Freakonomics Closes The Aspen Institute Summer Documentary Series, Presented in Partnership with Aspen Film

August 4, 2010

For Immediate Release
Contact: Beth Slater
Program Coordinator
The Aspen Institute
970-544-7914
beth.slater@aspeninstitute.org

 

Freakonomics Closes The Aspen Institute Summer Documentary Series, Presented in Partnership with Aspen Film

Washington, DC, August 4, 2010 Freakonomics, the closing film in NEW VIEWS: Premiere Documentaries, a series presented by the Aspen Institute and Aspen Film that highlights critically acclaimed documentaries and filmmaker conversations, screens on August 9 at 8:00 pm in the Paepcke Auditorium. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased online at www.aspenshowtickets.com or by calling Aspen Show Tickets at 970-920-5770 or in person at the Wheeler Opera House. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door starting 30 minutes before show time.

In this lively screen adaptation of economist Steven D. Levitt and author Stephen J. Dubner’s bestseller, an omnibus of powerhouse directors tackles provocative material for a singular cinematic experience. Alex Gibney (Casino Jack and the United States of Money) delivers a visually arresting look at the crumbling facade of Sumo wrestling. Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) offers a revealing angle on the repercussions of baby names. Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp) balance levity and candor with their eye-opening profile of an unusual learning incentive. Finally, Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight) investigates why crime rates dramatically dropped in the early 1990s. This fascinating interpretation of human behavior by the numbers adds up to a revelatory trip into complex, innovative ideas and altered perspectives on how people think.

Producer Chad Troutwine will be present, and Aspen Film Artistic Director Laura Thielen will moderate a conversation with him after the screening.

For a complete listing of films screening in the series, visit www.aspenfilm.org.

NEW VIEWS: Premiere Documentaries is made possible by generous donations from Evelyn and Leonard Lauder and Jane and Michael Eisner.

About Aspen Film…
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting more than 200 programs and featuring dozens of guest speakers throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program:  Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and Film Educates.  Our mission is to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film. Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue, and broadens understanding of our world and ourselves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide.

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

 

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