Jack Smith & the Destruction Of Atlantis
World Premiere

Jack Smith & the Destruction Of Atlantis

| USA | 96 MINUTES | English
Documentary

Underground filmmaker, photographer, actor, performance artist, Lower East Side fixture, homosexual, and anticapitalist Jack Smith was a central figure of New York underground culture from the 1960's until his death in 1989. In Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis, filmmaker and former music video director Mary Jordan creates a mesmerizing portrait of this avant-garde pioneer. Replete with an assemblage of photographs, film clips, and audio recordings of Smith's own voice, this signature work resurrects the seminal importance of Smith to the entire development of the 1960's New York underground scene. Jordan's film details the story behind the Supreme Court case over the banning of Smith's 1963 underground classic Flaming Creatures. She also illuminates Smith as a precursor to Andy Warhol in the production and promotion of art and delves into Smith's conflicted relationship with underground cinema champion Jonas Mekas over the promotion of Flaming Creatures. After the distribution of the film, Smith never "completed" another film. Instead he rearranged footage during screenings, thereby retaining control over his own art. Through interviews with Smith's sister, his formative years are revealed, including his lifelong fascination with Hollywood B-movie star Maria Montez (after whom Smith modeled the drag persona Mario Montez, which is featured in his films). This poignant documentary underscores the heroic nature of Smith's lifestyle and art during a time of political and social repression-a time not dissimilar from today.

* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

Newsletter

Subscribe for festival news, exclusive offers, programming updates, and more!
Get Festival Updates

Tribeca Festival Partners

Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Supporters
Presenting Partner
Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Industry Partners
See all partners