Northwest Film Forum

January-December, 2009

1969 was a moment between times. The year was simultaneously the epitome and the end of an era. With optimism and fear, triumphs and tragedies, freedoms and violations, love and war, a decade of diametric struggles was coming to an end. Filmmakers attempted to reconcile the clash of mixed emotions and a social, political and cultural landscape that had quickly become convoluted. Hollywood struggled to keep up with the great shifts of the time, and the studios made awkward dance partners with a new generation of irreverent independent, foreign and avant-garde filmmakers. Forty years later, as we close out the first decade of the 21st Century, 1969 is a reflection of the kinds of issues, dilemmas, creative sparks, contradictions and open future that we face today, in our world and our cinema. Northwest Film Forum presents an in-depth, yearlong exploration of the films of 1969, presenting a diversity of feature films, documentaries and experimental works that were seen on screens during that tumultuous year.

Vastly different visions from both veteran directors and emerging filmmakers (many of whom would come into prominence in the ‘70s) challenge traditional ideas of war, patriotism, faith, sexuality, human nature and the very boundaries of filmmaking. The films share a common sense of alienation, discontent and uncertainty toward the future. Outsiders and drifters of various incarnations grope for meaning, love and direction. Many take to the open road, embarking on quests for freedom, connection and the great unknown. Seen together, these must-see films comprise a fascinating mosaic of cinema in a significant time of transition when essential questions were being asked in bold new ways. And this is just the beginning of our ongoing series. 69 provides a rare opportunity to experience important works of modern filmmaking as well as the overlooked rarities of the time on the big screen. And it presents a vast cinematic landscape for one’s own personal road trip.

SERIES PASS:
For a limited time, we are offering yearlong 69 series passes for only $69. This includes the fourteen films listed here and dozens more throughout the year. But this offer is only good until the start of the series (January 9) and there are a limited number of passes available, so get yours now! (NWFF members who purchase passes will also receive a 69 series poster.)

Purchase series pass now
 

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