Author: Tess Anderson

Walking through the bustling aisles of the local farmers markets provides one of the telltale signs that spring is in full swing.

The Portland Center for Public Humanities is dedicating the entire month of May to bringing awareness to people with disabilities and the roles they play in the community.

Over the last few months, the Northwest Film Center has screened—and will continue to screen—films for the class/film series “Literature into Film.” The course is exactly what its title sounds like, offering a deeper look into the way directors, producers and screenwriters interpret and transform words on the page for the silver screen.

The year 2008, like many election years, was a big one in terms of politics—and political films: Che, Nothing But The Truth, Frost/Nixon, W. and, of course, Milk.
Though not quite as financially successful as other movies released in 2008, Gus Van Sant’s Milk was certainly one of the most decorated: It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and took home two—best actor (Sean Penn) and best original screenplay (by Dustin Lance Black).

PSU’s 5th Avenue Cinema, located conveniently on campus, is well known for its weekly showings of classic, modern and independent films for all the community to enjoy at extraordinarily low prices. Why part ways with a Jackson to see yet another generic superhero movie shown in nauseating 3-D?

Which was better, the book or the film? This question has plagued moviegoers and bookworms ever since early filmmakers began adapting classic books for the screen.

Earth Day is right around the corner, and Portland State wouldn’t be doing its job if there weren’t at least one event dedicated to eco-awareness. Thin Ice: The Inside Story of Climate Science fits the bill.

The Northwest Film Center is more than doing its part to expand the community’s knowledge of foreign film, showing Norway’s Thale last week and exhibiting the films of France’s Pierre Etaix this weekend and next.

Over the last few years, Scandinavia has established itself as a powerhouse when it comes to cinema that blends suspense, horror and creatures of native lore. Most notably, Sweden contributed Let the Right One In, which dabbles in vampires, and Norway Trollhunter, which features under-the-bridge-dwellers.

It’s been 70 years since the Nazi atrocities of World War II, and to this day the events that took place in the ghettos and concentration camps still horrify history buffs and students alike.

It’s very rare, and quite difficult, for documentarians to make an objective movie about a controversial issue: Even if they start with objective intentions, their stance and opinion often have an unmistakable influence on the content of the film.