Filmed entirely in France and the Netherlands, Van Gogh: Brush with Genius captures the breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary colors of the painter’s most famous works. The film traces the artist’s career from the time of his first paintings when he was 27 through the masterpieces he created before he died at age 37.

Created by Peter Knapp and Francois Bertrand, with the cooperation of the Van Gogh Museum, Musee d’Orsay, and Kroller-Muller Museum, the film is seen through the artist’s eyes and is based on more than 900 personal letters. Photography of the landscapes that inspired some of his best works helps re-create Van Gogh’s life on the giant screen.

Distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films

CODE: 1P0-074

Environmental Film Festival

Wed., March 11—Sun., March 22

The 17th annual Environmental Film Festival focuses on the challenges to our planet’s oceans and sea life. During the festival, more than 100 documentary, feature, animated, archival, and children’s films are selected and screened to provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues around the world. A history of Appalachia’s mountains and people, global warming, healthy food and clean drinking water, recycling, and green architecture are among the topics to be examined.

This year, The Smithsonian Associates contributes to the festival by presenting new IMAX screenings, which include a special guest appearance by Philippe Cousteau. Watch for more details in the February Associate.

Festival film screenings—many of which are free—take place in venues throughout Washington, D.C., and feature discussions with filmmakers, scientists, and environmental experts.