FILM SERIES
Martine Syms’ Influences
The acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Martine Syms, who has had solo exhibitions at MoMA, ICA London, and Art Institute of Chicago, gathers together an eclectic group of films that influenced her debut feature, The African Desperate, opening at BAM on September 16. From indie classics to hidden gems by major directors, and avant-garde pieces by contemporary visual artists, this exciting lineup—and its often radical exploration of youth culture—points to the singular nature of her debut film.
The 1996 Spike Lee joint about an aspiring NYC actress-turned-phone-sex-operator.
Lizzie Borden’s immersive look at the rituals of society’s most stigmatized profession.
A machine that records psychiatric patients’ dreams is stolen in this animé thriller.
Wong Kar Wai’s restored, emotionally raw feature is paired with a short by Wu Tsang.
Sarah Polley co-stars in this druggy, fast-paced crime comedy from the director of Swingers.
Nas and DMX star in music video auteur Hype Williams’ millennial Alizé-and-dancehall swirl.
A true crime story starring Macaulay Culkin as "Club Kid" and convicted killer Michael Alig.
A 1998 drama about exploited street children in Lisbon with a mostly non-professional cast.
A 1987 portrait of choreographer Michael Clark screens with a 2020 short by Ligia Lewis.
Kasi Lemmons’ Southern Gothic stew of sex, lies, and voodoo.
A bold debut feature satirizing an MFA grad's psychotropic 24 hours in the white art world.