New York premiere

Italy. Dir. Pietro Marcello. 2011, 52 mins. Known for his poetic documentaries (The Mouth of the Wolf), Marcello has created a unique and lyrical portrait of the brilliant Armenian filmmaker Artavazd Peleshian. Peleshian (b. 1938) pioneered a dynamic, associative editing technique, “distance montage,” inspired by Dziga Vertov, combining original and archival footage in a dazzling style. The Silence of Peleshian combines scenes from Peleshian’s films with new footage of him in present-day Moscow, a silent recluse. Followed by screenings of two of Peleshian’s greatest films, Seasons of the Year (1975, 29 mins.) and Life (1993, 7 mins.). Of the former, Peleshian said “I was thinking of everything. It’s not specifically the seasons of the year or of people: it’s everything.” Life is about the process, and meaning, of birth.

Free with Museum admission. A First Look series pass, allowing the holder admission to the Museum and all First Look screenings for the run of the series, is available for $40. Order online or call 718 777 6800.