Our Daily Symphony

In the early days of film, one of the more popular genres was the city symphony. These films were straight documentary footage of a particular city that endeavored to capture everyday life as it was actually lived. You'd see people step off trains, walk through city streets, shop for produce, on the lines at the factory, relaxing in parks -- all of the quotidian details of a typical day were the point of the films: "Look at us; this is who we are now." It's a cinematic art form that's sadly gone out of style. Eric Wilkinson brings it back to the big screen with his new film, A Portrait of St. Louis at 250 Years. His 89 minutes of footage capture a day in the life of St. Louis -- the place and the populace -- just as we are. Imagine how quaint and outdated it will look in another 50 years. A Portrait of St. Louis screens tonight at 7 p.m. at the Landmark Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard, University City; www.cinemastlouis.org) as part of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Tickets are $10 to $12. After the film, wander down the street to Blueberry Hill for the festival's closing night awards party; admission is free.
Thu., July 17, 7 p.m., 2014