PhilaMOCA and The Center for Media and Destiny present

IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD (AGAIN!)
A three-day celebratory symposium on the upcoming apocalypse.

(Philadelphia, PA) November 12, 2012 – Yes, it’s that time.  It’s coming on December 21, 2012.  It’s the end of the world, yet again!  Is there a better place to await our demise than in a mausoleum, albeit one retrofitted as a gallery space for exploring the apocalypse in art, movies, and multimedia presentations?

You don’t need a Mayan calendar to imagine the end of the world, for apocalyptic scenarios have long been popular, from the myth of Plato’s Atlantis to movies like MELANCHOLIA. This three-night event will explore why there are so many apocalyptic scenarios in the new millennium. The art and presentations will provide mind-expanding ideas and apocalyptic fun as we explore the end of the world: why humans are so fascinated with doomsday and what it means, if anything.

Wednesday, December 19:

6:00 PM – “Apocalyptic Art” show reception (show will hang through the duration of the symposium) curated by Genevieve L. Gillespie.

8:00 PM – PRESENTATION: Sci-Fi Sublime: Watching Ourselves Be Annihilated in Movies, hosted by Barry Vacker (Temple University). Barry will also be signing copies of his book, The End of the World — Again.

9:30 PM – SCREENING: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) with a live theremin score by Mano Divina (Divine Hand Ensemble)

Thursday, December 20:

7:00 PM – PANEL DISCUSSION: The Meaning of Melancholia: Depression, Doomsday, or Nothing? Featuring Laura Zaylea (Temple University), Ronnie Landau (Past President of the Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts), Olivia Antsis (Director, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival), Barry Vacker (Temple University).

9:00 PM – SCREENING: We Hate Movies (NYC) present a live comedic commentary to The Last Man on Earth (1964) (a la Mystery Science Theater 3000)

Friday, December 21:

7:00 PM – PANEL: The End of World, Again: The Apocalypse in Media, Science, and Culture, featuring Jarice Hanson (University of Massachusetts-Amherst), Osei Alleyne (University of Pennsylvania), Genevieve Gillespie (Temple University), Barry Vacker (Temple University).

9:00 PM – THE END OF THE WORLD PARTY (21+) featuring music by S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D. Plus a countdown clock/farewell toast at midnight, complimentary refreshments…

Admission for each day is $10.

Refreshments courtesy of Philadelphia Brewing Company and Hendrick’s Gin.