Short Attention Span Cinema

Short Attention Span Cinema: Who We Are, from StoryCorps & Upworthy

Friday, January 27 - Thursday, April 6, 2017

IFC Center is proud to present 10 short animated films from StoryCorps and Upworthy’s “Who We Are Series,” playing before the theater’s regular features January 27-April 6. A different short screens each week. A schedule is below.

Dave Isay, Founder of StoryCorps, and Peter Koechley and Eli Pariser, Co-Founders of Upworthy, write: 

“The fabric of American society is being tested—straining against a deluge of discord, division, intolerance, violence, and fear. In the coming months, the forces that want to pull us apart are likely to get even louder.

We believe the true story of this nation, its values, and its people is being drowned out as never before—we’re at risk of losing sight of who we really are.

But we also believe that each of us has the power to do something about it.

‘Who We Are’ is a series of real-life stories told by everyday Americans that speak to our best selves. Stories that amplify love over hate and empathy over fear. Stories that build bridges of understanding between people and help us recognize our shared humanity.

We’re asking every American to step up and participate not just by sharing these stories with others, but also by reaching out to someone different from them to ask about where they come from, what they care about, and who they love.

Asking questions and listening intently to other people’s stories is a powerful force for good. If we all take one hour this year to do it, we’ll strengthen our national fabric at a time when the divisions seem insurmountably wide. Because when we take the time to listen to each other’s stories, we see the beauty, poetry, and grace hiding in plain sight all around us.

During these challenging times, this series will inspire us to imagine something better for ourselves and for our country.

It will remind us #WhoWeAre.”

 

Film Schedule:

Jan 27-Feb 2: Connie and Blanca Alvarez

Feb 3-Feb 9: Albert and Aidan Sykes

Feb 10-Feb 16:Julio Diaz 

Feb 17-Feb 23: Bonnie and Myra Brown

Feb 24-Mar 2: Paul Braun and Philip Morris

Mar 3-Mar 9: Chloe Longfellow

Mar 10-Mar 16: Chris and Gabe López

Mar 17-Mar 23: Mary Johnson and Oshea Israel

Mar 24-Mar 30: Yusor Abu-Salha and Mussarut Jabeen

Mar 31-Apr 6: Maurice Rowland and Miguel Alvarez

All films animated by Ace & Son Moving Picture Co.

Series Films