“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.

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.

According to the South by Southwest Film Festival, where the documentary was featured in 2016, “Even if you live in [a city] and think you know it inside out, you come away from ‘Citizen Jane’ understanding, more than you did going in, the special chemistry of what makes a city tick.”

WHAT: Screening of the documentary film, Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

WHEN: Wednesday, June 6. Doors open with a cash bar (wine, beer, soft drinks) at 5:30 p.m., followed by an introduction at 6 p.m. followed by the film, 6:15-7:45 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Hall at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis

WHO: Sponsored by Indiana Landmarks, a private nonprofit organization

COST: $10/person ($8/Indiana Landmarks member)

CONTACT: 317-639-4534 or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

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Media contacts:
Tina Connor, Executive Vice President, Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534, tconnor@indianalandmarks.org;
Jen Thomas, JTPR, jen@jtprinc.com, 317-441-2487

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Indiana Landmarks, a private nonprofit organization, has worked for half a century saving historic places and using preservation as a catalyst to revitalize communities. What started as a small, all-volunteer group has grown to the largest statewide preservation group in the U.S., with 6,200 members and a staff of 36 in nine offices around Indiana. For more information on Indiana Landmarks, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.