October 26, 2017, 7:30pm. Buy tickets here. At Temple Emanuel, 8844 Burton Way Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
Jean Firstenberg with Michael Nesmith
The American Film Institute is a cultural gem, recognized not only in this country but around the world, for its singular commitment to film education, restoration, and honoring the great cultural contributions of filmmakers and cinema. AFI dedicates itself not only to the current moment in cinema, and to the glories of great movies of the past, but also to initiatives that will impact the future of film making and filmmakers.
AFI is now celebrating 50 years of influence, achievement and education. Jean Picker Firstenberg served as President and CEO of the American Film Institute from 1980 to 2007–and used her leadership to advance the presence of AFI in the consciousness and imagination of casual movie lovers to most ardent cinephile. She has worked with some of the most legendary artists of our time.
Her book, Becoming AFI: 50 Years Inside the American Film Institute (with James Hindman) commemorates the challenges and unique achievement of an institution that has helped to shape not only the movies but our culture. With a foreword by Dana Gioia, a preface by Wonder Woman’s Patty Jenkins, and an afterword by David Lynch, Becoming AFI speaks to film buffs and filmmakers about how this institution does what it does, and maintains its grip as arguably the most influential organizations in film.
In conversation with Michael Nesmith, who served as a Trustee at AFI for twelve years. Nesmith was a member of The Monkees and also wrote one of the great ballads of our time, “Different Drum.”