NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - As part of its monthly independent film series, the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey" at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.
The 80-minute documentary focuses on Kevin Clash, the creator of Elmo, the beloved red puppet recognized around the world. The film includes rare archival footage and is narrated by Whoopie Goldberg.
Through interviews with such personalities as Rosie O'Donnell; Frank Oz, creator of and voice behind Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and other "Sesame Street" puppets; and Carroll Spinney, who plays Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, the viewer learns of Clash's early years as a puppeteer, the fulfillment of his goal to work with Jim Henson and his current success as co-executive producer of "Sesame Street."
"Being Elmo" has been screened at multiple film festivals and was winner of a Special Jury Prize for documentary films at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
Rated PG, the film is sponsored in part by Dr. Melinda Wenner and Nacogdoches Junior Forum.
The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches. For more information, please call (936) 468-1131.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!