Celebrating the Centennial of Director Elia Kazan

“Elia Kazan, a great American artist, born one hundred years ago this year. He is one of the most important figures in the history of movies. It’s that simple.” –Martin Scorsese

“Elia Kazan was the first auteur of the American theatre: the first director to insist on having control of the entire production, the first to be billed above the title, the first to succeed both on Broadway and in Hollywood. A good director is part visionary, part showman, part critic, part father: Kazan was all these things, and more.” –John Lahr

To commemorate Elia Kazan’s 100th birthday on September 7, 2009, we want to share with you a remarkable book, drawn from Kazan’s notebooks, letters, interviews, and autobiography: KAZAN ON DIRECTING.

About the Book >
Praise >

Tell us about your favorite Kazan movie or play on Twitter using the hashtag: #kazan

Be sure to look for our daily pop quiz from 9/7/09-9/11/09 on Facebook. One daily participant who answers the question correctly will be entered to win a copy of KAZAN ON DIRECTING. Five (5) copies to be given in total. Winners chosen at random.

Elia Kazan Centennial – Fall 2009

September
• September 7: Elia Kazan’s birthday
• September 12-December 3: Wesleyan University Elia Kazan Centennial, every Thursday evening, screenings with introductions, a gallery exhibit at the Rick Nicita gallery (rare photos, clippings, posters, etc.).
• September 20: Actors Studio celebration
• September 28: Anniversary of Kazan’s death in 2003

October
• October 5: Lincoln Center 50 Years: Clurman and Kazan: Two Giants of the Theater, with Ben Gazzara, Lois Smith, and Eli Wallach; Foster Hirsch, moderator; New York Library for the Performing Arts, 6pm
• October 9-29: Elia Kazan festival at Film Forum, New York
• October 18: Players Club evening honoring Kazan

January
• AFI Series in Washington DC

Stay tuned, more events to celebrate Kazan’s Centennial to come.