Running Fence

Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin
U.S., 1978
English
58 minutes • Color
Production: Maysles Films
Cinematographer: Albert Maysles, David Maysles
Principal Cast: Christo, Jeanne-Claude

SHOWTIMES:
Sun Apr 29 1:30pm Landmark WTTS Screening Room

A celebration of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's vision; first a four-year struggle, then 24 1/2 miles of white nylon fabric, rising from the Pacific and stretching like a white sail across California. Running Fence depicts the long struggle by the artists, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, to build a 24 mile fence of white fabric over the hills of California disappearing into the Pacific. Cost: 3 million dollars. The idea at first must seem the limit of absurdity for the fence was taken down as planned at the end of two weeks and now exists solely on film. There is a struggle between the artists and the state bureaucracy, who want to prevent the fence being erected, even though the ranchers whose land it crosses want it. Opposition seems insurmountable.

The fence finally unfurled brings the community together in celebration of its beauty. After four years of work, Christo sees the vision realized. "See how it describes the wind."

SCREENS WITH:

CHRISTO'S VALLEY CURTAIN (Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Ellen Giffard, US, 1974)