Ottenheimer Library Sponsors NEA: Big Read Virtual Film Series

UA Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library, in collaboration with the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), is sponsoring a series of five films that will be free to stream each Sunday from Oct. 25 to Nov. 22.

“Ottenheimer Library and CALS have a history of partnership on events such as these,” said Dan Shelton, Finance and Administration Coordinator of Ottenheimer Library at UA Little Rock. “This collaboration provides the UA Little Rock community easy access to the activities and encourages them to explore subjects in greater detail than they might have otherwise.”

The films, which are all based on the Vietnam War, are being shown as part of the 2020 NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) Big Read. An initiative of the NEA in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.

The films are centered around “The Things They Carried,” a riveting collection of stories from author Tim O’Brien’s time in the Vietnam War, which has been selected as the 2020-21 NEA Big Read Book.

“We were very excited to host Tim O’Brien and to explore his classic “The Things They Carried” throughout the library system and beyond,” said Mark Christ, CALS adult programming coordinator. “As an institution, we strive to improve literacy and encourage the exchange of ideas, social engagement, and cultural expression.”

The free film schedule includes:

Oct. 25: “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989, R)
Nov. 1: “Coming Home” (1978, R)
Nov. 8: “Full Metal Jacket” (1987, R)
Nov. 15: “Hamburger Hill” (1987, R)
Nov. 22: “The Deer Hunter” (1978, R)