WURTSBORO — On March 7, from 1:30-3:30pm (Snow date: 3/9) Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS, and the Mamakating Library, will host a special screening of “The Inquisitor,” featuring a discussion with Human Rights Director, Ramone E. Wilson. “The Inquisitor” highlights the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, shining a light on how her public influence shaped U.S. politics, while exploring the complexities of her personal identity.

Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, even as she privately faced struggles few ever knew about. While Jordan’s political legacy is the center of “The Inquisitor,” the film also looks at her personal life, exploring Jordan's intersectional identity navigating a landscape of politics and discrimination. 

After the screening, Ramone E. Wilson and Alethea Pape will host an engaging and interactive discussion to honor Jordan’s brilliance and her contributions to American democracy, while also exploring her story’s relevance to today. Register online at mamakatinglibrary.org or call 845-888-8004. Space is limited. 

The Mamakating Library is proud to bring this program, and many others, to you for free. This is part two of a four-part documentary screening series at the library this spring. 

Female Filmmakers: An Anthology of Experiments

The Mamakating Library, in honor of Women’s History Month presents, Female Filmmakers: An Anthology of Experiments, Saturday, March 21 at 1:30 – 3:00. We will watch, analyze, and discuss the often-overlooked innovative contributions of several female pioneer filmmakers; featuring work by Maya Deren and Alice Guy-Blanché, the pioneers of experimental film. Little is discussed of the women who shaped film. The earliest decades of cinema were the medium’s rawest form as artists from other disciplines explored the new medium with experimentation and inquiry matching those of traditional scientists. Experiments involving elements of kinetics, light, color, sound, dance, and time, and perspective evolved into short films, which informed the medium’s parameters and held up as stand-alone artwork. 

The curated work will be screened and a discussion will be led by, Alethea Pape, a local experimental filmmaker. Join us as we explore the poetic and bold work that shaped the Avant-garde film movement, special-effects techniques, and the modern music video.

Registration is required for this program. You may register online by using the calendar feature at mamakatinglibrary.org or by calling 1-845-888-8004. For more information about any of our programs visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram using the handle @mamakatinglibrary. This library program is free and open to the public. The Mamakating Library is located at 128 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro, New York 12790.