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The Oldham County Historical Society 106 North Second Avenue |
For more information contact the Oldham County History Center 502-222-0826
Press Release D. W. Griffith Mini-Theatre Opens Jan. 22, 2009 The Oldham County History Center received a grant from the Peyton Samuel Head Family Trust to develop a mini-theatre that honors Oldham County native, D. W. Griffith. Often called the father of modern film, Griffith was the first movie director to develop feature length films. His first film, Birth of a Nation, lasted 131 minutes and delighted movie goers, who, up until that time, had only experienced the short films, usually lasting only 10 to 15 minutes. Birth of a Nation was a very controversial film because of Griffith’s portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan in a heroic role. It sparked riots in the streets and litigation in the courts. As a work of art, it was flawless; applying cinematic conventions to audiences who were moved as never before. After Birth of a Nation, Griffith went on to produce other tantamount films with storylines that explored controversial topics such as drug addiction, child abuse and multiracial relationships. He brought filmmaking from a novelty status to its enduring place as a barometer of American culture. The D. Griffith Mini-Theatre will open on D. W. Griffith’s birthday which was January 22, 1875. The history center houses a library of Griffith films and plans to show them, ongoing and by request, at the Oldham County History Center. There will be birthday cake and popcorn to celebrate the opening. |
For information contact: 502-222-0826, email: ochstryctr@aol.com Website: oldhamcountyhistoricalsociety.org Free Admission Hours of Operation:
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