Philip Glass – MRQE

Nova 78′

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Resurrected through UK-led archival restoration NOVA 78′ shows never-before-seen footage of the legendary Nova Convention where William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Zappa, Ginsberg and more collided in an explosion of ideas, art and rebellion.

Classic Albums: Paul Simon – Graceland (V)

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon had been on the cutting-edge of pop music throughout most of the 1960s and the ’70s, first as half of the seminal folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, and then as a well-received solo artist. But the rise of 1980s rock and new wave saw a decline in Simon’s commercial success, and the singer responded by experimenting with different musical styles–most notably, world beat–that culminated in his adventurous 1986 masterpiece GRACELAND. The album’s fusion of American folk-rock songwriting and buoyant South African rhythms not only broke new ground in pop music, but became Simon’s biggest-selling solo record. This episode of the CLASSIC ALBUMS series examines the making of Simon’s groundbreaking work through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and live performances of album tracks such as “Boy in the Bubble,” “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” “You Can Call Me Al,” and “Under African Skies.”

American Masters:: The Source: The Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation (TVE)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Traces the Beats from Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac’s meeting in 1944 at Columbia University to the deaths of Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs in 1997. Three actors provide dramatic interpretations of the work of these three writers, and the film chronicles their friendships, their arrival into American consciousness, their travels, frequent parodies, Kerouac’s death, and Ginsberg’s politicization. Their movement connects with bebop, John Cage’s music, abstract expressionism, and living theater. In recent interviews, Ginsberg, Burroughs, Kesey, Ferlinghetti, Mailer, Jerry Garcia, Tom Hayden, Gary Snyder, Ed Sanders, and others measure the Beats’ meaning and impact.

Jonas at the Ocean

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The Last Dalai Lama?

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In his 1992 documentary “Compassion in Exile”, filmmaker Mickey Lemle created a groundbreaking portrait of the 14th Dalai Lama. His new film takes a fresh look at what is important for His Holiness, who is now in his 80s: the historic confrontation between Tibet and China; his influence in political, spiritual and educational spheres; his work with neuroscientists; and his personal feelings on aging, dying and whether he will be the last Dalai Lama. His impact on the West has grown over the 25 years since the earlier film, and we see some of his influence at work in classes and scientific studies. Artfully weaving interviews and accounts from family, friends and people he inspired, this film vibrantly conveys the Dalai Lamas humor, wisdom and compassion

What Maisie Knew

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The film is about looking. I bet that slight variations of few recurrent elements would encourage the viewer to free associate and to fantasize a kind of narrative. – BM

Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Wild Combination is a visually absorbing portrait of the seminal avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and disco producer Arthur Russell. Before his death in 1992, Arthur prolifically created music that spanned both pop and the transcendent possibilities of abstract art. Now, over fifteen years since his passing, Arthur’s work is finally finding its audience. Wolf incorporates rare archival footage and commentary from Arthur’s family, friends, and closest collaborators to tell this poignant and important story.

Patti Smith: Dream of Life

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

An intimate portrait of poet, painter, musician and singer Patti Smith that mirrors the essence of the artist herself.

Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Scott Hicks documents an eventful year in the career and personal life of distinguished Western classical composer Philip Glass as he interacts with a number of friends and collaborators, who include Chuck Close, Ravi Shankar, and Martin Scorsese.

A Brief History of Errol Morris

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

This film tells the fascinating story of one of the most critically acclaimed careers in independent documentary film making in recent cinema history. This comprehensive overview of Morris’ career includes clips of all his important films as well as interviews with collaborators such as Werner Herzog and Phillip Glass.