Art and Film at the Museum: Night and Dae

by Jessica Brody

The exhibit walls are finished and we are proud to host our first art event at the museum. A night exploring the power of art to create dialogue.

On May 2nd the visual arts exhibit Every Day is Earth Day will open with an artist reception at 4pm. If Earth Day is just one day, our days are numbered. At the Desert Museum, we celebrate the Earth everyday. Join us and the participating members of the Imperial Valley College Arts Faculty from 4-6pm. A big thank you to Bernardo Olmedo for his assistance on the exhibit. 

Following the reception, in partnership with the Film Forward Program, a program of the Sundance Institute and their National Partners, there will be a film screening of Bran Nue Dae (Brand New Day) with a director Q&A afterward. We appreciate the Film Commissioner suggesting the museum to be considered for this program. 

Working in various archives across Southern Australia last year, I learned about Bran Nue Dae from my colleagues. While the plot is lighthearted, it is a movie that matters. It is the epitome of the Ghandi quote "be the change you wish to see in the world." Written, directed and starring a (mostly) Aboriginal cast, the film celebrates diversity and cultural acceptance. As soon as I returned to the US I encouraged people to view my personal copy, including Imperial Valley community members. I believe in the power of this film to create dialogue. Bran Nue Dae is not widely available in the United States so don't miss this rare opportunity to view the film. 

Below is the Director's comments on the film:

For Aboriginal Australians our narrative has been dominated by themes of invasion, racism and dispossession. BRAN NUE DAE rebels against this tradition, using a comedic approach and the musical form to redefine the Aboriginal experience. This spirit of rebellion and celebration is personified in our hero, the young boy Willy, who overrides all others expectations to be himself. —RACHEL PERKINS

Rachel Perkins is highly regarded in Australia. You can read more about her work on the Film Forward website and meet her on May 2nd at the Museum. 

Cindy Meehl has been re-scheduled to another event. Contact museum staff for more information.