ABOUT THE SHORT FILMS
Barbican Family Film Club is delighted to be partnering with Reverie Cineclub for a programme of short films from visionary animators John and Faith Hubley, alongside a visit from jazz trumpeter Olivia Cuttill, complementing the EFG London Jazz Festival taking place across the capital.
Featuring 6 short films from pioneering animation couple John and Faith Hubley, this programme explores the experimental, jazz-influenced style they developed as they moved away from the Hollywood mainstream. Faith began her career as a script clerk at Columbia, while John was a Disney and UPA cartoonist and union activist who was blacklisted in Hollywood, leading the pair to foster a distinctive house style of their own.
Painterly, abstract and rhythmic, the Hubleys’ animated works were notable for their use of playful improvised dialogue by their children, as well as their lifelong collaborations with legendary music artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Carter.
Alongside the screening, we’ll host an interactive presentation on the Hubleys’ Oscar-winning work, as well as a musical performance from jazz trumpeter Olivia Cuttill. Come along for a morning of sizzling tunes and vibrant animated worlds that will get your little ones bouncing to the beat!
THE PROGRAMME
Moonbird
Featuring the improvised dialogue of children Mark and Ray Hubley, this Academy Award-winning short follows two young brothers in their magical adventure to hunt an imaginary bird.
Dirs. John Hubley and Faith Hubley, United States, 1959, 10 mins
A Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass Double Feature
In many ways a prototype music video, this second Academy Award–winning short animates the songs “Spanish Flea” and “Tijuana Taxi” from the Latin-flavoured brass ensemble.
Dirs. John Hubley and Faith Hubley, United States, 1966, 5 mins
Urbanissimo
A renegade walking city pollutes everything in its path in this jazzy allegory set to the music of Benny Carter.
Dirs. John Hubley and Faith Hubley, United States, 1967, 6 mins
Date with Dizzy
In this charming live action and animation hybrid, jazz great Dizzy Gillespie is hired to record the soundtrack for a television commercial, but the music has a mind of its own.
Dirs. John Hubley and Faith Hubley, United States, 1956, 11 mins
The Tender Game
Inspired by the song “Tenderly” by Jack Lawrence and Walter Gross, this dreamy animation follows the blossoming romance between a florist and a street sweeper, performed by Ella Fitzgerald and the Oscar Peterson Trio.
Dirs. John Hubley and Faith Hubley, United States, 1958, 6 mins
Rooty Toot Toot
Set to a riotous score by Phil Moore and Allen Alch, and based on the song "Frankie and Johnny," this courtroom operetta follows a woman caught between passion and betrayal, in one of John Hubley’s final productions with the UPA.
Dir. John Hubley, United States, 1951, 8 mins
EVENT INFORMATION
This programme has locally been classified as a PG – but assessing suitability of any film is the responsibility of parent/guardian. Please see www.bbfc.co.uk for more information on film ratings and content guidelines.
Content advice: these films were made in the 1950-60s and contain some stereotypes of the time and depictions of smoking.
Please check the BBFC website for rating advice or if you would like a more nuanced description of the film content in this even, please email film@barbican.org.uk at least 5 days in advance of the screening.
Please note: This screening is for families to attend as a group. Adults (over 18s) can only enter the auditorium if they are bringing a child. Children (under 18s) can only attend if accompanied by an adult. Babes in arms of 18 months and under can be brought in on adults’ laps, but children over 18 months need a seat purchased for them.
Films and archive images courtesy of Emily Hubley and Park Circus.
Tickets and further information can be found via the Barbican Centre website.
EVENT TRAILER
Coming soon!