A special Art House Theater Day presentation of the new 4K restoration of the 1946 Powell and Pressburger film A Matter of Life and Death (aka Stairway to Heaven) with a special introduction filmed at New York City’s Film Forum with Thelma Schoonmaker, famed film editor (Raging Bull, The Aviator, The Departed) and widow of Michael Powell.
Preceded by director Joshua Weinstein’s (Menashe) New York Times OpDoc: Holocaust Survivor Band.
In A Matter of Life and Death (aka Stairway to Heaven) British Air Force pilot Peter Carter (David Niven) is on his way home to England from a World War II bombing mission in a badly damaged aircraft. As his plane plummets to earth, his fellow airmen already safely parachuted, he contacts June (Kim Hunter), an Allied radio operator with whom he shares what he believes to be his final moments on Earth--our hero has no parachute! But somehow, inexplicably, Peter survives, finds June and they fall in love. However, a divine messenger (Marius Goring) arrives believing Peter to have died as he was supposed to, and in "the other world" a trial ensues to determine if Peter lives... or dies.
Shot in brilliant technicolor as well as a pearly silver black and white (called "Colour and Dye-Monochrome Processed in Technicolor"), A Matter of Life and Death deserves to be seen in this spectacular 4K restoration.
Part of Art House Theater Day, celebrating the art house theater and the cultural role it plays in a community. It is a day to recognize the year-round contributions of film and filmmakers, patrons, projectionists, and staff, and the brick and mortar theaters that are passionately dedicated to providing access to the best cinematic experience.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Limited engagements of independent films from around the globe, including advance releases, Twin Cities premieres, and cinematic classics.
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