Helvetica: The Movie May 8, 2007

Calgary's screening of Helvetica, presented by GDC and VEER, promises to be hugely entertaining, revealing much about the font, its impact on the world and why we love to hate it.

As co-producers of the movie, VEER is bringing director Gary Hustwit to Calgary for this event to describe in person his experience in making this film and insights gained along the way.

Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Doors open: 6:00 pm
Screening: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Q & A with the Director: 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Reception: 9:00 pm (Marquee Room)
Location: The Uptown Theatre, 612 - 8th Avenue SW (Upper Theatre)
Catering: provided courtesy of VEER; cash bar

Director's Statement
Since millions of people see and use Helvetica every day, I guess I just wondered, "Why?" How did a typeface drawn by a little-known Swiss designer in 1957 become one of the most popular ways for us to communicate our words fifty years later? And what are the repercussions of that popularity, has it resulted in the globalization of our visual culture? Does a storefront today look the same in Minneapolis, Melbourne and Munich? How do we interact with type on a daily basis? And what about the effects of technology on type and graphic design, and the ways we consume it?

About the Film
Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

Shot in high-definition on location in the United States, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Belgium, it is currently screening at film festivals and special events worldwide.

Interviewees in Helvetica include some of the most illustrious and innovative names in the design world, including Erik Spiekermann, Matthew Carter, Massimo Vignelli, Wim Crouwel, Hermann Zapf, Neville Brody, Stefan Sagmeister, Michael Bierut, David Carson, Paula Scher, Jonathan Hoefler, Tobias Frere-Jones, Experimental Jetset, Michael C. Place, Norm, Alfred Hoffmann, Mike Parker, Bruno Steinert, Otmar Hoefer, Leslie Savan, Rick Poynor, Lars Müller, and many more.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 4th
Earlybird Draw: Register by April 30th for a chance to win a $100 gift card for Future Shop.

Tickets: $15 each (catering included)

To register and pay online, please go to www.gdcalberta.com/helvetica.html

To register for payment to be made at the door, please email name(s): register.absouth@gdc.net

Please note that there is limited seating available. We would appreciate 24 hours notice required to cancel reservation.