AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Smithsonian Weekend Events—January 9-12—Movies about Stamps

Events at the Smithsonian: January 9-12

January 9, 2009

Friday, January 9: Iranian Film Festival: Banana Skin Film

Hamid is a workaholic who suddenly discovers that he's dead but finds pleasure in the afterlife as a prankster of a spirit. This film is free, but assigned seating is in effect due to high demand for tickets. Up to 2 free tickets will be distributed per person 1 hour before show time. Freer Gallery of Art, 7:00 PM. Repeats January 11 at 2:00 PM.

Saturday, January 10: Philatelic Movies: Jezebel and Hallelujah!

In 2008, Bette Davis was depicted on her very own stamp—curiously sans cigarette—and benchmarks of black cinema also received philatelic tributes. Today, the National Postal Museum will show the movies that inspired these miniature works of art.

Jezebel is the cautionary tale of why good girls shouldn't wear red dresses to the most important social event of the year. (Why you may ask? Because you can't marry Henry Fonda and live happily ever after if you do, that's why!)

Hallelujah! is the first sound film directed by King Vidor (The Crowd) and sports the music of Irving Berlin. The film tells the story of a sharecropper who falls for a nightclub singer. It was added to the National Film Registry in 2008, joining the ranks of 499 other historically, culturally or aesthetically significant films.

While I have yet to see Hallelujah! for myself, I will offer this advice: movies from this era released by major studios that feature a non-white cast are prone to racial stereotypes. If you are able to attend, be able to brace yourself for potentially politically incorrect entertainment.

Movies are free to the public and seating is first-come, first-served. National Postal Museum, 3:00 PM.

Sunday, January 11: ImaginAsia Family Program: Down By The Sea

Artists Dwight William Tyron and Hiroshi Sugimoto plied their craft to explore the sea and sky. Now you can too at this workshop at the Freer Sackler Gallery. Explore the works of Tyron and Sugimoto and then head to the classroom to create your own seascapes fit to tack on the fridge. For ages 8-14. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. To make reservations, call 202-633-0461. Free. Freer Gallery, 2 PM. Repeats January 17, 18, 24, and 25.