ComicsDC: SPX Announces Art Spiegelman Documentary at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Thursday, February 20, 2025

SPX Announces Art Spiegelman Documentary at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Contact: Warren Bernard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Small Press Expo and AFI Silver Theatre Announce Comic-Related Film Series, Kicking Off with the Washington, DC area Premiere of Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse! on March 9

Bethesda, MD (February 20, 2025) – The Small Press Expo (SPX) is pleased to announce an exciting collaboration with the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center to present a film series celebrating comics and their impact on storytelling. This special series will feature screenings of acclaimed films and documentaries, culminating in the highly anticipated SPX 2025 weekend, that will occur September 13-14.

The series launches with the Washington, DC premiere of Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse! on Sunday, March 9, at 7:00 PM at the AFI Silver Theatre.

This intimate documentary explores the life and creative process of legendary Maus cartoonist Art Spiegelman.

Following the screening, co-director Philip Dolan will participate in a Q&A session to discuss the making of the film and Spiegelman's profound influence on the comics world.

Throughout the year, the SPX-AFI Silver film series will continue with a diverse lineup of films celebrating comics, cartoonists, and their unique storytelling power.

In April, the series will feature Funny Pages, a teen coming-of-age story about becoming a cartoonist, screening in 35mm with a special appearance by director Owen Kline. Tickets go on sale next week at AFI.com/Silver.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with AFI Silver to bring these films to the DC-area audience," said SPX Executive Director Warren Bernard. "This series not only showcases the artistry and storytelling of comics but also celebrates the creators who have shaped the medium."

Further screenings and guest appearances will be announced in the coming months. For tickets and additional information, please visit AFI.com/Silver.

Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 650 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests.

The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show.

For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.smallpressexpo.com.