GIFT

November 3 – 13
GIFT
Inspired by Lewis Hyde’s beloved classic The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World, GIFT is a richly cinematic film, interweaving character‐driven stories. On North America’s Pacific Northwest Coast, a young indigenous man undertakes the elaborate preparations for a potlatch – to make a name for himself by giving everything away. In Rome, Italy, a factory occupied by migrant families is transformed into a living museum, protected by a barricade of art : a model of resistance, and an invaluable gift. In the pirate utopia of Burning Man, a mutant bumblebee art car distributes honey in a post-­apocalyptic desert landscape. Meanwhile, in Auckland, New Zealand, artist Lee Mingwei prepares to launch Sonic Blossom – a “transformative gift” of song.
GIFT is a tribute to something that can’t be measured or counted, bought or sold. Exploring the parallels between artists’ work and a gift economy, it’s a reflection on the creative process, the reasons we “labour in service of our gifts”, and a celebration of the imagination.
Dir: Robin McKenna / 2019 / US, ITALY, NEW ZEALAND / 90 min

“At a time when art is relentlessly commercialized and commodified, Robin McKenna’s ‘Gift’ provides a gentle and welcome reminder of other values.” – A.O. Scott, New York Times

“Documentarian Robin McKenna’s intelligent and life affirming documentary Gift will make viewers consider how they give, receive, and create art in a fresh, new light.” – Andrew Parker, The Gate

“For many people, Gift will live up to its title.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

SCREENING: SUN 11/3 2:30PM; TUE 11/5 4:00PM; WED 11/6 7:00PM; THU 11/7 4:00PM; TUE 11/12 7:00PM; WED 11/13 4:00PM
Tickets available at the box office 1/2 hour before showtimes.