INDIANAPOLIS — “As the Rethink 65/70 Coalition faces an uphill battle against the state highway department’s 1960s vision for transportation in downtown Indianapolis, we’re screening a documentary for inspiration and guidance,” says Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks, a founding member of the coalition. On June 6, Indiana Landmarks is showing the film “Citizen Jane: Battle for the City,” about the legendary urban theorist and grassroots activist Jane Jacobs (1916-2006).
Doors of Indiana Landmarks Center’s Grand Hall open at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar and light refreshments. Davis offers a brief introduction at 6 p.m., suggesting how the film relates to the current Indianapolis issue. The film runs from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Indiana Landmarks Center is located at 1201 Central Ave.
Cost of the film is $10 per person, with a discount for Indiana Landmarks’ members. Advance purchase is advised, online at janejacobsdocumentary.eventbrite.com or by calling Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534.
Jacobs’s 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, is regarded as one of the most influential books in the history of American city planning and community development. When she lived in New York City, Jacobs led successful grassroots campaigns in the ‘50s and ‘60s against the powerful public works/parks/transit czar Robert Moses. Director Matt Tyrnauer brings to life the showdown with Moses, using Marisa Tomei as the voice of Jane Jacobs, when she opposed his plan to destroy Washington Square Park and demolish much of Greenwich Village to carve an expressway through lower Manhattan.
