Category Archives: Film

How To Dance in Ohio on HBO Spotlights Young Adults with Autism

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Judith Trojan

“We like to socialize, but we don’t know how.” That poignant remark, heard during the opening moments of producer/director Alexandra Shiva’s new film, How To Dance in Ohio, pretty much sums up the hurdles facing youngsters on the autism spectrum. … Continue reading →

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Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer’s Journey Debuts on American Masters

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Judith Trojan

Before Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero died in September 2012 at age 95, he agreed to be filmed by filmmakers Raymond Telles and Yvan Iturriaga. Their hour-long film profile, incorporating Guerrero’s gracious commentary, American Masters–Pedro E. Guerrero:  A Photographer’s Journey, finally debuts on … Continue reading →

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American Experience Tackles Walt Disney on PBS

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Judith Trojan

Walt Disney always reminded me of my childhood pediatrician. And that was a very good thing. Not only did they look alike, but both men were, in fact, passionate healers who never lost their ability to speak to the needs of children… … Continue reading →

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Poignant Tashi and the Monk Debuts on HBO

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Judith Trojan

It’s been a distressing couple of weeks. I’ve been especially disturbed by the media firestorm ignited by two individuals in particular who have money to burn and no idea where and how best to spend it. One guy seems to think that stalking and … Continue reading →

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Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson Debuts on HBO

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Judith Trojan

It wasn’t easy living in America, circa 1924, if you were a woman with exceptional artistic talent, showed signs of emotional fragility and unorthodox sexual proclivities.  Without a supportive family or like-minded community (the ex-pats in Paris, for example) to protect you and nurture your talent, you were … Continue reading →

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Liz Swados Takes the High Road in My Depression on HBO

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Judith Trojan

Born in 1951, Elizabeth Swados was a wunderkind, given the range of talents she enjoyed to great success while still in her twenties: composer, performer, music conductor, writer, illustrator. Then regarded as avant-garde, her creative spirit proved to be as natural as life … Continue reading →

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Jane Aaron (1948 – 2015) Trailblazing Indie Animator

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Judith Trojan

“Light is thrilling for me.”— Jane Aaron. On June 27, the animation community lost a trailblazer.  Jane Aaron’s untimely death at age 67 is a heartbreaking loss for her family and for those of us who’ve enjoyed her whimsical animated films, her … Continue reading →

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The Lion’s Mouth Opens on HBO

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Judith Trojan

For many of us, May is a month rife with promise and new beginnings… trees and flowers are blossoming; days are brighter and longer; nights are balmy. Summer beckons.  If your only problem so far this year was sneezing and coughing through May’s stepped-up allergy season, … Continue reading →

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Queen Latifah Is Red Hot as Bessie Smith on HBO

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Judith Trojan

“I’m looking forward to people finding out who Bessie Smith is, if they don’t know about her already.”–Queen Latifah. You may come to HBO’s latest bio-pic, Bessie, knowing little or nothing about blues singer Bessie Smith (1894-1937).  But by the end of … Continue reading →

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American Ballet Theatre: A History Celebrated on American Masters

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Judith Trojan

Even if you don’t know the difference between a jeté, plié or pirouette, you still might enjoy American Ballet Theatre: A History,  debuting nationally on the PBS series American Masters tonight, Friday, May 15, 2015, 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. ET. (Check local listings … Continue reading →

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