FILM
Columbine’s moving pictures
Steve LuKanic, producer of “13 Families,” a forthcoming documentary about the people most familiar with those slain at Columbine High School, knows anniversaries can be difficult. “Originally we thought it would be great to have the film out for the 10th anniversary,” he said. The film is in the final stages of post-production. “In retrospect, it’s fortuitous that we didn’t. With all these other things — the Dave Cullen book (‘Columbine’) — there’s such a saturation. And it’s such a tough time, too, for the families.”
Two other films (fiction) will arrive in the coming days. “April Showers,” directed by Columbine High survivor Andrew Robinson, tells the story of a fictionalized community dealing with tragedy (available May 5 from iTunes and indieflix.com). Adam Kargman’s 12-minute short, “Reunion,” imagines the the victims 10 years later at their high school reunion had they not been killed (available Thursday from roundhaygarden.com). Lisa Kennedy
DANCE
Sponge Cake soaking up NYC this week
A Boulder ballet company will get a homey welcome in New York this week when it’s honored at the Finnish Consulate General’s private Fifth Avenue residence.
The Monday brunch precedes Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet’s first season presenting an “evening- length work” in New York, though it has appeared regularly at showcases there over the years, according to executive director Jenifer Sher.
The company will stage choreographer Robert Sher-Machherndl’s “Liquid Space” Tuesday and Wednesday at the Ailey Citigroup Theater with Minna Tervamaki, principal dancer with the Finnish National Ballet. The duet between Sher-Machherndl and Tervamaki is the award-winning ballerina’s New York debut. John Wenzel
FILM
Sladek brothers having a fine ’09
So far, 2009 is turning out to be a good year for brothers Daniel and Michael Sladek, who grew up in Denver. Daniel produced “Prayers for Bobby,” starring Sigourney Weaver, which aired on Lifetime in January. Michael’s documentary, “Con Artist,” had its world premiere Saturday at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
“We come from creative stock,” Michael said on the phone when asked about two filmmakers in the family. He was working on finishing touches for Saturday’s screening. Sladek, who lives in Brooklyn, calls his film about artist Mark Kostabi a “comedy-documentary.” He met Kostabi, a quasar of the 1980s East Village art scene, through a friend who painted for him. Kostabi was known for employing others to paint his works. “More and more, I started to look at Mark as the kind of character I’d like to have written,” says Sladek. Lisa Kennedy
OPERA
CU-Boulder opera’s new boss
Leigh Holman has found what she calls her dream job. The stage director and former professional singer has been named director of the University of Colorado at Boulder’s opera program.
“I love working with students, and I really care about that program there, so it’s really just a wonderful opportunity for me,” said Holman, who earned her doctorate at CU.
She is the former head of the voice department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and founder of its opera program. She is currently completing her third year as Opera Colorado’s director of education and community programs. Kyle MacMillan
ARCHITECTURE
Designs on D.C.
David Adjaye’s experience overseeing the design of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver has apparently served him well. The London architect has been chosen as the lead designer for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The Smithsonian museum, which has operated since 2003 without a building, will be located on the National Mall.. Its total cost is estimated at $500 million; construction is expected to begin in 2012.
Adjaye’s firm, Adjaye Associates, is one of four collaborating on the project. The team was chosen from among six competing finalists. Kyle MacMillan
