Catch big air with a screening of the cult-classic BMX film Rad (1986) at Giant Screen Experience, presented in collaboration with Utopia.
The ultimate 1980s underdog story, Rad follows the journey of Cru Jones, a small-town teen with big dreams of racing in the elite BMX Helltrack competition. As he trains to take on corporate-backed pros and defies expectations at every turn, Cru must choose between following the rules or following his dreams.
🎤 After the 90-minute screening, enjoy a live Q&A between Utopia's co-founder Robert Schwartzman and Matt Anderson, Curator of Transportation at The Henry Ford. Together, they'll explore the legacy of Rad, its lasting impact on independent cinema and its place in BMX culture.
🚲 This screening complements the limited-time exhibition Bicycles: Powering Possibilities, now on view at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Through stories of creativity and resilience, the exhibition — like Rad — highlights the transformative power of bikes in shaping communities and sparking bold ideas.
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📽️ Screening Preshow: In addition to the feature screening of Rad, The Henry Ford is excited to debut a digital screening of a new restoration of Lillian F. Schwartz's experimental short film, Enigma (1972, 4 min, 16mm).
In 1968, Schwartz began her time as a “resident artist” at Bell Laboratories, where she bridged art, technology and science — creating innovative computer films, early digital art and kinetic sculptures. In 2021, The Henry Ford became the official home for Schwartz's collection.
Enigma marks the first Schwartz film to be restored as part of a long-term project to preserve and provide access to her film catalogue through digital and 16mm screenings.
Audiences who love the high-speed motion and saturated color of Rad will enjoy the intense vibrating rhythms and colorful forms found in Lillian Schwartz's masterpiece of abstract cinema.
Kristen Gallerneaux, Curator of Communications & Information Technology and steward of the Lillian Schwartz collection, will deliver a brief introduction ahead of Enigma.
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Learn more and get tickets:
https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/screening-of-rad/
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