A Reflection on Werner Herzog’s Masterclass at FACETS
With the FACETS ReOpening Soon Campaign well underway, we wanted to take some time to reflect on some of the most important moments in the history of FACETS. Last week, we explored the storied history behind the iconic FACETS building, and now we want to explore some of the transformative cinematic experiences that have happened within its doors.
Before the pandemic closed our doors and before the movie-going experience became a nostalgic thought for many, FACETS was a hub for the film community and a place for all to experience the magic of cinema. From the films screened, to the films available to rent, to the events that expand appreciation for both, FACETS is and has always been a “temple of great cinema.” It will return to its glory once again when we are able to reopen our doors to our community, our audience, and our friends.
We are reopening soon to be together again.
We are reopening soon to experience the power of cinema.
We are reopening soon to create a brighter future.
On May 11, 2019 the living legend, Werner Herzog presented a master class at FACETS with our late founder Milos Stehlik and Cinema Program Director Charles Coleman. This event took place 40 years after Roger Ebert moderated Werner Herzog’s first master class at FACETS in April of 1979 (a transcript of their conversation was subsequently published as Images at the Horizon).
Two events with one of the most renowned filmmakers of all time, happening in the same building, 40 years apart. This is the importance of FACETS as it is proof of the many incredible things that can happen within our doors.
Now, two years have passed since Werner Herzog’s last visit to our cinema, and we wanted to explore this important moment in our history. We spoke to our very own cinema programmer, Charles Coleman to hear his memories of that day in 2019 as a part of the masterclass. What follows are some of his reflections on this time, some memories of the moment, and a discussion on the importance of this event and others like it.
Charles’s Thoughts
During these pandemic times, one becomes most aware of what is truly valuable. All of us seek a return to the values which we wish to protect and preserve, as maintaining our humanity in such beleaguered times is how we recognize what all of us have in common. The arts are emblematic in this regard, not only as a means of communication, but also a declaration that our world is as close as the nearest global doorstep. FACETS was founded in 1975 and during its celebrated history, many milestones were achieved, discoveries were made and cinema served as the endorsement of crossing all the cultural boundaries in a quest to know more about the world around us.
One of these discoveries was the work of German filmmaker Werner Herzog, a key part of the New German Cinema (1962-1982) whose members believed in the D.I.Y. aesthetic and were undaunted by the challenges of making original films with modest budgets. Their themes were about life in contemporary German society (the economic miracle) after WWII, and they were young radical filmmakers whose bold ambitions sought to reinvigorate the artistic and political challenges as Germany was rebuilding itself. They were experimenting with evocative subject matter and the extraordinary work of the provocative filmmaker Werner Herzog, was recognized very early by Milos Stehlik, founder of FACETS, and we were the first exhibition venue to bring his early work to the attention it deserved, which was justifiably celebrated as his career became more successful.
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, FACETS arranged and produced a Master Class with Werner Herzog, who was so grateful to FACETS about the insight displayed by his close friend Milos, that he was more than pleased to participate. This event was an opportunity to have an informed and conversational dialogue not only about his career but also the role that the arts has in our society.
This review of Herzog’s career, philosophy, and approach to filmmaking represents what FACETS does on a daily basis throughout the year, as showing films in various ways, by programming, retrospectives, discoveries and several festivals as well, throughout the year. We take our role seriously in bringing new and challenging ideas to them, like a lighthouse, whose beacon leads them to our shores.
We are committed to the mandate that every film shown at FACETS is about discovery for our audience, which are as distinctive as they are original, on as wide a cultural spectrum as we can offer to our appreciative patrons. FACETS has always been aware that people want to see themselves as part of the community and a really good film is a door that is open to this opportunity.
Please give to our ReOpening Soon Campaign today, in order to support events like this in the future.
Tyler Meder is an Editorial Assistant Intern at FACETS. He received his B.A. in Communication, Film, and New Media from Carthage College after completing his thesis on shot on video horror films. He has contributed work in video and writing to multiple industries including live theatre, which earned him an honors in Animation and Video Production from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
