Sunday, November 8th at 4:00 pm – One Longfellow Square, Portland
MJFF proudly presents the Maine premiere of filmmaker Steven Pressman’s Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls; Another Side of Woody Guthrie and a very special performance by Woody’s granddaughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie. A New England native, Sarah Lee has appeared at Carnegie Hall and leading venues around the world. This is a one-time event that you’ll not want to miss!
Acclaimed as one of America’s greatest artist activists, Woody’s work carries as much significance today as ever. But what even we didn’t realize was the influence of Jewish culture in shaping his music and personal life. Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls explores Woody’s close relationship with his mother-in-law, celebrated Yiddish poet and lyricist Aliza Greenblatt, and the impact she had on his work.
Expect to hear songs made famous by Woody and Arlo (Sarah Lee’s father) as well as Sarah Lee’s own original compositions. Her “memorable music with beautiful melodies” spans folk, country, and pop, and her voice soothes and soars. Sarah Lee will graciously conduct a Q&A following the film.
Attendees can look forward to a sweet treat from our friends at the beloved Lewiston restaurant She Doesn’t Like Guthrie’s, who have graciously donated baked goods in support of MJFF and out of their shared love for Woody Guthrie.
Here, there, and everywhere: a global perspective is in our sights this year.
Films from around the world await, as MJFF beckons with a worldwide view.