SOLD OUT: Harry Smith’s Film #18: Mahagonny

Filmmaker, anthropologist, painter, and musicologist Harry Smith worked on Film #18 Mahagonny, his final film, for over ten years and considered it his magnum opus. His cinematic transformation of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s caustically satirical opera is an allegory that explores human needs and desires amid the rituals of daily life in New York City.

The film is a collage composed of various film genres, intercutting portraits of important avant-garde figures such as Patti Smith, Allen Ginsberg, Marty Balin, and Jonas Mekas, New York City landmarks, and Smith’s visionary animation. 

This is an ultra-rare opportunity to experience the long form work of the eccentric that brought us the Anthology of American Folk Music.

Join us for the opportunity to hear from Harry Smith’s assistant, Rani Singh of the Harry Smith Archives, as we screen Harry Smith’s Mahagonny, one of the most legendary underground films of all time.

Check out Harry Smith: Portland’s Prodigal Son’s other events Saturday, June 15, 7:30 PM @ Hollywood Theatre – Harry’s short films with live musical accompaniment curated by Mississippi Records, $15; and Sunday, June 16, 4:00 PM @ Turn! Turn! Turn! for Harry Smith and the PNW.