Killer of Sheep September 27, 2007

"An American masterpiece. Independent to the bone." —Manohla Dargis, New York Times

Created as his thesis film at UCLA, Charles Burnett’s Killer of Sheep captures the realities of everyday life for a working class African American family in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Often compared to neorealist classics such as The Bicycle Thief or Paisan because of its gritty look, handheld camera, and portrayal of quotidian concerns, Killer of Sheep is one of a handful of the most essential independent films. Long held out of formal distribution routes because of music rights complications, the film is finally getting the release it deserves in a new 35mm print (though originally shot in 16mm) and with abundant accolades. Burnett has also directed such acclaimed films as To Sleep with Anger (1990), The Glass Shield (1994), and Nightjohn (1996) to name just a few. (80 mins., 35mm)

Official Website: http://www.wexarts.org/fv/index.php?eventid=2347