Bryn Mawr Film Institute: April at a Glance

From film screenings to participation in the inaugural Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts to simulcasts of much talked-about British plays and a wedding, BMFI has it this month.

Public Relations Coordinator Devin Wachs tells us what to expect:

One-Day Seminar: Cinema of the 1960s (9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, April 2)

This one-day seminar is an all-day class that features four professors teaching on different topics related to 1960s cinema. Ian Abrams is going to be talking about the era of the epic comedy, Andrew Douglas will talk about how Hollywood changed during that decade, Maurizio Giammarco will focus on Federico Fellini’s “8 1/2,” and Paul Wright will speak about the Japanese cinema during that time. Lunch is included. That course is $125 for members and $150 for non-members.

Frankenstein (1 p.m. Sunday, April 3; 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6)

There’s been a lot of buzz in London about this production directed by Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “127 Hours”). Throughout the run of the play, the two lead actors swap roles as Frankenstein and as the Creature. Broadcast from the National Theatre Live, the April 3 production features Johnny Lee Miller (“Trainspotting,” “Dexter”) as Frankenstein, and the April 6 showing stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”) as Frankenstein.

Summer Filmmaking Workshop Open House (5 p.m. Monday, April 4)

Learn more about BMFI’s third annual summer filmmaking workshop at this free event. The final application deadline is April 30. The 12 students who participate in the six-week workshop, to be held Mondays through Thursdays June 27 through August 4 (except July 4), will write, produce, direct and edit a film. Students will also create a Web site and a marketing plan for their film.

Jules and Jim (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5)

This film is the first of four films being shown on Tuesdays as a BMFI collaboration with the first Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). This year’s theme is “Paris, 1911.” This French New Wave film about two best friends will be introduced by Catherine Lafarge, professor emeritus of French at Bryn Mawr College.

Clueless (10 p.m. Thursday, April 7)

The “immortal 1995 teen classic,” an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” is being screened in conjunction with BMFI intern and Bryn Mawr College student Ivy Howell’s senior thesis.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12)

This is another film being shown in conjunction with PIFA, and this classic 1928 masterwork of silent cinema is hugely influential in cinematic circles. BMFI instructor and Temple University faculty member Maurizio Giammarco will introduce the screening.

Ballets Russes (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19)

Though a 2005 documentary, this film gives you a backstage view of this revolutionary ballet troupe. This film is being shown in conjunction with PIFA.

Sideways (7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20)

The screening of this 2004 film about a bachelor road trip through California wine country is co-sponsored by the Bryn Mawr Hospital in honor of April being Heart Month. Cardiologist Dr. Henry Mayer will introduce the film by talking about the health benefits of wine, and there will be a free wine tasting prior to the showing.

Admission is $10. To register, call 1-866-CALL-MLH (1-866-225-5654) or visit MainLineHealth.org/events.

All Quiet on the Western Front (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26)

This film, a portrayal of the English classroom staple about a German schoolboy during World War I, is being shown in conjunction with PIFA. Jennifer Spohrer, assistant professor of history at Bryn Mawr College, will host a talk about WWI at the screening.

La Traviata (7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27)

This Verdi opera stars beloved American soprano Renée Fleming. There will be another showing at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town (7 p.m. Monday, April 25)

Directed by Thom Zinny, this film follows the making of Bruce Spingsteen’s fourth album, “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” It uses plenty of archival, never-before-seen footage of the making of the album. All proceeds of this film showing benefit BMFI.

The Royal Wedding (5 a.m. Friday, April 29) 

This free, members-only event will show a live simulcast of the royal union of Britain’s Prince William with Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey. Because of the time difference, the four-hour ceremony begins at 5 a.m. here. Coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. RSVP is required, so e-mail gnelson@brynmawrfilm.org or call 610-527-4008 ext. 107 to reserve your place.

“We don’t see that many royal weddings, so it’s going to be a neat thing,” Wachs said. “It’s going to be the wedding of the year by all accounts. It’s going to be tremendous.”