Apr. 3, 2020
PROXY [virtual] SPRING SERIES, VOLUME THREE
The Bay Area’s shelter in place policies are already working to flatten the curve! High-fives to everyone who has done their part by staying in, but our work is not done – the city has extended the shelter-in-place order to to May 3rd. As we continue to support our healthcare workers by staying in, we’re back with our third offering of films, articles, music and action!
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FILMS
PROXY SPRING SERIES SELECTION
THE FAREWELL
Directed by Lulu Wang, 2019 [PG]
BASED ON AN ACTUAL LIE
A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis. She struggles with her family’s decision to keep grandma in the dark about her own illness as they all stage an impromptu wedding to see grandma one last time. Director and screenwriter Lulu Wang first told the story of her family’s real life lie to This American Life.
BONUS: we’ve put together a curated playlist to listen to beforehand – check it out below!
Watch on Amazon
KANOPY
Kanopy is a streaming service that partners with libraries to make films available for free. If you don’t have a library card, fear not. The San Francisco Public Library is issuing temporary digital cards through May 31st – just follow the directions here or check with your local library.
A couple of suggestions for films to watch on Kanopy:
LADY BIRD
Directed by Greta Gerwig, 2018 [R]
A past PROXY SPRING SERIES selection, LADY BIRD is a warm comedy set in early 2000s Sacramento about a teenager who navigates a turbulent relationship with her mother.
THE BEACHES OF AGNES
Directed by Agnés Varda, 2008 [not-rated]
Legendary French New wave director Agnés Varda offers up a cinematic self portrait with rich perspective on life, art, and cinema.
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ARTICLES
WERNER HERZOG HAS NEVER THOUGHT A DOG WAS CUTE
In an interview with David Marchese of the New York Times, renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog reflects on his legacy as a filmmaker and ascension as a cultural icon. Herzog approaches everything – from his recent role in Mandalorian to his well covered feuds with Klaus Kinski – with the same plodding resolution.
ESCAPE FROM QUARANTINE WITH A WESTERN MOVIE
The Atlantic’s David Sims has a recommendation for pushing back the claustrophobia that many of us are feeling — watch a Western! In addition to a convincing explanation of why Westerns can offer an escape in these times (think: great open vistas), the author muses on the best examples from all eras of Hollywood.
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LISTENING
SPRING SERIES PLAYLIST, VOLUME THREE
This playlist has been specially created and curated to accompany this week’s original Spring Series selection, THE FAREWELL. Give it a listen in the early evening, with the sun shining low through your windows, before taking in the movie.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Music
HOME COOKING
The Bay Area’s own Samin Nosrat, author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, has teamed up with podcaster Hrishikesh Hirway to release HOME COOKING, a podcast to help you figure out what to cook during quarantine and keep you company while you do it. The first episode tackles beans, latkes, and a litany of puns.
Check out the podcast here.
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ACTION
Each week we’re highlighting opportunities to support those most in need during these challenging times. Take a look and get involved.
THE 2020 US CENSUS
The US Census is underway, and for the first time, we can respond online. The census informs congressional representation and the distribution of $216+ billion in federal funding. With so much at stake, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ Art+Action coalition has launched Come to Your Census, a campaign to bolster participation through public outreach and artists’ actions. Check out this site to complete the census today, then learn how you can get involved.
PROJECT OPEN HAND
Project Open Hand has provided meals to seniors and the critically ill in the Bay Area since 1985, and their nonprofit services are more important now than ever. To lend your urgently needed support, visit their volunteer and donation pages today.
HAYES VALLEY HELP
Are you looking to lend a hand or a neighborhood resident in need? The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association has an email account to match volunteers with those needing assistance. Please reach out to hayesvalleyhelp@gmail.com to get involved.
THOUGHTS? As always we welcome your feedback and ideas. You can reach us at info@proxysf.com.