Jacob Burns

"JAZZ SESSIONS: THE GREATS ON CAMERA" MAY 5, 12, 19, JUNE 9, 2011

♦ "We attended only the Bucky Pizzarelli film and show – and what a show it was!  The film and clips were very interesting and we really admired that the film was done by students as a summer project.  The theme warmed our hearts, well, because we’re seniors."

♦ "My wife and I attended your showing of the Benny Goodman movie followed by a short concert by the Anderson Twins. The movie and the concert were both superb. The movie added to our knowledge about Benny Goodman and it was quite entertaining. The following discussion and concert were superb."

♦ "I wouldn’t miss the jazz series for anything and haven’t since the beginning.  Bucky Pizzarelli has been one of my favorites for years and what a treat that evening was. Seeing Dave Brubeck in all his various ages was marvelous.  What a sunny personality as well as fabulous musician.  And, then last night to revisit the life of Benny Goodman and hear those so talented young men play plus piano and drums. This jazz series can continue forever as far as I am concerned."  ♦ "My husband and I saw 2 of the films, and both were wonderful. I was motivated to attended because of the live performances that followed, and got a group of 10 friends to join us. The first one, -1959, the Year That Changed Jazz was full of rich history, photos, and live footage. The Westchester Jazz Orchestra performance was outstanding and added the icing on the cake. The second movie, Benny Goodman, was excellent, also chock full of information and live music. The biggest surprise was hearing the Anderson twins being interviewed along with their charm and knowledge. Thank you for offering such excellent movies and live performances." ♦ "My wife and I were privileged to attend An Evening with Bucky Pizzarelli, set in the intimate setting of JBFC theatre we found it to be a wonderful evening of great music and celebration of the career of one of the golden age of jazz guitar’s finest. The Seventh String, the short film that the students made about Bucky enabled those who didn’t know Bucky to see that side of him. Having John and Martin join Bucky & Aaron was an extra special treat.  Kudos to JBFC for a fantastic evening. "

♦ "We saw 1959 - The Year That Changed Jazz and Bucky and John Pizzarelli. It's the first time we've travelled to Pleasantville from Wilton, CT since Standing in the Shadows of Motown: a few years ago, and we enjoyed both programs immensely. The "1959" film was good; it helped fill out our knowledge of modern jazz.  The WJO was also good, and the reception afterward was very nice; generous and delicious!  The Pizzarelli’s were an exceptional treat.  Kudos to the young students who were able to draw out Bucky's charming and delightful persona, and catch some good stories. It was a special evening!  The idea of an entire series is wonderful.     I hope it will continue next year.  The JBFC series is important to keeping jazz healthy and popular, and we are grateful to the JBFC for supporting it so strongly.  You are a great resource for the region, and we wish you continued success."
 

"WESTCHESTER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL" MARCH 24 - APRIL 14, 2011

♦ "The films I saw were wonderful! La Rafle was intensely heartbreaking - intense - but wonderfully done. Naomi was amazing - what a surprise ending. Having just read her short stories, the film about Grace Paley was absorbing. Thanks for these good films."

♦ "I am thrilled that Jacob Burns has sponsored a "Westchester Jewish Film Festival" for 10 years! I never miss it! I enjoyed both the films I saw this year. The performances in Little Rose were excellent.  The Eichmann movie was fascinating, especially considering its basis in actual archives. The movie integrated the different time periods and action, and was well acted. Continue your good work!" ♦ "My favorite was the Human Resources Manager, which was an excellent story beautifully executed.  I noticed it was based on a story by AB Yehoshua, whom I will now have to read!  It didn’t have a Jewish theme but rather a universal theme which I found very appealing. Jews and Baseball was a very enjoyable documentary.  It was interesting to learn that earlier Jewish players had to deal with anti-Semitic heckling.  It was quite moving to see how proud they were of their Jewish heritage." ♦ "Our immediate response:  FABULOUS!  We thoroughly enjoyed every event we attended even the one I accidentally ordered (Vidal Sasson) and we decided to go since we had the tickets.  We especially enjoy the discussions.  We wish we had time to attend more, so we missed several due to our schedules. Thank you for the wonderful Festival!"

♦ "Eichmann's End was a treasure, a fascinating and understated portrayal. It was the kind of choice I have come to expect from the Burns. In any event, thank you for putting together such an extraordinary festival.  I can only imagine the amount of effort that you and the rest of the staff put in to make this festival happen, and I am grateful."

♦ "I particularly enjoy having the director or someone connected to the film talk about the film. The Vidal Sassoon program was terrific; particularly because one or two audience members were able to add personal comments about Mr. Sassoon's early years in London.  The filmmaker, upon questioning, was able to add more information about Sassoon's continued philanthropy in Israel."

♦ "The festival was terrific. I thought the selection of movies was well thought out, provocative, enjoyable, educational and emotional. My children went to some of the films which I was appreciative that there were films that they could see. We have shared our very positive thoughts about the festival to all we see! Great job, looking forward to next year."

"FRAMEWORKS: ART ON FILM" JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 23, 2011

♦ "Great series! We saw the Woodmans and Marwencol . A really fabulous choice of films that aren't available anywhere else. I really consider us lucky to have you so close by. Thank you!"

♦ "Thank you for this wonderful series of films that remains one of the highlights of my year (no kidding!)  As an artist in Westchester with four children, it isn't easy to see a lot of art or feel connected to a community of artists.  The film series helps me accomplish both goals.  While I enjoyed each of the 3 films that I viewed, my favorite discussion followed the Francesca Woodman movie." ♦ "The Woodmans was the biggest surprise and pleasure for me.  The film is touching and informative at the same time.  The film reeks of honesty, which is amazing given the very painful nature of the main character's demise.  I felt privileged to have seen this film.  And the presence of the filmmaker at the screening was the "icing on the cake."  What a deep and thoughtful and intelligent and sensitive man.  Thanks for bringing him and his film into my world." ♦ "I saw Marwencol and I loved it and the discussion and the display and the reception.  I would have liked to see more films in the series as I would love to see every movie you guys ever show.  Unfortunately, the rest of my life gets in the way.  I don't think I have ever seen a bad movie at the Burns. I have been a member since 2005. Keep up the good work."

♦ "I saw the Jean-Michael movie and talk. It was a wonderful evening.  She certainly resisted the interviewing process, but that was 'in-character' for her. I found myself thinking about her paintings and the colors that she used for days after the film. Her work is truly magnificent. I had my daughter with me who is an art student and the audience was filled with people who spend their free time at museums in the City and attending art lectures. As a result, the conversation that occurred after the movie was quite diverse and interesting. I am looking forward to attending more art and film shows at the Burns."

♦ "The guests at the Basquat movie really brought his life and art alive. How wonderful to hear a girlfriend speak about her friend in such a personal way.   Marwencol was so much fun to watch and the guest was so informative on the subject.   I loved the Woodmans.  I am a collector of contemporary ceramics and I have been a fan of Betty Woodmans for a long time.  It was very exciting to hear her speak about her art and see her relationship with her husband and child. All wonderful evenings. You all do a great job."

 


"METROPOLIS" SEPTEMBER 17 - 23, 2010

♦ "Metropolis – WOW! Alloy Orchestra – Great. I am new to the Jacob Burns Film Center. This was my first screening. What a way to start! Last Sunday I came back for the Passion of Joan of Arc with In the Nursery – Marvelous.  My membership card arrived a few days ago. I hope to visit often. Keep up the good work."

♦ "I am huge fan of the Burns and consider it one of the very highest of highlights of Westchester, the equivalent of the perfect toy store for a man of my age and interests. When I saw that you were going to be showing Metropolis with live music, I jumped on the opportunity. The music was magnificent and such an experience to have it happening live. The movie, in its restored condition, was exciting – sometimes “edge of your seat” exciting - funny, harrowing, and brilliantly shot. The presentation, therefore, mattered so much, and the Burns, as always gave it a home possibly better than any it had ever had before."

♦ "What a fabulous evening. Besides the restored version of this epic, iconic film the Alloy accompaniment made the evening even more special. Their original soundtrack was so interesting to hear and only added to the film in so many ways. I especially their Q and A afterwards which shed more light on their work and the restored portions of the film. It was a truly memorable experience."

♦ "I had never seen the film before and neither had the two friends that I attended the screening with. I was transfixed. I had no idea how contemporary and applicable the content would be. A genuine visionary. I had heard of the Alloy Orchestra a bit and was expecting, well, an orchestra. The trio of remarkably energetic and courageous musicians that comprise "The Alloy Orchestra" did not disappoint. More than a few times, I pulled my focus from the film to watch how they were creating certain sounds. Such tremendous skill, ingenuity and endurance!"

♦ "I thought the event as a whole was really fantastic and I would love to see more films with live music accompaniment. The film was great, I have seen the original before so seeing Metropolis with the extra footage was a really great and unique opportunity that I was glad to have. The orchestra sounded really tight and the music they wrote fit the film very well. Overall it was a very cool experience and I would definitely do it again."

♦ "It is not convenient for me to get to the JBFC because I live in New Jersey. If I want to see a movie at the JBFC it takes about four hours of driving through hectic traffic in order to get there and get back. However, all of this effort was worth it in order to see the newly restored version of Metropolis with accompaniment composed and performed live by Alloy Orchestra. The movie is a masterpiece -- a visually exhilarating masterpiece. And the restoration was essential -- it's a different, inferior movie without it. Alloy Orchestra has been around for a long time. They've been praised widely and they've been called the best. This was my first chance to see them. Now that I've had a chance to see them, I agree that they're the best. It was all SENSATIONAL! It took a very large effort for me to see this performance, and I would be happy to do so again ten times over. Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the JBFC for this remarkable performance!"

* Photo credit: Ed Cody
 

"SOUNDS OF SUMMER: NEW MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES"  JULY 1- AUGUST 5, 2010

♦ " The "Sounds of Summer" was an excellent series and a welcomed addition to your programming. I saw Steve Reich, When You’re Strange, and I actually saw Strawberry Fields twice (the second time I brought my posse with me -- 8 other people). I guess that makes me the first Scott Frieman groupie. All 3 movies had speakers, but Scott blew us all away."

♦ "This type of creativity in programming is why I love the theater. The attention to detail was nice too -- music videos in place of trailers were a great touch.  I agree that this sort of series does indeed elevate the Burns over other theaters I've encountered. I hope this is helpful to you. Keep up the great work!" ♦ "I loved both of the films I saw...Arcadia Fire and Glenn Gould, which was fantastic. I brought my 82 year old mother who loved it and shared stories with me ...I remember when I was very young after she saw him live in concert in NY City, she and her girlfriend were smitten. They listened to his music all the time at home. So it was fun for her to see the movie and for me to experience his genius through the film!! I had no idea. Thank you for this privilege!" ♦ "We saw Steve Reich in person and several movies, including the Glenn Gould documentary and The Last Waltz.  We very much enjoyed having the opportunity to hear Steve Reich in person and thought the conversation was very interesting.  We thought both documentaries were terrific (Reich and Gould) and encourage you to continue to have high level arts programming of this nature often. We also enjoyed The Last Waltz. There were a good variety of films during the series. I think music is a wonderful theme for a series, and summer is a wonderful time for a music series. We like intellectually challenging programming and “in person” events in particular, but also enjoy worthwhile movies reflecting popular culture, and your programming seems to hit all marks."

♦ "We actually attended two of the films in the series. We saw Steve Reich Phase to Face and Still Bill. We LOVED everything about the film. We love Bill Withers' music and he is such a wise, witty, and gentle soul -- the filmmaker captured that beautifully. I think the idea of this series is brilliant. When introducing the Steve Reich film, Brian Ackerman noted that music is such an important part of the film experience -- and we often aren't even aware of the impact it is having on us when we see a film."

♦ "I saw Still Bill and Wetlands...as a lover and frequenter of live music I find the stories behind the scene and those that have inspired its evolution or marked its evolution/history so interesting. Proximity to this special theater and accessibility to its substance and diversity are truly appreciated my locales like me. You are unique."

 

For more photography from JBFC events visit our gallery on Flickr!