NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "Cave of Forgotten Dreams" at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.
"Cave of Forgotten Dreams" by Werner Herzog documents the oldest cave paintings known created by human hands. More than 30,000 years old, they are almost twice as old as any other discovery of its kind, according to information at www.yidio.com/Cave-Of-Forgotten-Dreams.
Located in southern France, the Chauvet Cave is near the natural Pont d'Arc bridge. In addition to the footage filmed inside the cave and at the Pont d'Arc bridge, the film also includes interviews with historians and scientists.
The general public is not allowed to enter the cave in the interest of preservation, and to film the documentary, director Herzog had to obtain special permission from the French Minister of Culture. Even with permission, the crew faced dangerous conditions and heavy restrictions. Herzog's team of four, which included himself working the lights, were only permitted a total of 24 total hours of filming broken up into six four-hour sessions. The crew was required to wear special suits to protect themselves from near toxic levels of radon and carbon dioxide. To protect the cave's environment, the crew was confined to a two-foot-wide walkway, not permitted to touch any part of the cave's walls and floor, and restricted to battery-operated equipment only, according to www.yidio.com/Cave-Of-Forgotten-Dreams.
The documentary was first introduced at the Toronto International Film Festival in late 2010. Since then it has earned eight 'Best Documentary' awards and another three nominations in the last two years.
This screening is part of the School of Art's monthly Friday Night Film Series and is sponsored in part by the Nacogdoches Junior Forum.
Because "Texas Art Quilts 1993-2011" is showing in Cole Art Center through March 29, refreshments will not be served. Neither food nor beverages are allowed in the display areas while the exhibition is up.
The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.
Axe ’Em, Jacks!