Past Events

If you’ve never heard of Rodriguez, you’re not alone. A critically acclaimed 70’s-era Detroit-based singer-songwriter, Rodriguez seemed on his way to achieving rock star status with his distinctive voice and lyrics earning him the nickname “Sugar Man.” But when the sales of his potential breakout album bombed, this elusive artist, touted as the next Bob Dylan, drifted into obscurity in the US, accompanied by mysterious rumors of a tragic death. However, in South Africa under apartheid, a bootleg copy of his album spawned a huge underground following. With his antiestablishment lyrics gaining a generation of obsessively loyal listeners, “He was bigger than Elvis.” When two fans set off on a search to unravel the mystery of “Sugar Man’s” fate, they encounter a wild chain of events full of unexpected delights. Part gripping detective story, part uplifting portrait of an original talent, this Sundance Audience Award winner is a engaging story of hope and the universal power music holds to bring people together. (Sweden, 2012, 86m).

Q&A with Emily Verellen, Fledgling Fund, on documentary's role in engaging audiences and creating Social Change.

Jon Huntsman served as the 16th governor of Utah, and US Ambassador to China. He served in the administrations of four US presidents and was a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. Governor Huntsman currently serves on the board of Ford Motor Company, Caterpillar Corporation, The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, The University of Pennsylvania, and as a distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institute. In addition he serves as the Chairman of The Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

For almost 60 years, this premier roundtable has challenged leaders in every field to think more critically and deeply. The seminar is a unique opportunity to step away from the demands of the present and reflect with other leaders in moderated, text-based Socratic dialogue on the concept of a good and just society: What is it? How does it become a reality?

The Challenge of Leadership Seminar.

In Collaboration with the Aspen Strategy Group.

For 40 years, Serbian-born Marina Abramović has redefined art by using her own body as the medium. Often pushing the boundaries of extreme endurance, this art world superstar creates performances that challenge, shock and move viewers. Matthew Akers’ intelligent portrait offers a compelling look into Abramović’s many selves as she prepares for the biggest show of her career, the 2010 Museum of Modern Art retrospective. Spirited, emotional, pragmatic, reflective, Abramović speaks with eloquent clarity and humor about the core tenets of her artistic practice, namely always being in the present moment. Akers’ camera also captures the hard-working artist cooking at home, reconnecting with her former art and life partner, posing for a fashion shoot, and training an ensemble of young performers. An audience award winner at the Berlin Film Festival, Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present provides articulate insight into the oft-misunderstood medium of performance art while taking penetrating look into the eyes–and humanity–of an extraordinary artist.  (U.S., 2012, 106m).  Q&A with Director Matthew Akers immediately following. 

David Sanger is chief Washington correspondent of The New York Times and author of Confront and Conceal: Obama's Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power (Crown; June 2012). Mr. Sanger has reported from New York, Tokyo, and Washington, covering a wide variety of issues surrounding foreign policy, globalization, nuclear proliferation, and Asian affairs. Twice he has been a member of Times reporting teams that won the Pulitzer Prize.  He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Aspen Institute's Aspen Strategy Group.

This event is for Society of Fellows supporters only. Co-moderated by Afshin Molavi, co-director of the World Economy Roundtable at the New America Foundation and New America Foundation, and Jean-Francois Seznec, Associate Professor of Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University.

Presented by The Aspen Institute's Aspen Strategy Group and The Brookings Institution

Robert Zoellick recently stepped down as president of the World Bank after serving in that office for the past five years. Mr. Zoellick has held several senior positions in the US Government, including Deputy Secretary of State and US Trade Representative under President George W. Bush.