Ken Kelsch Tribute with Abel Ferrara

The above screenshot is from the end credits of TURN IN THE WOUND, a film Ken Kelsch worked one day on. He caught the Corona virus which was one of the many reasons for his passing. When I said, “don’t tell me I helped in killing you”  he said, “that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

A long time ago on the weekend they were unveiling the Vietnam sculpture in D.C.  I bumped into him in an elevator at the Du Art lab. I said “why aren’t you in Washington with everybody else?”  and he answered, “I am not into that weepy weepy shit.”

We are having a memorial, for lack of a better word, because celebration isn’t quite right either. It will be at the Roxy Cinema at 6pm on November 4.  Illyse Singer from Roxy Cinema has been kind enough to run some of the films we made together, although he made some pretty good films without me too. If you ever worked with him, or knew him, I am sure you’ll want to come and honor his memory.  Thank you. – Abel Ferrara

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Roxy Cinema will be showing THE BLACKOUT, THE ADDICTION, 4:44 LAST NIGHT ON EARTH and NEW ROSE HOTEL to honor the memory of Ken Kelsch and the incredible work he contributed to the cinematic landscape. We will also be showing Abel’s brand new documentary that premiered at Berlin Film Festival, TURN IN THE WOUND. There will be a Q&A Sunday November 3rd with Abel Ferrara and Sean Price Williams.

 

TURN IN THE WOUND: This film explores how art, music and poetry express the feelings of people who are caught in war. It examines how they cope with the endless pain and violence that remind them of their history, and how they pursue their dreams of liberation from tyranny and war. The film features Patti Smith, reading poems along with the testimonies of fighters and civilians in Ukraine’s war zones and the words of its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

 

THE BLACKOUT (35MM):

A 1997 film directed by Abel Ferrara that explores themes of memory, identity, and existential crisis. The story follows a man named Billy, played by Matthew Modine, who experiences a mysterious blackout that leads him into a surreal journey through his life and relationships. As he tries to piece together the events leading up to his blackout, he encounters various characters who reflect different aspects of his psyche. The film blends elements of psychological drama and noir, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the viewer’s perception of reality. Through its fragmented narrative, “The Blackout” delves into the struggles of self-understanding and the impact of personal trauma. Featuring incredible performances by Matthew Modine, Beatrice Dalle, and one of Dennis Hopper’s most memorable.

THE ADDICTION (35MM):

A 1995 film directed by Abel Ferrara that blends themes of vampirism with a philosophical exploration of addiction and existentialism. The story follows Kathleen Conklin, a graduate philosophy student in New York City, who is bitten by a vampire and subsequently finds herself grappling with her newfound thirst for blood. As she struggles to maintain her humanity, she confronts the moral implications of her actions and the nature of addiction itself. The film delves into concepts of desire, guilt, and the human condition, ultimately presenting a haunting and thought-provoking narrative about the struggle between self-control and primal instincts.

4:44 LAST NIGHT ON EARTH (35MM):

A 2011 film by Abel Ferrara that takes place on the eve of the apocalypse. The story centers on Cisco and his girlfriend, who spend their final hours together in their New York City apartment as the world faces imminent destruction. As they reflect on their lives, love, and the meaning of existence, the film delves into themes of mortality, intimacy, and the human experience in the face of inevitable doom. The atmosphere is intimate and contemplative, exploring the characters’ emotional states as they confront the end of the world and their connection to one another.

NEW ROSE HOTEL (35MM, courtesy of Academy Film Archive):

A 1998 film directed by Abel Ferrara, adapted from a short story by William Gibson. The film follows the story of Fox, a washed-up corporate spy, and his partner, who are hired to seduce a high-ranking executive’s daughter to gain access to her father’s valuable secrets. As they navigate the morally ambiguous world of corporate espionage, Fox becomes increasingly entangled in a web of betrayal and desire. The film explores themes of obsession, the effects of technology on human relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, all set against a gritty, atmospheric backdrop of a near-future dystopia.