a radio vocalist and pop singer). Each thread informs Monk’s journey, and the integration of creativity and spiritual practice resonates throughout.
Excerpts from her four-decade career including the recent Songs of Ascension, Dolmen Music, her opera Atla and her film Ellis Island remind us of the pioneer she has always been: her vocal works and choreography stretch the possibilities of the voice and body, discover and play with timbre and nuance, and create unusual, compelling solo, ensemble and theater works. VanLoo’s film gives intriguing insight into a rare being. As in Monk’s work itself, the film retains a sense of mystery and wonder.
“In our culture it is customary to describe an experience, whereas I prefer placing myself right in the middle of it.” –Meredith Monk
She owes her initial exposure to Buddhism to her friend Lanny Harrison, an original member of The House, who introduced her to the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Since 1975, Monk has also taught at the Naropa Institute in Colorado. She is currently a student of Pema Chödrön.
Featuring John Daido Loori, Ann Hamilton, the Meredith Monk Vocal Ensemble, members of the Oratorio Society of Minnesota. Filmed on location in New Mexico, New York, Italy, and California.
Ticket Information:
www.mvff.com
Phone: 877.874.6833
Tickets available beginning Sept 20 for CFI members, Sept 24 for the general public.
