Film: Close-Up

The fiction-documentary hybrid Close-Up uses a sensational real-life event that occurred in Tehran in the ’80s- the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf and conned his way into a middle-class family’s home- as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves. This fascinating and intensely moving film from director Abbas Kiarostami is a meditation on art and identity like no other. One of a handful of true modernist milestones in the history of cinema that has resonated with viewers around the world.

This film appears as part of our GAME CHANGERS Series, featuring twelve films that revolutionized cinema. Each film in the series represents a bold step forward; using new and adventurous techniques, courageous directorial visions, or telling stories from new points-of-view.

In addition to the screenings being free of charge, all twelve films are preceded by a Happy Hour starting at 6:30pm, featuring half price beer and wine as well as free snacks and soda. Join us and experience a piece of cinematic history!

The Bardavon/UPAC film series is sponsored by Marshall & Sterling, Herzog’s, and Woodstock Film Festival.