California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is a small, coeducational university where history and tradition coexist with a passion for innovation and intense intellectual curiosity.

Each year Caltech Public Events brings science and the arts together, providing the community with gateways to a wide variety of cultural experiences. These offerings range from theater and music to comedy, film and lectures featuring world-renowned artists, scientists and public figures.

Nature and the Land in Cinema
Experience the breathtaking wonder of the forest and the sea, captured in two high-definition movies. The films will be accompanied by the acclaimed Masakasu Yoshizawa and his ensemble Kokin-Gumi, performing on traditional and contemporary Japanese instruments. Learn about the science behind the beautiful images in a discussion with Ann Polsenberg, Caltech graduate student in mechanical engineering. Form of Forest, Color of Forest is set in Yakushima, a mysterious Japanese forest. La Mer stars a stunning array of coral, fish, sea turtles, dolphins and penguins. Films are presented in collaboration with the Pasadena Symphony. The Frank Capra Film Series features films with discussions by scientists, historians, film scholars and filmmakers in honor of the director and Caltech alumnus whose work united popular entertainment and social consciousness. The inaugural season focuses on films that deal with our impact on the land, beginning with Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston.

Engaging the Art of Science and the Earth
Two acclaimed Los Angeles artists, Lita Albuquerque and Michael McMillen create site-specific works on campus that engage either directly or indirectly with earth forces. Albuquerque’s work engages her fascination with astronomy, the earth, and the relationship between human curiosity and those great unanswered questions, which are the focus of science. McMillan’s piece is interactive, engaging the rich history, both intellectual and material, that is a part of Caltech. These installations are presented in collaboration with Art Center College of Design.

A Link to Our Partners
For a look at how film examines the relationship between urban life and technology, plan to see the film series at One Colorado and experience the powerful images and sounds of Godfrey Reggio’s Koyannisqatsi trilogy.