WILD COMBINATION: A PORTRAIT OF ARTHUR RUSSELL presented by Queer Diaspora

As part of their August series “SEE•SOUND,” 7th House and Queer Diaspora are proud to present WILD COMBINATION: A PORTRAIT OF ARTHUR RUSSELL (2008), director Matt Wolf's (PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF, SPACESHIP EARTH) moving and visually absorbing portrait of the seminal avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and disco producer. The screening will be preceded by a video introduction by the currently Emmy-nominated filmmaker, made especially for this special evening. The screening will also be followed by a mix of archival footage of Russell in performance.

Before his untimely death from AIDS in 1992, Arthur Russell prolifically created music that spanned both pop and the transcendent possibilities of abstract art. Now, over fifteen years since his passing, Arthur's work is finally finding its audience. Wolf incorporates rare archival footage and commentary from Arthur's family, friends, and closest collaborators—including Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg—to tell this poignant and important story.

With a visually experimental form, WILD COMBINATION brings to life Arthur’s descriptively rich and emotionally direct music. The film explores the compelling cultural history of New York in the 1970s and ‘80s, the experience of being gay and confronting AIDS, and the cathartic process of making art and pursuing popular success at a time when those goals were mutually attainable. Intimate interviews with Arthur’s family and collaborators, rare archival materials, and an engrossing visual language bring his music to life and give long overdue attention to this ground-breaking artist.

Dir. Matt Wolf, 2008, 71 mins, United States, English, Unrated, Digital.

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ABOUT QUEER DIASPORA

Queer Diaspora is a bi-monthly event held at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Founded and hosted by filmmaker, Gregorio Davila, Queer Diaspora intends to showcase the rich history, culture and artistry of the international LGBT+ community, through screenings, live performances and exhibitions. All are welcome.

ABOUT GREGORIO DAVILA

Under his production company, EXOTICO FILMS., Gregorio has written, produced, edited, and directed two short films and two feature films. He made his first feature documentary in 2001 entitled Bent Fest 2001; a documentary account of a five-day music festival in Seattle that featured an all-queer band line-up. Bent Fest 2001 received critical acclaim locally and has been noted for the rare footage of Gossip, The Butchies, Traci & The Plastics, and The Chromatics in their early years.

His two short films; NANCY FROM EAST SIDE CLOVER, and JEANNE CORDOVA: BUTCHES, LIES & FEMINISM won multiple film festival awards around the world, the latter taking home the Grand Jury Prize at Outfest 2017 for BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT.

His third feature-length documentary; L.A. A QUEER HISTORY, a film showcasing the rich LGBTQ+ history of the Los Angeles area is the winner of a 2022 NETA PUBLIC MEDIA AWARD, a 2022 MIPCOM DIVERSIFY AWARD at Cannes, a TELLY AWARD, and two 2022 LOS ANGELES PRESS CLUB AWARDS.

His latest documentary feature, UNIDAD: GAY AND LESBIAN LATINOS UNIDOS , a film about the first Queer Latine organization in the country (Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos) which formed in Los Angeles in 1981, won a SILVER TELLY AWARD, and a 2024 LOS ANGELES PRESS CLUB AWARD. Both L.A. A QUEER HISTORY and UNIDAD are currently available to stream on PBS.

ADVISORY DISCLAIMER

With some exception, The Philosophical Research Society’s 7th House Screenings does not typically provide advisory warnings about potentially upsetting content or subject matter, as sensitivities are particular to each viewer. Please be sure to read event listings, research on the web, or visit Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com for thorough info on content and age-appropriateness. If you have any specific content advisory questions, please email [email protected].

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
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Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society