EX LIBRIS
The New York Public Library
Frederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. With 92 locations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, the library is committed to being a resource for all the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city, and beyond. The New York Public Library exemplifies the deeply rooted American belief in the individual’s right to know and be informed. It is one of the most democratic institutions in America – everyone is welcome. The Library strives to inspire learning, advance knowledge and strengthen communities.
RELEASED 2017, 197 MINUTES, COLOR
5 STARS. A gloriously nerdy act of municipal pride. Stretching over an impossibly rich three hours and change… the viewing commitment is the most nourishing of the year. An extremely rare window into the efforts of unseen heroes. A film about the importance of cultural history and truth. Wiseman’s epic EX LIBRIS might make you cry with happiness. Movies aren’t usually a public benefit, must less an essential one. Here’s the exception.
- Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
Critic’s Pick. Magnificent...lays bare this complex, glorious organism that is the democratic ideal incarnate... In EX LIBRIS, democracy is alive and in the hands of a forceful advocate and brilliant filmmaker, which helps make this one of the greatest movies of Mr. Wiseman’s extraordinary career and one of his most thrilling.
-Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
There’s a reason why Frederick Wiseman’s long, rigorous documentaries attract such big, happy festival audiences... Wiseman has carved out a unique niche in American documentary filmmaking and after fifty years on the job, he is a beloved, reliable observer of American society and democracy. Never talking down to his audience, he rather pulls them up to an intellectual level where other filmmakers fear to go.
-Hollywood Reporter
There is so much beauty and delight in EX LIBRIS, in fact, and so much vivid personality in all the people, that a lackadaisical viewer could be excused for summing up the film as a loving tribute.
-Stuart Klawans, The Nation
Frederick Wiseman's next instant classic
-IndieWire
Please note: EX LIBRIS - The New York Public Library DVDs and Blu-rays are region-free, but we cannot ship to: Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, or Taiwan; and no institutional or public performance sales to the UK or Benelux countries. Please click here to contact a local distributor.