Update: The Booksellers begins a series of virtual cinema screenings on Friday, April 17, as release plans have obviously had to change because of shelter-in-place orders. Visit this page for information on which art-house cinemas are sponsoring virtual screenings in different cities from April 17.
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[This article was originally published March 3, 2020]
The hotly anticipated documentary about the rare-book world, The Booksellers, opens in New York City this week, just as the rare-book world itself descends on the city for the 60th annual New York International Antiquarian Book Fair.
Described by The Hollywood Reporter as “a treat for anyone who appreciates the printed word,” the filmmakers interviewed book collectors, dealers, librarians, and bibliophiles over several years to capture a picture of the rare-book world at this point in time. Directed by D.W. Young, executive produced by Parker Posey, and produced by ABAA-member Daniel Wechsler, the film is a celebration of the book and book culture, as well as a survey of the influence technology has had on the book trade, and how interest — nay obsession — with finding and preserving significant books and related items has endured despite what alarmist mainstream media headlines might have us believe.
The Booksellers features interview with a great many ABAA-members, as well as prominent collectors and writers, such as Fran Lebowitz, Gay Talese, Susan Orlean, and Kevin Young, resulting in a panoramic view of the trade from many perspectives.
Trailer
The film debuted to acclaim at the New York Film Festival in October 2019, and has enjoyed successful screenings on the festival circuit since then. It opens at the Quad Cinema in New York on March 6, 2020, and in Toronto, Los Angeles and other cities shortly thereafter. Information on upcoming screenings can be found here…
Special Appearances
During the New York Book Fair, several screenings will be followed by a discussion with the director, D.W. Young, along with some of the booksellers featured in the film.
Fri March 6, 7pm
Q&A with actor/executive producer Parker Posey and director D.W. Young, moderated by Eugene Hernandez (Director of the New York Film Festival).
Sat March 7, 2:30pm
Q&A with Strand Bookstore co-owner Nancy Bass Wyden and director D.W. Young, moderated by Adam Schartoff (host of Filmwax Radio podcast).
Sat March 7, 7pm
Q&A with rare book dealers Rebecca Romney (Type Punch Matrix) and Heather O’Donnell (Honey & Wax Booksellers) along with director D.W. Young, moderated by Adam Schartoff (host of Filmwax Radio podcast).
Sun March 8, 2:30pm
Q&A with auctioneer/collector Nicholas Lowry (Swann Auction Galleries, Antiques Roadshow) and director D.W. Young.
Sun March 8, 4:45pm
Q&A with director D.W. Young and special guests.
Tickets for The Booksellers are available here...
The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair opens on Thursday, March 5, 2020 and runs through Sunday March 8, 2020. For more details, visit https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com...