Talkies season opens with "Helvetica"

The Talkies interactive film series returns to Sisters on Thursday, February 21, with the screening of "Helvetica." The documentary explores typography, graphic design and global visual culture.

It is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at Sisters Movie House.

Three programs are planned for the 2008 Talkies season, with the remaining two tentatively scheduled for the third Thursdays in March and April.

David Uttley, art director at Design Works Group Incorporated in Sisters, is organizing the "Helvetica" screening (www.helveticafilm.com). Design Works goal, according to Uttley, is to encourage more interaction among individuals in the creative and design communities of Central Oregon.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the visual arts department at Sisters High School. According to Sisters Movie House general manager Ron Glanville, Uttley wanted to show the movie in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the typeface Helvetica that was designed in Switzerland.

The independent, feature-length film examines the proliferation of the Helvetica typeface as a component of the larger picture of how type affects our lives. The film explores the worlds of advertising, communication, design and psychology and challenges the viewer to be more introspective about the thousands of words to which he or she is exposed each and every day.

A panel discussion with audience interaction will follow the film. Panel members will be Christopher Gilbert of Studio Gearbox, Bill Chiaravalle of Brand Navigation, Audelino Moreno of Bend's tbd Advertising and Charles Brock of Design Works.

"We will have food and beverage available, but there won't be a social thing before like we normally see. There won't be an hour worth of music, because the film is going to start at 5:30 p.m.," said Granville.

Talkies is taking on a new organizational format this year. Sisters Movie House is partnering with individuals and organizations that want to champion events.

"We decided to change the way Talkies functions. We're having individual people come to us with a concept for an event or for a film. From that film they have a non-profit that will benefit from the showing," said Glanville. "The individual will coordinate the event himself. It's a lot of work planning these things. It works very well when we can partner with another organization or individual who does a lot of the legwork."

The second Talkies program will feature the film "SEEDS." The documentary tells the stories and experiences of youth who through the Seeds of Peace movement have learned the skills to foster peace.

The third Talkies this year will be organized in partnership with the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and will center around the craftsmanship and culture of the quilters of Gees Bend, Alabama.

Tickets for "Helvetica" are $8 and may be purchased now at Sisters Movie House. Sales are already brisk; advance purchase is recommended.