April 24, 2007 -- “Jack Smith & the Destruction of Atlantis,” a feature-length documentary homage to the legendary artist, filmmaker and provocateur Jack Smith, has been rescheduled for May 8. The film, originally scheduled to kick off  the Virginia Film  Society's spring season in January, was cancelled due to inclement weather. 

In her feature-length debut, director Mary Jordan presents layered insights into one of America’s most significant and mythical artists, Jack Smith, an inspiration to Andy Warhol, John Zorn and many others. The film prominently features Smith’s rare artworks — his photographs, films and performances — intercut with interviews with art luminaries, critics and Smith’s friends and enemies. Launching from Smith’s controversial views on capitalism, critics and institutional-art “gatekeepers,” the film smashes head-on into the politics intersecting creativity, capitalism and meaning in contemporary art. A sensation at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film will open in theaters in New York in April.

The Tuesday, May 8 showing of “Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis” will be at the Vinegar Hill Theater at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 for the general public and free to Film Society members.
Spring membership for the Virginia Film Society is $30 ($25 for students and seniors). Membership benefits include admission to the eight spring season screenings, a free pass to Regal Cinemas, $2 off Mondays at Sneak Reviews (non-new releases only) and $6 Tuesday movies at Vinegar Hill. Film Society memberships and individual admission tickets can be purchased 30 minutes before the screening at the venue box office. Memberships can also be purchased by mail using the membership order form available online at www.vafilm.com.