The Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society, as part of its Documentary Film Series, will present “PoliWood,” a film about the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson, on Friday, January 29, 7:30 p.m. Levinson will be on hand for a Q&A after the screening. Hosts are Morton Dean, Ira Joe Fisher and Faith Daniels. Sponsors are The Ridgefield Press, HBGroup, Sony XDCAM HD and Cohen and Wolf, P.C.

“PoliWood” follows a group of politically active actors to the 2008 Democratic and Republican conventions as they set out to explore the collision and collusion between politics and Hollywood. The film gives the viewer a front-row seat and backroom access to the most significant presidential campaign of the 21st century. The journey leads to President Obama’s inauguration.

“PoliWood” features cinema-verite interviews with powerful political figures as well as high-profile celebrity actors including Susan Sarandon, Anne Hathaway and Giancarlo Esposito. “PoliWood” gives insider access to the influence Hollywood has over today’s political process as we discover the thin line between politician and actor, news and entertainment, policy and tabloid. Trailing a number of politically active actors, directors, writers and musicians, “PoliWood” is sure to spark debate about the role media and celebrities should have in modern-day politics.

“PoliWood” also explores the idea that the media have become confusing catalysts that blur the lines of reality and myth. Levinson’s documentary further examines how television, which was once a romanticized invention that brought entertainment and public service announcements into our homes, is now a portal for manipulating what we see, feel and think.

Barry Levinson’s directing credits include “Rain Man” (Academy Award for Best Director), “The Natural,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Bugsy,” “Tin Men,” “Avalon,” “Wag the Dog,” “Disclosure,” “Bandits” and “Diner.”

For reserved and general admission tickets ($10 adults, $7.50 seniors, $5 students) and additional information about The Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society programs, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 10:14 pm and is filed under Career, Charity. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.