Xeitgeist ~ the spirit of the event
by Melinda Darlington-Bach

Starlight Starbright ~ Jane Campion - Director - BRIGHT STAR

From the moment Academy Award winning filmmaker, Jane Campion stepped on stage at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, the standing room only audience was completely captivated. After viewing Ms. Campion's latest filmic endeavor, BRIGHT STAR, at the Cannes Film Festival, Mark Fishkin, Executive Director of The California Film Institute was on a mission. This exclusive "Directors Circle" special event on Thursday, July 31st was a preview screening with a VIP reception next door with Ms. Campion.

Introducing her film Ms. Campion spoke so eloquently about her latest vision. The screenplay was based on the passionate letters of John Keats written to the love of his life Fanny Brawne. After having been moved to a deep emotional place, she felt Keats had "found his consciousness" and then proceeded to create her original screenplay, BRIGHT STAR.

After viewing the lush film during the Q&A discussion, it was evident to all of us how her skill as a painter was reflected in her work on the screen. We are so privileged here in Marin to have the access to the California Film Institute and all the opportunities they offer our community. We got a first-hand preview screening by one of the most successful female film directors alive today.

Founding member of California Film Institute and theatre luminary, Ann Brebner summed the evening up by saying:"I experienced an emotional journey that I had no control over."

~ Marin Arts Council Magazine, August 2009