Gerard Malanga: Secret Cinema

7pm: Screening
8pm: Poetry Reading | Q&A

Gerard Malanga played a pivotal role in Andy Warhol's creative output during the 1960's, serving as Warhol’s chief assistant from 1963 to 1970. For one evening only, the Harris Theater will present the world premiere of three newly restored films by Gerard Malanga, who will participate in a post screening poetry reading and Q&A.

Often described as Warhol’s most important collaborator, Malanga was integral to many of Warhol's most iconic works, including the production of his silkscreen paintings, films, and multimedia projects. He was heavily involved in Warhol’s filmmaking process, co-directing, editing, and starring in several of Warhol’s films, including the famed Screen Tests. His deep involvement in Warhol's work extended to photography and poetry, as well as assisting with the Factory’s day-to-day operations.

Beyond technical and administrative support, Malanga’s creative influence was significant. His collaboration helped shape the experimental ethos of Warhol’s art, particularly through his work on the Exploding Plastic Inevitable multimedia shows and other avant-garde projects. Malanga’s presence also symbolized the convergence of art, poetry, and underground culture at the Factory, making him a key figure in Warhol’s broader artistic circle. His artistic contributions, coupled with his close personal relationship with Warhol, solidify his role as a crucial figure in the development of Warhol’s iconic body of work during this formative period.

The special screening presents the world-premier of three newly restored films that offer a unique insight into Andy Warhol’s world and the 1960s New York avant-garde scene. Central to the program is Andy Warhol: Portraits of the Artist as a Young Man (1964–1965), seven short films that mimic Warhol's Screen Tests while focusing on Warhol himself, offering a rare glimpse into his persona. The program also includes Film Notebooks, 1964–1970, a restored compilation of unseen footage from Malanga's personal archive, documenting interactions with notable figures like Bob Dylan and Edie Sedgwick. The final film, The Filmmaker Records a Portion of His Life in the Month of August, 1968, presents an intimate, autobiographical portrait of Malanga’s summer in 1968, capturing fleeting moments with Warhol and other New York artists. Together, these films highlight Malanga’s archival retrieval process and collaborative spirit, offering an immersive look at the artistic environment surrounding Warhol and his Factory.

Photo Credit: Gerard Malanga, still from Andy Warhol: Portraits of the Artist as a Young Man, 1964–1965, 16mm transferred to 4K, b&w, silent, 21 minutes. © Gerard Malanga. Courtesy The Waverly Press.

Online sales end 15 minutes prior to showtime. Please visit the Harris Theater box office after this time to purchase tickets.