The Story Behind the Music: Music Themed Film Discussions at the Avon Public Library

View the films at home (check https://www.justwatch.com for options) and join us for a Zoom discussion, led by Bob Kagan.

April 10, *La Vie en Rose, 2007, Directed by Olivier Dahan. A wonderful  biopic of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf. Raised by her  grandmother in a brothel, she was discovered while singing on a  street corner at the age of 19. Featuring an incredible performance by  Marion Cotillard.  Available for rent on Amazon Prime, and at the library (enter the title as, “Môme” when searching). View the trailer here

April 17, *Buena Vista Social Club, 1999, Directed by Wim Wenders.  This documentary follows aging Cuban musicians whose talents had  been forgotten following Castro’s takeover of Cuba. Brought out of  retirement, their careers are resurrected, culminating in an incredible  performance at Carnegie Hall.  Available for rent on Amazon Prime, and at the library. View the trailer here

May 1, We’re bringing back the Double Feature!!! Two films for the  price of one.

20 Feet From Stardom, 2013, Directed by Morgan Neville.  Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their  voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but  we’ve had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until  now. Don’t miss this crowd pleaser with outstanding music.  Available for rent on Amazon, and at the library. View the trailer here

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen A Journey, A Song, 2021, Directed  by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine. Hallelujah is one of the most  interpreted songs of our generation having been recorded by over 300  artists. This film explores the life of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen,  who wrote 150 drafts of the song over a 5 year period. Available for  rent on Amazon, and at the library. View the trailer here

May 8, *Amadeus, 1984, Directed by Milos Forman. This biopic depicts  the life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story  is told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was  deeply jealous of Mozart’s talent and claimed to have murdered him. .  Watch for exceptional performances by Tom Hulce and F. Murray  Abraham.  Available for Rent on Amazon Prime, and at the library. View the trailer here.

Bob Kagan was Chair of the Communication Department at Manchester Community College for 30 years. In his “unretirement” he teaches Communication courses at Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford. He has been leading film discussions at the Avon Free Public Library for the past 6 years.

Please register once for the series, even if you can’t attend all of the sessions. Zoom links will be sent out before the event.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.