The Buffalo Soundpainting Ensemble—a cooperatively run ensemble of actors, singers and musicians dedicated to improvisational forms of narrative—present a multi-media performance that deconstructs Edgar Allen Poe's gothic classic.

An exploration of exile, memory, longing and democracy as seen through the experiences of the world-renowned writer and recent BABEL artist, Ariel Dorfman, Peter Raymont's film (inspired in part by Dorfman's memoir Heading South, Looking North) follows the author's return to Chile in late 2006.

Award-winning filmmaker Shelley Niro will present a survey of work, including Honey Moccasin (1998) as well as a recent film commissioned by the UB Art Gallery. This screening is in conjunction with the exhibition at UB Art Gallery "Shelley Niro: Outside the Columns," (11/29/07—1/27/08), guest curated by Sherry Corcoran.

Hunger
(2007, Hi 8 digital color video with sound, 5:00 minutes)

Hunger visualizes the evolution of man. In the beginning, humans have always looked to the skies and have prayed to the creator asking for help in the pursuit of harvests and crops. This has sustained civilizations for millenniums. As the world continues to spin, so have the appetites of its inhabitants. Forests are clear-cut, and in its place are monuments of earning and learning. Contemporary hunger is never satisfied. A different evolution is taking place. Knowledge is now the craving. Prayer is no longer a part of the daily ceremony. In its place is the satisfaction of thinking we are participating in and belonging to the construct of the world as we know it to be.

Tree
(2006, 35 mm black and white film with sound, 4:50 minutes)

Personifying Mother Earth, she walks through
her domain.
She observes her environment and what has
happened to it.
She weeps. She feels violated. Not only has man
Damaged her
but they continue to damage each other.
She sighs. She will visit and start again some-
time soon.

Rechargin'
(2006, High-definition color video with sound, 2:49 minutes)

The spirit of Native North America awakens. She is strong, ready to make a statement and is full of power.

Santee Smith gives one of her staggering performances to reincarnate the potential of energy and creativity.

Rick Lazar's composition lays down the soundtrack as a foundation and inspiration to engage with and let the imagination soar.

Honey Moccasin
(1998, 16mm color film, 47:00 minutes)

Honey Moccasin was conceived in 1993. I wanted it to be a film that created characters that were not seen yet in film from the Native community. I wanted to challenge the Hollywood stereotypes especially those portraying Native Women. The film showcases traditional thought mixed with contemporary aesthetics. Native art is highlighted along with Native talent. I wanted it to be entertaining, thought provoking and challenge the status quo of how Native people were seen and portrayed in the media.