Eisner/Lauder New Views Documentaries and Dialogue Series: Aggie
The Aspen Institute Arts Program presented a pre-release virtual screening and post film panel discussion of the acclaimed documentary AGGIE, a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Filmmaker Catherine Gund, writer and organizer Mahogany Browne and Dr. Douglas E. Wood, Director, Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative joined the panel, moderated by Aspen Institute Executive Vice President Elliot Gerson. Presented in partnership with Aspen Film and supported by the Eisner/Lauder New Views Documentaries and Dialogue Series.
Aggie is a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund focuses on her mother’s journey to give viewers an understanding of the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change. Aggie is internationally recognized for her robust and prescient support of artists–particularly women and people of color–and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. After falling in love with art as a high-school student, Aggie discovers a new way of looking at the world. The film opens with Aggie selling Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” For $165 million to start the Art for Justice Fund. The proceeds from one of the highest grossing artworks ever sold fuel a monumental effort to reform the American criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. The film captures Aggie as a true maverick who demonstrates the unique role and potential of collectors and benefactors to use art to fight justice. This is untapped terrain, and we see Aggie leading the way. Click here to watch trailer.
New Views is generously sponsored by Jane and Michael Eisner and Leonard Lauder.