November 04, 2013

Documentary offers new insight to Zapruder film

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s month-long John F. Kennedy retrospective continues this week with a new perspective on the infamous film that captured the late president’s assassination.

“Image of an Assassination,” a film written and produced by H.D. Motyl, an associate professor in the Department of Radio, Television, and Digital Media, will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, in the Student Center Auditorium. Admission is free, and pizza will be available.

The documentary offers a new and expanded look at the Abraham Zapruder film that chronicles Kennedy’s assassination.  Motyl’s movie includes enhanced film footage and detailed information about the 26-second 8 mm film shot by the Texas dress manufacturer, along with a timeline and interviews of key individuals.

This is one of several “Remembering JFK” events taking place at SIU Carbondale through Nov. 22, which marks the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. The commemoration began on Oct. 3, which was the 53rd anniversary of Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign visit to McAndrew Stadium. 

Other upcoming highlights include the “Who Killed JFK” debate at 7 p.m. Nov. 12, at the Student Center Auditorium.  For the full schedule and additional information, visit facebook.com/RememberJFK.

Motyl’s “Cowboy Christmas,” a documentary about professional rodeo cowboys, earned Best Feature Documentary honor at the Madrid International Film Festival and will be screened this month at the Virginia Film Festival.  His experimental video “Nudes Descending a Staircase #2” screened at the 8th Berlin International Directors Lounge Festival and Madatac04 in Madrid.  He has produced, directed and written episodes for numerous television programs and children’s videos.