The Muppets (and Puppets) Take Brooklyn: BAM's Henson Heavy Puppet Fest Announced!

Where can you see Kermit, the Ninja Turtles, the Skeksis  Tai martial arts puppets, Gizmo, Oscar the Grouch, and even John Malkovitch, all together? Why at BAMcinématek's Puppets on Film this November. Not much to add to this one other than I highly suggest east coasters consider taking a road trip if not already in the New York area. Press release and full schedule follow!

BAMcinématek and the Jim Henson Foundation present Puppets on Film, the most comprehensive survey of live puppetry in cinema ever compiled for both children and adults alike over two weekends: Nov 12--14 & Nov 18--20

North American premiere of Kooky by Oscar-winner Jan Sverák, US premiere of martial arts epic Legend of the Sacred Stone, a total of 54 films including 35 shorts (many in NY premieres), 80s cult classics, seven new documentaries, and, of course, Muppets galore!

Two dozen special guests include Cheryl and Heather Henson; actor John Turturro (Rehearsal for a Sicilian Tragedy); performance artist Joey Arias; puppeteers Kevin Clash (Elmo), Martin P. Robinson (Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Basil Twist (Arias with a Twist); Sesame Street cameraman James Miller; The Dark Crystal designers Brian and Wendy Froud; Jim Henson's Creature Shop supervisor Peter Brooke; and many directors and other special guests

The Wall Street Journal is the BAMcinématek and BAM Rose Cinemas sponsor.

Brooklyn, NY/Oct 21, 2011--Over two consecutive weekends in November (Nov 12--14 & Nov 18--20), BAMcinématek presents Puppets on Film, the most complete survey of live puppetry in cinema ever compiled for both children and adults alike, with a total of 54 films (19 features and 35 shorts), including two international film premieres, Muppet movies, seven recent documentaries on the art form, 80s cult classics, a roster of fantasy films, shorts by contemporary artists, and the story of an angry tire. Two dozen special guests will appear in person for Q&As and introductions, including Jim Henson's daughters Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation and Heather Henson, artistic director of Ibex Films; actor John Turturro (Rehearsal for a Sicilian Tragedy); performance artist Joey Arias (Arias with a Twist); puppeteers Kevin Clash (Elmo), Martin P. Robinson (Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Basil Twist (Arias with a Twist); Sesame Street cameraman James Miller; conceptual designers Brian and Wendy Froud (The Dark Crystal); Jim Henson's Creature Shop creative supervisor Peter Brooke; directors David Soll (Puppet) and Roman Paska (Rehearsal for a Sicilian Tragedy); and many, many more.

Complete Puppets on Film Schedule

Sat, Nov 12

12pm: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
2pm: Being Elmo
4:30pm: Handmade Puppets: Shorts Program
6:50pm: Puppet
9:15pm: Legend of the Sacred Stone

Sun, Nov 13

12pm: Kid Films: Shortstack!
2pm: The Muppet Movie
4:30pm: Dumbstruck
6:50pm: Rehearsal for a Sicilian Tragedy
9:15pm: Rubber

Mon, Nov 14
4:30pm: Puppets from Around the World: International Shorts Program
6:50pm: Making War Horse
9:15pm: Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Fri, Nov 18
4:30pm: The Dark Crystal
6:50pm: Puppet Rampage
9:15pm: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
11:30pm: Team America: World Police

Sat, Nov 19
6:50pm: Being John Malkovich
9:15pm: Arias with a Twist: A Docufantasy

Sun, Nov 20
12pm: Muppet Treasure Island
2pm: Kooky
4:30pm: Live Action Puppets Shorts Program
6:50pm: The Dark Crystal
9:15pm: Where the Wild Things Are

Film Descriptions

The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland (1999) 73 min. 35mm
Directed by Gary Halvorson

Elmo loves his blue blanket and would never let anything happen to it. However, a tug-of-war withhis friend Zoe sends his blanket to faraway Grouchland, a place filled with grouches, garbage, and fabulous villains played by Vanessa Williams and Mandy Patinkin. With help from the Sesame Street cast, Elmo learns an invaluable lesson about sharing.

Sat, Nov 12 at 12pm Q&A with Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash

Arias with a Twist: A Docufantasy (2010) 88 min. HDCAM
Directed by Bobby Sheehan

This love letter to the creative spirit features iconic downtown performance artist Joey Arias and visionary puppeteer Basil Twist as they develop the "divine, devilishly naughty" fantasy theater revue, Arias with a Twist. This celebration of the creative imagination includes a virtual who's who of the avant-garde New York art scene.

Sat, Nov 19 at 9:15pm Intro by Joey Arias, Basil Twist and Bobby Sheehan

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011) 76 min. HDCAM
Directed by Constance Marks
This documentary chronicles the story of Kevin Clash--the award-winning persona behind the furry red monster Elmo of Sesame Street. Growing up in Baltimore in the 1970s, Clash had different aspirations from his classmates; he wanted to be a puppeteer for Jim Henson. With a supportive family behind him he made his dreams come true.
Sat, Nov 12 at 2pm Intro by Kevin Clash and Sesame Street cameraman James Miller

Being John Malkovich (1999) 112 min. 35mm
Directed by Spike Jonze

In this imaginative cosmic fantasy, an unemployed puppeteer discovers a small portal on floor 7½ of a New York City skyscraper that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. Once inside, he can experience life through Malkovich for 15-minute stretches before being spit out somewhere along the New Jersey Turnpike.

Sat, Nov 19 at 6:50pm Preceded by Tally Hall music video The Whole World and You, by
Frankie Cordero

The Dark Crystal (1982) 106 min. 35mm
Directed by Jim Henson & Frank Oz

In another time, a source of Balance and Truth in the Universe was shattered, dividing the world into the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. It's up to Jen--the last of his race--to fulfill the prophecy that a Gelfling will return the missing shard to the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis' evil empire. Designed by fantasy artist Brian Froud, Jim Henson's groundbreaking masterpiece redefined live-action puppet film.

Fri, Nov 18 at 4:30pm* & Sun, Nov 20 at 6:50pm**
*Preceded by Sam Hale's Yamasong (NY Premiere) with an intro by Cheryl Henson & Sam Hale
**Intro by Brian & Wendy Froud, The Dark Crystal's conceptual designers

Dumbstruck (2010) 84 min. Blu-ray
Directed by Mark Goffman

This funny, deeply human film about professional ventriloquists features a vivid and endearing
ensemble of five personalities, from a former pageant queen to a shy teenager. We share in their successes and missteps, including Vegas star Terry Fator's unprecedented rise to fame, as they strive to achieve the American dream.

Sun, Nov 13 at 4:30pm Preceded by Last Rites by Paul Andrejco (Puppet Heap)

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) 106 min. 35mm Original theatrical version!
Directed by Joe Dante

A satirical inversion of the typical horror film, this cult classic features legions of everyone's favorite mischievous creatures. This time, the gremlins wreak havoc within a New York City skyscraper as our human heroes try to thwart the destruction. Featuring George, Lenny, Mohawk, and of course, Gizmo.

Mon, Nov 14 at 9:15pm Preceded by Suck-a-Thumb by Richard Mansfield

Kooky (2010) 95 min. DCP North American premiere!
Directed by Jan Sverák. With Jeremy Irons.

Combining puppetry and live action, this Czech film tells the story of a boy whose mother throws away Kooky, his favorite stuffed animal. In the boy's fantasy, Kooky comes to life in a landfill and begins his journey among the rough-and-ready creatures of a mysterious forest. A thrilling family adventure and celebration of childhood imagination.

Sun, Nov 20 at 2pm Intro by Heather Henson

Legend of the Sacred Stone (2000) 96 min. 35mm US Premiere!
Directed by Chris Huang

Set in China, 400 years ago, this non-stop puppet action film features martial arts heroes as they battle demon warriors for a sacred stone which brings untold power. This explosive Taiwanese film, based on a popular TV series, has the killer kung fu moves and impossible action sequences that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. In Mandarin with English subtitles.

Sat, Nov 12 at 9:15pm Preceded by Robert Sadin music video Douce Dame by Bradley Kemp
with an intro by Kuang-Yu Fong of Chinese Theatre Works

Making War Horse (2009) 48 min. HDCAM
Directed by David Bickerstaff & Phil Grabsky
This behind-the-scenes look at the National Theatre's epic production of War Horse shows how South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company created the groundbreaking techniques that brought lifelike horses to the stage. Includes backstage footage of the original cast, interviews with the creative team, and excerpts from the award-winning show.

Mon, Nov 14 at 6:50pm Intro by Lincoln Center's resident puppetry director Matt Acheson

The Muppet Movie (1979) 95 min. 35mm
Directed by James Frawley

After a fateful meeting with a major talent agent, Kermit heads for Hollywood dreaming of showbiz. Fozzie Bear, the Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and some fabulous famous friends, join him as merry Muppet hijinks ensue. See how their meteoric rise to fame and fortune began: with a rainbow, a song...and a frog.

Sun, Nov 13 at 2pm Preceded by Can't Buy My Love by Frankie Cordero & Alissa Hunnicutt with an intro by Cheryl Henson

Muppet Treasure Island (1996) 99 min. 35mm
Directed by Brian Henson

Yo-ho-ho! The Muppet ensemble embarks on their grandest adventure yet, encountering pirates, buried treasure, and an angry warthog called "Spa-am," in this rollicking version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale. Starring Tim Curry as Long John Silver, this music-filled, high-seas swashbuckler is one the entire family will enjoy.

Sun, Nov 20 at 12pm Intro by Muppet Stunt Supervisor Fred Buchholz

Puppet (2010) 74 min. HDCAM
Directed by David Soll

A documentary that interweaves a broad look at the fraught history of American puppetry--from its marginalization as children's theater to its sudden explosion as high art--with an intimate thread following Dan Hurlin, a downtown artist, as he creates a complex puppet work about eccentric Depression-era photographer Mike Disfarmer.

Sat, Nov 12 at 6:50pm Preceded by Feist music video Honey Honey, by Anthony Seck with an
intro by David Soll and puppeteer Chris Green

Puppet Rampage (2008) 63 min. Blu-ray
Directed by Lindsey "Z." Briggs

Go behind the scenes of Puppet Rampage, the legendary Puppeteers of America National Festival held in St. Paul, MN featuring 500 puppeteers and 100 performers. Get a glimpse of puppetry performances and workshops by some of the country's best puppeteers in this captivating documentary.

Fri, Nov 18 at 6:50pm Preceded by Omar's Mother by Paul Andrejco (Puppet Heap) with an intro by Puppeteers of America President Anna Vargas and filmmakers Chad Williams & "Z."Briggs

Rehearsal for a Sicilian Tragedy (2009) 77 min. HDCAM
Directed by Roman Paska

John Turturro leads audiences on an intimate journey through his ancestral homeland, learning the great art of Sicilian puppetry from master performer Mimmo Cuttichio and relishing the unique character of this special island.

Sun, Nov 13 at 6:50pm Preceded by Inner City (NY premiere) by Alain Fournier with an intro by John Turturro and Roman Paska

Rubber (2010) 82 min. 35mm
Directed by Quentin Dupieux

A French horror comedy, Rubber is the story of an old tire that has been abandoned in the desert and inexplicably comes to life. We discover its terrifying telepathic powers as it becomes a chaotic force to be reckoned with and a true movie villain for the ages.

Sun, Nov 13 at 9:15pm Preceded by music video Bohemian Rhapsody, (c) Muppets Studio, LLC

Team America: World Police (2004) 98 min. 35mm
Directed by Trey Parker

From the folks who brought us South Park comes this infamous over-the-top puppet action musical comedy about a team of political paramilitary policemen who attempt to save the world from a violent terrorist plot led by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il.

Fri, Nov 18 at 11:30pm

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) 93 min. 35mm
Directed by Steve Barron

After radiation exposure, four average teenage turtles--Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello--have mutated into ninjas and live in city sewers. With master Splinter and reporter April O'Neill, the quartet embarks on a mission to run crime out of the city and battle the warlord Shredder. This live-action film adaptation of the cult comic book and TV show features early innovations in puppetry techniques from Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

Fri, Nov 18 at 9:15pm Preceded by Java, a classic short by Jim Henson with an intro by
puppeteer Martin P. Robinson (Leonardo)

Where the Wild Things Are (2009) 101 min. 35mm
Directed by Spike Jonze

Nine-year-old Max runs away from home and sails across the sea to become the king of the Wild Things. Based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, this astonishing film features a breathtaking blend of live action and animation, with animatronic creature suits constructed by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

Sun, Nov 20 9:15pm Preceded by Buidings & Vampires by Sebastian Baptista & Nico
Casavecchia with an intro by Jim Henson's Creature Shop's Creative Supervisor Peter Brooke

Shorts Programs

Handmade Puppets: Shorts Program 76 min. Blu-ray

This fascinating selection of handcrafted puppet films features an arresting array of characters that your dreams and feed you brain candy. Throw in mom issues, worms, and some
raspberry shortbread and you've got yourself a seriously good time. Highlights include David
Michael Friend's Moonfishing, Ron Binion's Alien Cow Puppet Show, and Genevieve Anderson's Too Loud a Solitude from Handmade Puppet Dreams.
Sat, Nov 12 at 4:30pm Intro by David Michael Friend and Handmade Puppet Dreams Artistic
Director Heather Henson

Kid Films: Shortstack! 58 min. Blu-ray
Open your heart, widen your eyes, and let your imagination take hold. Enter a place of wonderment where anything can happen--and probably will! Talking sheep, flying horses, and magical sniffing things abound. Featuring classic bits from Jim Henson, Paul Andrejco's I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, John Kennedy's The Sure Sheep from Handmade Puppet Dreams, and more.

Sun, Nov 13 at 12pm Intro by Paul Andrejco of Puppet Heap and Heather Henson

Live Action Puppets Shorts Program 71 min. Blu-ray

Yes, those really are puppets, bizarre and beautiful. These live-action shorts prove that some
puppets don't always live happily ever after. Highlights include Lyon Hill's Junk Palace, Sam Hale's Yamasong from Handmade Puppet Dreams, and Higglety Pigglety Pop! Or There Must be More to Life, from Chris Lavis and Maciek Szcerbowski, the Oscar-nominated creators of Madame Tutli Putli.

Sun, Nov 20 at 4:30pm Intro by Higglety Pigglety Pop directors Chris Lavis & Maciek
Szcerbowski

Puppets from Around the World: International Shorts Program 90 min. Blu-ray

Experience puppets from Russia, India, France, and the Netherlands with this group of shorts
dedicated to worldwide puppetry. Highlights include an Indian couple resurrecting 150-year-old
puppets in Born Again and The Saga of the Giants featuring the street theater company Royal de Luxe.

Mon, Nov 14 at 4:30pm