Restored lost classic 

The Saragoss Manuscript 

Celebrate 200^th year of the flamboyant author’s death

For Immediate Release - Some time ago in 2007 Chicago Cinema Forum and Chopin Theatre organized a special screening of the restored French version of Roberto Rossellini’s India Matri Bhumi. On Sunday, November 29^th Chopin Theatre will present another restored masterpiece, The Saragossa Manuscript by director Wojciech Has based on the novel of by eccentric Polish Count J.N. Potocki. 

The Saragossa Manuscript  was released in 1965 and developed an immediate cult-like following in the U.S. despite often being available in a chopped up version rather than the full 3 hour film.  Its admirers include Spanish filmmaker Luis Bunuel, American musician and Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia and filmmaker Martin Scorsese.   The restoration of the film was financed by Garcia, Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

The Saragossa Manuscript is a mind-bending, surrealistic cinematic experience featuring intertwining and interrelated stories of the adventurers of Alphonse van Worden.  His escapades are discovered in a manuscript found by enemy officers in Spain during the Napoleonic Wars whom declare a temporary truce after becoming enchanted with the stories of religion, sex, philosophy and magic.

The 3 hour restored Blu-Ray film will screen on Sunday November 29^th at 3pm at Chopin Theatre located 1543 W. Division.  The film is in Polish with English subtitles. The screening and reception are complimentary and commemorate the 200^th anniversary of J.N. Potocki’s death.  After the screening Loyola University's Zbigniew Banas moderates a discussion with panelists  Wayne Jones Ph.D Harvard University, poet and publisher Fractal Edge Press; Andrzej Krzak University of Illinois Chicago, Playwright, Writer and Director and Ruth Margraff School of the Art Institute Chicago, Chair Writing Department. 

The event is partially supported by Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago.