Cinema Projects
Curatorial projects, writing, and more by David Schwartz, former Chief Curator, Museum of the Moving Image.
Independent curator since 2019, with programs at Film Forum (NY), The REACH at the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), the IFC Centre (NY), Jacob Burns Film Centre (Pleasantville, NY), the Film-Maker's Cooperative (NY), the Metrograph (NY) and more.
Host of preview film clubs at the Cinema Arts Centre (Huntington, NY) and Emelin Theatre (Mamaroneck).
​
**Note from David Schwartz: I will be starting a new full-time programming position shortly. Announcement coming soon.**
​
Upcoming programs
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
​
A new monthly series at the Jacob Burns Film Center, hosted by David Schwartz. Screenings of classic Hollywood movies, accompanied by special guest speakers. Next film: March 29, 2020. The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3-, presented by Bruce Goldstein.​
​
Series schedule
FIRST LOOK FESTIVAL
​
The ninth edition of First Look, the Museum of the Moving Image's acclaimed festival of innovative new international cinema, will include more than two dozen programs, featuring formally inventive new works that seek to redefine the art form while engaging in a wide range of subjects and styles. Organized by Eric Hynes, Edo Choi, David Schwarz, Becca Keating, and Sonia Epstein. March 11-15, 2020.
​​
Series schedule
Past programs
JAMES BALDWIN DOUBLE FEATURE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
​
Free screenings of Raoul Peck's documentary I Am Not Your Negro and Barry Jenkins' drama If Beale Street Could Talk for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Monday, January 20, 2020.
​
Program listing
TIM BLAKE NELSON IN PERSON WITH LEAVES OF GRASS
​
Part of the series Actors Direct.
IFC Center. Thur 10/24/2019
8:00 p.m.
​
Program info
CINEMATOGRAPHY NOW: ASHLEY CONNOR, RODRIGO PRIETO, AND CHRIS TEAGUE
New York Film Festival.
Saturday 9/28 11:00 a.m.
​
Video of event
GRIFFITI: ANIMATION BY GEORGE GRIFFIN
Lineage and other films by New York independent animator George Griffin. 2/16/2019, Metrograph..
​
Program info
FILMS THAT INFLUENCED KUBRICK'S 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
​
A series in conjunction with the exhibition about the film. Info to come. Museum of the Moving Image, starting January 17, 2020.
​
Series schedule
LOOSE ENDS, LOOSE CORNER AND MORE
Films by Chick Strand, Marie Menken, Storm De Hirsch, Anita Thacher.
Film-makers' Cooperative.
Fri 10/18/2019 7:00 p.m.
​
Program info
JOHN TURTURRO IN PERSON WITH ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES
Part of series Actors Direct at IFC Center, Manhattan. 8/22/2019.
​
Program info
THE ROMANIANS: 30 YEARS OF CINEMA REVOLUTION
​
The largest retrospective of Romanian cinema ever presented in New York, in collaboration with Making Waves. Program info to come. At Film Forum November 15-26, 2019, Pacific Film Archive and other venues.
​
Film Forum page and schedule
OPENING FESTIVAL FOR THE REACH, KENNEDY CENTER
40 film screenings, including guest filmmakers Charles Burnett, Steve James, and Jodie Mack.
​
Complete festival schedule
FIVE BY FORSYTH
Screenings of That Sinking Feeling, Local Hero, Comfort and Joy, Breaking In, and Housekeeping with Forsyth and Christine Lahti in person. 9/26-10/6, 2019.
​
Program info
LECTURE ON JAMES CAGNEY AND THE PUBLIC ENEMY
Talk and screening at the Lenox Hill Neigbhorhood House as part of James Cagney Film Festival. Sat. 11/9/2019, 2:00 p.m.
​
Program info
PANORAMA EUROPE
​
11th edition of festival of new and recent films from Europe, including many New York premieres.May 3-19, 2019.
​
Program info
PENNY LANE IS HER REAL NAME
Complete retrospective of nonfiction filmmaker Penny Lane, including Hail Satan?, Our Nixon, Nuts!, The Pain of Others and more. Museum of the Moving Image, April 5-7, 2019.
​
Program info