Enchanted Evenings: The Boundless Cinema of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

The remaining screenings (Gone to Earth, The Tales of Hoffman, and Peeping Tom) have been rescheduled and moved to SIFF Cinema Uptown. See siff.net/egyupdate for more information.

The British Film Institute, SIFF, and Greg Olson Productions present 10 restored Powell and Pressburger films weekly on Wednesdays from September 18 to November 20 at SIFF Cinema Egyptian.

The wellsprings of myth, magic and Neo-Romantic modernism surge through the spellbinding films of Powell and Pressburger. The legendary writing-directing team, known as the Archers, set a dazzling high standard for breathtaking beauty and thematic daring, in films that reveal the mystical power of nature and stir our hearts, minds and souls. The Archers champion the liberated freedom of thought, artistic expression and choices in love, often centering on spirited female characters.

Series Pass: $125 | $85 Members
Pass provides access to all in-person Enchanted Evenings screenings, September 18-November 20 at SIFF Cinema Egyptian. Screening of Raging Bull (October 10, SIFF Cinema Uptown) is also included with pass.

The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, A Matter of Life and Death, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, The Tales of Hoffmann, Peeping Tom, and the entire Archers canon have charmed and inspired film artists like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Greta Gerwig, and Tilda Swinton. In addition to the Archers’ artistic genius, Scorsese feels their passion. The way their films can seem thrillingly out of control, “not the emotions of the characters, but the emotions of the people who made the films. Their passion is out of control.” 

Thelma Schoonmaker, the late director Michael Powell’s wife, Martin Scorsese’s triple Oscar winning editor (44 years), and internationally renowned cinematic treasure, will be here to present Powell’s favorite film, A Matter of Life and Death, on Wednesday October 9. Powell chose to appear with this glorious film at his 1989 Egyptian Theater SIFF tribute.

And Thursday October 10 at the SIFF Cinema Uptown Theater, Schoonmaker will present the restored Scorsese masterpiece Raging Bull, which earned her her first Oscar and Robert de Niro his second (Best Actor). She will discuss some of the most stunningly cinematic editing ever created, how Powell and Pressburger’s The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp inspired De Niro to bulk up for his role, and detail Powell's collaborative contribution to Raging Bull. This extra special added night is free to Enchanted Evenings pass holders.

Series curated and written by Greg Olson.

Free Opening Night doughnuts generously provided by Mark Klebeck of Top Pot Doughnuts on September 18.

Tova Gannana, poet, film curator and teacher, will provide essays on all the films.