LAFAYETTE, IN — Film lovers are invited to honor one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed filmmakers at the Sydney Pollack Film Festival, premiering July 1 in celebration of Pollack’s birthday and legacy.
As part of Lafayette’s bicentennial celebration, the festival opens with a special screening of “Out of Africa,” marking the 40th anniversary of the Oscar-winning classic’s release, according to a news release from the city.
Hosted at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, this three-part film event will showcase some of Pollack’s most beloved works, recognizing his contribution to cinema as a director, producer and actor.
Pollack was born on July 1, 1934, at Home Hospital in Lafayette while his parents, David Pollack (pharmacist) and Rebecca Pollack (professional pianist), were visiting family. After his birth, his family moved to South Bend, Indiana.
After high school, he moved to New York City to study acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre under Sanford Meisner, with whom he later worked as an acting teacher.
Pollack began his directing career in television in the early 1960s, working on shows like “The Fugitive” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” He transitioned into feature films in the mid-1960s and gained fame for directing emotionally complex dramas often centered on moral dilemmas and personal conflict.
He was married to Claire Griswold since 1958 until his death in 1993, and they had three children.
Pollack died on May 26, 2008, at the age of 73 in Pacific Palisades, California, from cancer.
Festival schedule and ticket information
Tuesday, July 1 – 7 p.m., “Out of Africa.” Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this sweeping romantic epic, which earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Pollack.
Friday, July 11 – 7 p.m., “The Way We Were.” Relive the unforgettable chemistry between Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford in this timeless romantic drama.
Saturday, July 12 – film marathon and panel discussion:
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: As part of bicentennial, Lafayette celebrates Hoosier Sydney Pollack with film festival
Reporting by Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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