A documentary revolution

The Maysles brothersAlbert and David (1932-1987)revolutionized documentary filmmaking with their practice of setting up the cameras and letting the story tell itself instead of imposing a narrative, an approach that came to be known as direct cinema.

Tonight and tomorrow, Film @ International House pays tribute to the Maysleses with screenings of three of their early films: Salesman (1969), an unsparing portrait of the lives of four traveling Bible salesmen; Whats Happening! The Beatles in America (1964), which captured the first shots fired in the British Invasion; and Gimme Shelter (1970, see photo), their highly praised, disturbing chronicle of the Rolling Stones 1969 U.S. tour. Albert Maysles will be on hand to introduce Gimme Shelter at Fridays screening.

S.S.

THE FILMS OF ALBERT AND DAVID MAYSLES: Salesman Thursday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. and Whats Happening! The Beatles in America/Gimme Shelter Friday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Tickets for each nights screening $5, available on a first-come, first-served basis one hour before show time. Info: www.ihousephilly.org or 215-895-6542.