Maggie Renzi will speak Thursday night at Bryant Hall.
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi’s Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies will host an artist talk event Thursday (Feb. 19) with actor and film producer Maggie Renzi.
Slated for 6:30 p.m. in Bryant Hall, Room 209, the event is free and open to the public. A reception follows the talk in the Farrington Gallery.
Renzi has worked with independent filmmaker John Sayles for more than 35 years, producing most of his movies, including landmarks such as “Lone Star,” “Brother from Another Planet,” “Sunshine State” and “Passion Fish.” She also acted in several of Sayles’ films. In addition, she produced three Bruce Springsteen videos directed by Sayles: “Born in the USA,” “I’m on Fire” and “Glory Days.”
Renzi will discuss her career and her partnership with Sayles and also show examples of her work.
“We are very excited to have Maggie Renzi come to campus,” said Theresa Starkey, assistant director and instructor of gender studies. “She is an important figure in independent cinema, especially in terms of women’s roles in the industry. She is a maverick who has carved out a space for herself as a producer.”
Her work appeals to filmmakers, film buffs and those interested in the history of filmmaking and independent cinema. Renzi also plans to visit Leigh Anne Duck’s Introduction to Film course.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for the students,” Duck said. “Many of them hope to pursue careers in the film industry and are already eager to interact with – and hopefully gather advice from – a working producer.”
Renzi also can offer an insider’s perspective on the issues of women’s representation in film and their general absence behind the camera, Duck said.
“Today’s students are skilled at analyzing representations of gender in older films, but they join long-term participants and observers in wondering why it is that women still constitute such a minority in film production and even as fictional protagonists,” Duck said. “Students need both realistic awareness and energetic inspiration concerning possible career choices. I’m hoping this talk will provide both in equal measures.”
The event is a great way to inform the community about gender issues, said Jamie Harker, the center’s interim director.
“The Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies is responsible for integrating scholarly research on women’s and gender issues with advocacy for women in the classroom, on the campus and in the larger community,” Harker said. “We seek to educate the community and campus on women’s and gender issues. Maggie Renzi’s experience as a woman in the film industry will be a compelling story for the University of Mississippi community.”
The event is sponsored by the English and theatre arts departments and the UM cinema studies program. For assistance related to a disability, contact Kevin Cozart at 662-915-5916 or isomctr@olemiss.edu.