Ben Barenholtz
 |
This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (October 2010) |
Ben Barenholtz is an independent film exhibitor, distributor and producer.
In the late 1960s, he opened the Elgin Cinema in New York City, which became a prominent arthouse theatre.[1] He relaunched the films of Buster Keaton and D. W. Griffith, as well as a variety of independent films by new American directors. The work of Stan Brakhage, Jack Smith, Maya Deren, Kenneth Anger, Jonas Mekas, Andy Warhol, Jonathan Demme and Martin Scorsese, all played at the theatre.
Barenholtz created the concept of the "Midnight Movie". He screened Alexander Jodorowsky's "El Topo", John Waters' "Pink Flamingoes" and Perry Henzell's "The Harder They Come" each for months at a time, seven days a week.[1]
In the 1970s, Barenholtz formed the distribution company Libra Films, which went on to re-release a variety of foreign films from notable and young directors, as well as new films including David Lynch's first feature "Eraserhead".
After years as a distributor, Barenholtz began producing. He supported the Coen brothers directorial debut through several titles such as, Blood Simple, Barton Fink (Awarded at the Academy Awards and Cannes Film Festival's Golden Palm & Cannes Film Festival's Best Director award), Miller's crossing (San Sebastián International Film's Best Director award) and became involved with filmmakers such as George A. Romero and Darren Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream").
Barenholtz is currently developing two titles, including Kurt Busiek's acclaimed comic book Astro City, which has been optioned by Working Title Films.
Barenhotz is known for his "eye" for talents, movies and directors through an inspiring and creative lifework. The 2010, Hamptons International Film Festival will be hosting an industry toast to his career.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b "It Must Be Midnight And Must Be Weird". The New York Times. July 7, 1995. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60610F63D5B0C748CDDAE0894DD494D81. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
- ^ "Stars Align for 18th Film Fest". East Hampton Star. September 30, 2010. http://www.easthamptonstar.com/dnn/Home/Arts/StarsAlignfor18thFilmFest/tabid/13325/Default.aspx. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
[edit] External links
 |
This biographical article related to cinema of the United States is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
