Zeitgeist, as defined by the Webster’s College Dictionary, is “the spirit of the time.†That is to say, those trends and opinions which characterize a particular culture in any given period. With this all-encompassing word as their moniker and mission statement, Nancy Gerstman and Emily Russo, co-founders and presidents of Zeitgeist Films, have made a point of capturing this spirit by distributing some of the best foreign and independent cinema of the last 20 years.
Founded in 1988, Zeitgeist has always focused on cultivating what they call the “auteur-driven film,†selecting works that might be overlooked or avoided by other companies. From Todd Haynes’ Sundance award-winner Poison to the theatrical reissue of Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Zeitgeist swiftly made a name for itself as a company with discriminating—and impeccable—tastes.
Over the years, says Russo, “We’ve maintained our mission by continuing to acquire and release auteur-driven and challenging foreign films and documentaries, which reflect the world we live in today.â€
Next up, Zeitgeist is set to release several exciting new films, including the three-hour acclaimed monastic epic, Into Great Silence by Phillip Groening, as well as Jennifer Baichwal’s multiple award-winning Manufactured Landscapes, which explores the photography of artist Edward Burtynsky.
For more information on Zeitgeist and its upcoming projects, visit www.zeitgeistfilms.com.
Sound Off: Zeitgeist Films has devoted itself to exhibiting those films it feels capture “the spirit of the times.†What recent films do you feel have captured the zeitgeist of the 21st century? Talk back in the comments section!
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