The 40th Anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey
Written by Dennis Gonzales.
Video/Photography by Robert Spellman, and The Malcolm Mcdowell site, 2008.

The Jules Verne Festival celebrates the 40th Anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Oct. 12, 2008, Part Seven (Continued)

The first people I saw in the lobby were Kier Dullea, his wife Mia Dillon, Vivian Kubrick, and other guests from their entourage. I also noticed, almost immediately, Dennis Gilliam's original 2001 props, the Discovery One flight overalls with photos and signage (see left image). At the main table were free 2001 posters and programs, a donation jar for JVA's educational cause, and my contribution to the event--pictures for the brochure and the poster.







Scott Alexanderís Discovery One XML spacecraft.

I walked downstairs to the lower street level and on a small stage were the famous red Djinn furnishings (2 one-seater and 1 two-seater) that appeared in the space station scene in 2001 and a white/red Saarinen table to match, all on loan from Gilliam. Behind the stage was Wally Fields' 7ft Monolith sculpture; the soundtrack from the new film version, SOLARIS, played in the background to help set the theme for a spacey evening. Dan Richter introduced me his director and friend, Hans Pfleiderer, who created the film documentary about Richter's life, entitled, Moonwatcher. I chatted with other fans of 2001 over hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.


Hans Pfleiderer's Moonwatcher postcard.

The 2001: A Space Odyssey 40th anniversary was presented as part of the 2008 Jules Verne Adventures Award to the late Stanley Kubrick, which was accepted on the director's behalf by his daughter, Vivian Kubrick. Jules Verne Adventures Extraordinaire (JVA) was created 15 years ago in Paris, France. JVA, headquartered at the Institute Oceanographic-Prince Albert the First of Monaco Foundation, produces scientific expedition documentaries for television. The annual event has become the most important film festival in Paris and is considered one of the top 10 most prestigious documentary festivals in the world. The JVA Awards celebrate exploration, conservation and imagination each year by honoring inspirational explorers, artists, movies, and by recognizing special achievements that recalled the spirit of adventure in the tradition of Jules Verne. The Festival is also held in Los Angeles and this year's events pay tribute to the 40th Year Anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey as well as The Planet of the Apes (that event scheduled for another date). I worked with Mark Charron, Head of JVA Programming since the beginning of 2008 to help collect movie stills, and contact other 2001 fans to contribute their collections as I had done for my exhibits.

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