BRATTLEBORO-Latchis Arts announces an event they say will bring audiences to their feet: “Movie + A Walk.” It will feature a special screening of the movie The World Before Your Feet followed by a casual walking tour of Brattleboro led by the film’s subject, Matt Green.
The event will begin Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m., at the Latchis Main Theatre.
From Jeremy Workman, who also directed the smash hit documentary, Secret Mall Apartment, The World Before Your Feet documents Green’s mission to walk every block of New York City. As the miles go by, Matt’s project becomes something else entirely — about the journey, not the destination; about the small wonders and bigger pictures that reveal themselves with every step; about noticing the world around you and seeing the familiar with new eyes.
Something of a modern-day Thoreau, Green gave up his engineering job, his apartment, and most of his possessions in 2011 to walk every block in New York City, sustaining his endeavor through couch-surfing, cat-sitting, and a $15-per-day budget. Twelve years and 10,000 miles later, he completed that quest and is now contemplating the next.
Green was well-acquainted with the joys of connecting with people and communities at the street-level. Before his NYC project, he completed a walk across the United States. He is contemplating another cross-country journey.
Following the screening, Green will be present for a discussion and then will lead guests on a walk through Brattleboro. It will not be a strenuous hike, or a guided historical tour. Following the spirit of the film, Green says, “it’s a casual and eye-opening stroll that allows people to re-discover their town and find the beauty that hides in plain sight.” The walk will last about two hours and will be relaxed and convivial.
The World Before Your Feet has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised as “Uplifting. Enlightening. Life-affirming.” The Austin Chronicle said, “Matt Green is a charming Buddha relishing the now.” Rogerebert.com’s review includes that Green’s quest “feels both quixotic and honorable, evoking one of those old English tales of knights on the hunt for the Holy Grail. I won’t disagree with you if you also think Green’s idea is bat-you-know-what crazy.”
Workman has many friends in Brattleboro, and Secret Mall Apartment was one of the top films at the Latchis last year. He also directed Lily Topples the World, which documents artist Lily Hevesh, a frequent visitor here to lead the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center’s annual domino toppling event. Actor Jesse Eisenberg is an executive producer of The World Before Your Feet.
In the spirit of the event, Vermont-based Darn Tough has donated five pairs of socks which will be raffled off with proceeds to benefit Latchis Arts.
Tickets are $20 in advance at latchis.com and $22 at the door. Proceeds benefit the artists and Latchis Arts.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.