Tue October 19, 2021 7:00 PM I BUILD THE TOWER $8.00 (member) ; $13.00 (general admission) Los Feliz 3 | Q&A with filmmaker Edward Landler, Watts Towers Arts Center Campus director Rosie Lee Hooks, Watts Towers Community Action Council chair Chioma Agbahiwe, Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center president Rudy Barbee and Friends of Watts Arts Center member Jacquelyn Badejo, moderated by Watts Towers Arts Center art instructor Erick Rivera
ABOUT THE FILM In the center of Watts sits the enigmatic art project of Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia, whose monumental mosaic-covered spires are now seen as an architectural and sculptural masterpiece. This compelling film, cited by Nonfics.com as one of the 20 best documentaries about Los Angeles, paints a rich portrait of the Watts Towers, their struggle for survival from demolition by the city and the lone man who created them over a 30-year period. Made with exclusive access to Rodia’s family and the cooperation of the Watts community, the film also details the growth of the conditions that led to the violence of 1965… and to Watts embracing the Towers as a symbol of freedom and initiative. “…the film is wonderful: lyrical, well-made and edited, and compelling…” – Ken Burns. “A heartfelt and fascinating film … a real discovery, entertaining and illuminating.” – Leonard Maltin, Maltin On Movies. “The most complete visual account of self-made architect Simon Rodia and his masterpiece.” – Robert Koehler, Variety FORMAT: DCP Co-presented by GRoW @ Annenberg and the Watts Towers Arts Center Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Watts Towers