Reel Artists Opening Night: Basquiat Bonanza
Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat Courtesy Arthouse Films
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child isn’t just a movie—it’s quickly becoming a phenomenon.
In December, the documentary had a much-buzzed work-in-progress sneak preview at Art Basel Miami, where it was praised by the New York Times.
In January, this look at one of contemporary art’s most vibrant stars had its final-cut world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where the Hollywood Reporter and the Wall Street Journal took note.
This month, the must-see film is in Toronto, getting its Canadian premiere at the Reel Artists Film Festival’s February 24 opening-night gala.
What’s more, the film’s director, Tamra Davis, and one of its producers, David Koh, will be at the premiere to talk with attendees about how the movie came together. (Davis, a friend of Basquiat’s, will also provide a rare interview to CBC Radio’s Jian Ghomeshi on the same day as the premiere.)
Based on dozens of interviews and exclusive archival footage, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child offers a comprehensive portrait of a landmark artist and the exciting times he lived in. Interviewees include iconic dealers Larry Gagosian, Bruno Bischofberger and Annina Nosei, as well as top artist Julian Schnabel, Artforum critic Rene Ricard, friend Fab Five Freddy and other Basquiat intimates.
Particularly striking is footage detailing Basquiat’s unique relationship with Andy Warhol, who became a close friend. Also remarkable is Basquiat’s stranger-than-fiction life story—one that saw him live as both a homeless person and a wealthy star, as a popular party-goer and a lonely outcast.
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Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat Courtesy Arthouse Films |
The Reel Artists Film Festival has a track record for forecasting a film’s popular success. Last year’s opening night premiere of Herb & Dorothy, which detailed the lives of two passionate, middle-class art collectors, preceded rave theatrical-release reviews throughout the year in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, W Magazine and dozens of other outlets.
Don’t miss this opportunity to attend a key art and film event of 2010. Purchase your opening-night premiere ticket today by visiting canadianart.ca/raff/tickets or calling (416) 368-8854 ext 102.
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