Styx affords an impressionistic view of the subterranean world of a metropolitan subway system. Joining an anonymous mass of commuters, the camera embarks on a journey across a decaying cityscape.
10 minutes | 1976
Awards
Jury Prize, Rencontres Internationales Henri Langlois à Tours, France
Second Prize, International Short Film Festival, Bilbao, Spain
Festival Award, Ann Arbor Film Festival
First Place, Speech Communication Association
Selected Screenings
British Short Film Festival
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
American Film Festival, New York
Festival of New American Cinema, Chicago
Edison-Black Maria Film Festival
Flaherty Film Seminar
Midwest Film Conference, Chicago
Broadcasts
Image Union, Chicago PBS
Territory, Texas PBS
First Expressions, Philadelphia cable
Press Quotes
“ …. it quickly establishes a tempo, a rhythm, and an almost symphonic kind of form that brings the everyday into a superbly balanced conjunction with the realm of the extraordinary suggested by the title…” San Francisco Chronicle
Reviews
San Francisco Chronicle (Thomas Albright)
Museum of Modern Art Film Catalogue
Director’s Statement
As a film student in Philadelphia, I commuted daily from my apartment to the university. The sensory overload in the subway environment conferred a bubble of isolation on the individual commuter. People were in survival mode as they endured the auditory, visual, and olfactory assaults. During my travels, I saw striking images and ephemeral moments that suggested a Stygian journey. Influenced by the tradition of city symphony films, I embraced the challenge of transforming this prosaic environment into a visceral experience for the viewer.
Credits
Producer, Director, Editor – Jan Krawitz
Cinematographer – Thomas Ott
Music – Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Company
Order
For DVD purchase, use the “Buy Now” link to place an order for $16.99 (includes $4.00 postage/handling).
For international orders outside the U.S., please email krawitz@stanford.edu for shipping costs.
All films, videos, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs are protected by United States copyright law. Duplication, reproduction, alteration, subleasing, television (broadcast, cable or close circuit) or commercial use (i.e., charging admission) is strictly prohibited without written consent from Jan Krawitz.
Contact
Jan Krawitz is available for speaking engagements with her films at conferences and universities. She also conducts master classes and presents public talks about documentary film as a Visiting Filmmaker.
krawitz@stanford.edu
www.jankrawitz.com