Harry Smith remains an enduring figure in American culture, as demonstrated by the numerous exhibitions, biographies, and other publications that have emerged in the past several years alone. This evening’s program heralds the release of a new volume, “The Occult Harry Smith”, edited by Peter Valente and published by Inner Traditions in Vermont. In celebration of the new book, Anthology – in collaboration with Raymond Foye and John Zorn – has organized a very special event, which will feature the world premiere of Anthology’s new restoration of Smith’s FILM NO. 20: FRAGMENTS OF A FAITH FORGOTTEN, as well as rare recordings and home movies of Harry Smith.

To make the event even more unmissable, Anthology’s Composer in Residence John Zorn will be performing live (on sax), along with Ikue Mori (electronics), Jorge Roeder (bass), and Ches Smith (drums)!

“Alchemist, magician, filmmaker, artist, mystic, anthropologist, collector, rebel, eternal omnivore, and 20th century Renaissance man, Harry Smith was many things to many people and this outstanding collection of lovingly written testimonies pays tribute to Harry with wit, respect, love, and laser-like precision. It is absolutely impossible to forget any interaction you had with Harry – and the beautiful tales in this remarkably readable and heartfelt book will have you awestruck, laughing out loud, and hungry for more. Perhaps the best collection of writings about one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures the world has ever known.” –John Zorn on “The Occult Harry Smith”

Harry Smith
FILM NO. 20: FRAGMENTS OF A FAITH FORGOTTEN
1980, 28 min, 35mm-to-DCP. Restored by Anthology Film Archives and The Film Foundation with support from the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
In 1980, Harry Smith combined his two Wizard of Oz-related films (FILM NO. 16 and 19) and called the new work FILM NO. 20: FRAGMENTS OF A FAITH FORGOTTEN. The film was to premiere accompanied by a live score at an Anthology fundraising event at Alice Tully Hall, but, unfortunately, the event was canceled and it never screened. As a special preview to our new 35mm restorations of FILM NO. 16 and 19, we present FILM NO. 20 for the first time ever with a live score by Anthology’s Composer in Residence, John Zorn, along with Ikue Mori, Jorge Roeder, and Ches Smith.