John Sayles—known as one of the country’s godfathers of the independent film movement—has been named as the 2014 Dan and Maggie Inouye Distinguished Chair in Democratic Ideals. He will be giving a free public presentation about the importance of storytelling on Friday, February 21, 7 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Orvis Auditorium.
Sayles is an award-winning director, writer, actor and author. He is credited with writing and editing most of his projects, including his latest film, Go For Sisters, and his recent historical novel, A Moment In The Sun.
Sayles supports his directing career as a “writer for hire” in Hollywood. His book Thinking In Pictures: The Making Of The Movie Matewan, is still taught in film classes. He wrote and directed several films that have been nominated for Academy Awards, including Lone Star and Passion Fish. Sayles also directed three music videos for Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA, I’m on Fire and Glory Days.
Doors to the February 21 presentation at Orvis Auditorium will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. event. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. On-campus parking is available for $6.
In addition to the public presentation, Sayles will also be in residency at UH Mānoa and will appear at other events open to the public.
For more information, contact UH Mānoa Associate Professor Vernadette Gonazlez by email or call (808) 956-5404.
More on the Inouye Distinguished Chair in Democratic Ideals
The Dan and Maggie Inouye Distinguished Chair in Democratic Ideals at UH Mānoa engages scholars and public figures dedicated to sharing their knowledge and life experiences. With an emphasis on democratic processes and the importance of public life, the chair enhances understanding of the unique context of Hawaiʻi, Asia and the Pacific within the traditional positions of power and influence in the U.S.
