The Hervey Point Loma Branch Library is preparing to present a series of five film showings by San Diego filmmakers, and head librarian Christine Gonzales is extending an invitation for the public to attend on Wednesdays in August starting at 5 p.m.
“The event is open to the entire community, mainly for the teen and adult crowd,” Gonzales said. “No cover will be charged.”
Joan Bigge, volunteer at the library and a member of the Friends of the Library, coordinated the film series.
The idea of the film series emerged when Bigge ran into filmmaker Joyce Axelrod after seeing Axelrod’s film at the San Diego Museum of Man.
Axelrod said she wished that there would be more opportunities to show her film to the community.
As a result, Bigge put her in contact with Gonzales, who was looking for just such an opportunity.
“I’ve been looking for films made by local people,” Bigge said.
All the films in the series are documentaries and based on fact, said Bigge.
“They are made by artists. I’d hate to pick a favorite one,” she said.
The series begins Aug. 1 with Axelrod’s “Generaciones,” a documentary that features the cultural transformation of three generations of Mexicans living in San Diego.
On Aug. 8, the program lists “Little Italy,” where filmmaker Noah Tafolla explores San Diego history.
“Motherless Child,” slated for Aug. 15, is based on Rachel Robinson’s book “Without My Mother’s Love.” Robinson and Carol Mayfield filmed the story of an African-American woman who overcame the trauma of maternal rejection through writing her autobiography.
On Aug. 22, the Marianne Gerdes movie “Eye of the Beholder” focuses on San Diego artist James Hubbell, who has inspired students to create international peace monuments reflecting their cultural backgrounds.
On Aug. 29, the audience can see one part of Cheryl Parry’s project about the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, called “The Clothes of Heaven.”
After the showing of each movie, the individual filmmakers are slated to be present to answer questions.
“I am hoping that it is going to be an aesthetic experience for everybody,” Bigge said.
The library is located at 3701 Voltaire St. in Point Loma. For more information, call (619) 531-1539, or e-mail [email protected].