By: Danielle Modica | February 3, 2022
The New York State Writers Institute’s spring event schedule features more than two dozen events, including an upcoming online conversation with filmmaker James Ivory, Oscar-winning screenwriter of the critically acclaimed 2017 film “Call Me by Your Name.”
Founded in 1984 by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Kennedy, the New York State Writers Institute brings authors, filmmakers, and newsmakers to Albany to celebrate literature, writing, and performance. In previous seasons, the institute has hosted noteworthy figures such as Toni Morrison, Bill Nye (The Science Guy), and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
NYS Writers Institute Logo
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“We foster important conversations between writers and readers,” NYS Writers Institute Director Paul Grondahl said. “We believe our programming educates, illuminates, inspires and entertains.”
This spring, the Writers Institute has invited a large collection of both well-known as well as up-and-coming writers. On Friday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m., filmmaker James Ivory will be joining the Writers Institute in an online talk to discuss his lifetime partnership with Ismail Merchant as well as recent success with his on-screen adaptation of “Call Me by Your Name.” The film, starring Timothee Chalamet, brought Ivory multiple awards including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. At its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, “Call Me by Your Name” received a standing ovation.
Call Me by Your Name Poster & Ivory holding his Oscar Award
Photo Credit: New York State Writers Institute
Though many attendees are avid readers and are familiar with the author’s work before the event, attendees are reassured that it is not necessary to know anything about a guest before attending an event.
“Attendees will get something out of the conversation no matter what,” Grondahl said. “These are extremely accomplished and acclaimed authors who have much to share about the human condition, along with their research, their literary art and their lived experience.”
This semester, the events will vary from in-person to online, based on weather conditions and COVID-19 precaution. Ivory’s visit was initially scheduled to be in-person, but after concerns of infection rate and impending snow the event was made virtual.
“At 93-years-old, travel is not easy,” Grondahl said of Ivory. “[Instead of attendees coming to Ivory,] we will bring James Ivory to them.”
All events are open to the public and require masks. See a preview of the current schedule below. For more information, including the full season schedule and mailing list information, check out their website at www.nyswritersinstitute.org.
THE GLORIOUS HISTORY OF MERCHANT-IVORY FILMS
February 4 (Friday)
James Ivory
Conversation/Q&A with filmmaker Stephen Soucy and editor Peter Cameron
American HerStory: Conversations About Women’s Autobiography
February 15 (Tuesday)
Emily Bernard
Craft Talk — 4:30 p.m., Boardroom (1st Floor), Campus Center West Addition
Reading/Q&A — 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center
UALBANY SPEAKER SERIES
February 17 (Thursday)
Huma Abedin
Conversation/Q&A — 7:00 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom
BURIAN LECTURE ON LIFE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
February 21 (Monday)
José Rivera
The 25th Annual Burian Lecture — 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre, Performing Arts Center
2022 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION
February 23 (Wednesday)
Anthony Ray Hinton, Activist for Human Rights and Prison Reform
Celebration — 7:00 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom
Please visit www.albany.edu/odi.
American HerStory: Conversations About Women’s Autobiography
February 24 (Thursday)
Liara Roux
Craft Talk — 4:30 p.m., Boardroom (1st Floor), Campus Center West Addition
Conversation/Q&A — 7:30 p.m., Boardroom (1st Floor), Campus Center West Addition
CELEBRATING IRISH LITERATURE
March 3 (Thursday)
Colm Tóibín
Conversation with UAlbany’s Lynne Tillman — 7:30 p.m., Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, Downtown Campus
UPLIFTING BLACK AUTHORS AND BLACK LEAD CHARACTERS
March 8 (Tuesday)
Fabian Ferguson
Pajama Storytime — 7:00 p.m., Christ’s Church, 181 Western Ave. (near Quail St.), Albany