Food to Mouth: Two Films from Les Blank

$7

Each of Les Blank’s films is passionate and celebratory, highlighting people, places, and food that are often overlooked. Best known locally for his Mardi Gras classic ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE, Blank’s prolific career spanned five decades, with his camera set on such subjects as large-scale chicken farming, zydeco king Clifton Chenier, the making of Werner Herzog’s Amazonian epic FITZCARRALDO, and the legendary Leon Russell. Our screening will showcase two of Blank’s short documentaries: GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN (1987) and GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS (1980).

Blank’s love letter to women with space between their teeth, GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN examines the societal and cultural implications of physical difference. Blank combines a light-hearted approach to his interviews with over one hundred gap-toothed women with a deeper investigation into self-confidence and power associated with overcoming universally accepted characteristics of feminine beauty.

An ode to the pungent allium, GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS is a mouthwatering celebration that highlights the history, cultivation, and culinary power of garlic. This joyous documentary features renowed chef Alice Waters extolling the virtures of garlic, set to a perfectly spicy soundtrack. We may revive “Aromaround” to create a more immersive garlic experience.

Both films will be presented on 16mm, generously loaned by Les Blank Films, Inc. This screening is generously supported by Urban South Brewery.