The Bozeman Doc Series continues on Thursday, April 10th, at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, with the Montana premiere of the critically acclaimed new documentary, The Librarians. The film screens at 7pm.
As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.
Kim A. Snyder (Us Kids, 2020 Sundance Film Festival) takes us to an unexpected front line where librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and free access to information. As they well know, controlling libraries and the flow of ideas means control over communities.
Across the United States, sweeping book bans target stories addressing race and LGBTQ+ issues. Snyder immerses us in this escalating conflict, capturing heated community meetings that lay bare the arguments for censorship. At the center of it all are the steadfast librarians, determined to protect children’s right to access books that educate, empower and provide solace – despite facing harassment, threats, and even laws aimed at criminalizing their work. A cautionary tale and rallying cry, Snyder captures how these librarians transform their seemingly quiet profession into a bold stand for freedom.
“Rousing… Straightforward and urgent.” – Screen International
“Enlightening… offers a rattling look at coordinated efforts to ban books. More importantly, it introduces viewers to the everyday and increasingly vital heroes pushing back: the librarians who sound the alarm to both legislative and grassroots attempts to pull books from school and public libraries… a gripping story of what is at stake when curiosity and thinking are endangered.” – Variety
Following on Thursday, April 24th, at the Emerson, the Doc Series, in association with Gallatin Valley Earth Day, will present the Montana premiere of the brand new, critically acclaimed documentary, Folktales. The film screens at 7pm. It will be preceded by a reception in the ballroom one hour prior with food and drink, the annual silent auction, as well as Earth Day information and opportunities from event sponsors.
In Norse mythology, the three “Norns” are powerful deities who weave the threads of fate and shape humans’ futures. Today, Pasvik Folk High School in northern Norway aims to produce a similar life-changing effect on its students. Folktales tells the timely and emotional story of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional “gap year” learning to dog sled and survive the Arctic wilderness, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world.
Guided by patient teachers and a yard full of Alaskan huskies, they discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them. For nearly two centuries, Scandinavian folk high schools – some of which are rooted in the lessons of Norse mythology – have emphasized the power of nature, simplicity and community to transform young lives. “We hope we can wake up your Stone Age brain,” Pasvik instructor Iselin tells her students.
Through intimate verité storytelling and exhilarating cinematography, Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady examine humans on the cusp of adulthood, finding themselves at the edge of the world.
Folktales world-premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival to widespread critical acclaim.
“It’s beautiful to watch humanity’s best friends alleviate modern coming-of-age anxieties in troubled teens. The chilly Arctic climes make for an especially illuminating backdrop.” – Toronto Star
Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the door or before the show online at www.bozemandocseries.org, where you can also buy Season Passes and 7-film punch cards, learn more about the series, and view trailers for upcoming films. The series will continue every other Thursday through April. •
