Harvardwood Presents ANNETTE INSDORF on "Cinematic Overtures: How to Read Opening Scenes"
The opening moments of a film are crucial. In a great movie, those first few minutes provide the key to the rest of the film. Like the opening paragraphs of a novel, they draw the viewer in, setting up the thematic concerns and stylistic approach that will developed throughout the movie. Annette Insdorf's new book, CINEMATIC OVERTURES: How to Read Opening Scenes, is an in-depth examination of those opening moments and how they work. In her talk for us, she'll focus in particular on three films-- Schindler's List, Apocalypse Now, and The Piano--showing clips and exploring how those opening sequences lay the groundwork for everything that will follow.
Annette Insdorf is Professor of Film at Columbia University's School of the Arts and is the moderator of the popular "Reel Pieces" series at the 92nd Street Y. Her books include Francois Truffaut; Double Lives, Second Chances: The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslawski; Philip Kaufman; and the landmark study Indelible Shadows: Film and the Holocaust. She has been a jury member and a panel moderator at countless film festivals.
Cinematic Overtues: How to Read Opening Scenes will be available for purchase, and a booksigning will follow the talk.
Advance registration is REQUIRED—no tickets will be sold at the door.
DRESS CODE: Business Casual is fine for the event itself, but if you are thinking of staying for dinner (the Pub at The Lambs will accept credit cards), JACKETS & TIES will be required for men. No denim, sneakers, or such.
This is a joint event with THE LAMBS.
Special thanks to Andy Goodwin and the Plymouth Hill Foundation.
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Loveboat, Taipei Book Prelaunch & Alumni Reunion Party
We’ll hear from a few Bay area Loveboat alum and author Abigail Hing Wen AB '99. The party welcomes everyone — Loveboat alum or not. If you are a Loveboat alum (open to all years), this will be one nostalgic night to spend with friends, old and new. Reconnect with others and relive the happy memories.
*Ticket includes One Beef Noodle Soup + One Premium Cocktail
LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI BOOK PRELAUNCH AND ALUMNI REUNION PARTY
Abigail Hing Wen’s anticipated debut novel Loveboat, Taipei (releases JAN 7) launches at a significant moment when Asian American storytelling in all forms is gaining ground in mainstream media. Inspired by Taiwan's actual cultural exchange program nicknamed "Loveboat," and the author an alum herself, Loveboat, Taipei is an immigrant girl’s coming-of-age story of navigating family complexities, discovering identity in all its facets, and finding love.
Abigail wrote this novel featuring a cast of over 30 different Asian American characters. Our hope is to reach the best-seller list at launch, forcing Hollywood to take notice and adapt this Asian American story onto the theatrical screen. Incidentally, her book has been one of the largest HarperCollins acquisitions in the past few years.
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Can’t make the event? For more information about Loveboat, Taipei or to support by pre-ordering the book (hardcover please), visit here. Follow Abigail Hing Wen on Instagram or Twitter at @abigailhingwen.
Loveboat, Taipei: Abigail Hing Wen AB '99 with Sabaa Tahir
Join us to celebrate the launch of Abigail Hing Wen’s highly anticipated, romantic, and layered debut, Loveboat, Taipei, praised as “an intense rush of rebellion and romance” by Stephanie Garber (NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series). This dazzling, fun-filled romantic comedy of our dreams is “Fresh as a first kiss” (Stacey Lee, author of The Downstairs Girl), “a story about finding your place—and your people—where you least expected." (Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of Picture Us in the Light) Think Crazy Rich Asians meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
“Our cousins have done this program,” Sophie whispers. “Best kept secret. Zero supervision.”
And just like that, Ever Wong’s summer takes an unexpected turn. Gone is the strict educational program in Taiwan that Ever was expecting. In its place, she finds Loveboat: a summer-long free-for-all where hookups abound, adults turn a blind eye, snake-blood sake flows abundantly, and the nightlife runs nonstop.

Like Ever, the students of Loveboat are all hiding their own secrets and insecurities—and when their lives collide, it’s guaranteed to be a summer Ever will never forget.
"Abigail Wen's LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI is smart and raucous at the same time, full of both thoughtful, cultural learning moments and drama drama drama! I lived vicariously through the characters' crazy adventures and hope there will be more stories from them in the future." —Evelyn Skye, NYT bestselling author of The Crown's Game
Abigail Hing Wen AB '99 holds a BA from Harvard, a JD from Columbia Law School, an MFA from the Vermont School of Fine Arts. Loveboat, Taipei is her first novel.
Abigail will be in conversation with Sabaa Tahir, NYT bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, and A Reaper at the Gates.
Come celebrate with us. We could not be more excited.
Harvardwood Toronto Holiday Mixer
We’ve seen the first of many snowfalls in Toronto, which must mean that we’ve finally entered the holiday season, and you know what that means, right? It’s time for to come together to celebrate the season in style with fellow local Harvard alums in the arts, media, and entertainment industries. This is a great opportunity to connect with your peers, make new friends, and reconnect with old pals. Come join us for a fun night of food, drink, and merriment!
Admission is free, with all food and drink available for purchase from our venue sponsor, The Dock Ellis. We’ll have our own private room for us to build connections and chat up a storm with friends and colleagues. Feel feel free to invite fellow alumni in the Toronto-area to join us, but please RSVP for all attendees to secure your spot as capacity is limited.
Cost: FREE to attend with many food and drink options available for purchase.
The Writers’ Room: A Comedy Workshop with VEEP’s David Mandel ‘92
Emmy Award-winning writer David Mandel (Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Veep) takes students into the writers’ room for two days, during which students will attempt to create a comedy pilot, while learning about structure and joke writing. No experience necessary. All ideas welcomed! Lunch included.
Capacity: 12 students. Register here.
The January Arts and Media Seminars – JAMS! – offer students the time and space to try something new that would not be possible during the fall or spring semesters. Visit the Dean of Students Office for more information about college-wide offerings during Wintersession.
Holding Up a Mirror to Society: Playwriting Discussion-Workshop with Antoinette Nwandu ‘02
Antoinette Nwandu’s play Pass Over, a mashup of the biblical Exodus story and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, premiered in 2017 at Steppenwolf in Chicago and sparked a national conversation about bias in the theater community. In this discussion-workshop, students will attend one of three performances of Pass Over at SpeakEasy Stage Company in Boston (7:30 p.m. January 22; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 23), and then, on Friday, January 24, join Nwandu for a conversation about the play and a workshop on writing what she calls “confrontational and deeply unsettling plays” to do “healing work.” Lunch included.
Capacity: 15 students (all of whom receive free tickets to Pass Over). Register here.
The January Arts and Media Seminars – JAMS! – offer students the time and space to try something new that would not be possible during the fall or spring semesters. Visit the Dean of Students Office for more information about college-wide offerings during Wintersession.
74 Mt Auburn St
Director's Studio
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
Google map and directions
Bach and the Art of Imagination: A Performance Workshop with Joseph Lin ‘00
Spending time with the music of Bach is both a privilege and a humbling experience. It challenges us to listen deeply, open our spirits, and imagine infinite possibility through sound. Joseph Lin AB '00, formerly of the Juilliard String Quartet, will be joined by four Harvard student string players for this workshop, exploration and reflection on of some of the most essential works in the violin canon. This is event is open to all Harvard students as well as the general public. Experience in music not required! All are welcome.
Also, in a separate event, Joseph Lin will be performing Bach's sonatas and partitas for solo violin on January 31 at Jordan Hall.
Free and open to the public. Register here.
The January Arts and Media Seminars – JAMS! – offer students the time and space to try something new that would not be possible during the fall or spring semesters. Visit the Dean of Students Office for more information about college-wide offerings during Wintersession or call 617.495.8676.
Horner Room
5 James Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
Google map and directions
TIPS: The Network Rush
Named after the infamous mile-long stretch in downtown Chicago, Rush Street Culver City is our end of March destination. For the first time ever, The Ivy Plus Society invites you to meet us at their music-driven Upper Lounge, located on the 2nd floor. Experience Chi-Town vibes as you network the night away with the finest and brightest in tech, entertainment, finance, marketing, education, health, and more!
Must be 21+ with valid I.D.
Attire: Business Attire
20% off promo: 2020ALUMNI
Parking: First hour free in parking structures (Watseka and Cardiff lots), additional $1 per 30 minutes. Max $12.
Valet: $8 per car, station is in front of neighboring restaurant.
9546 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
United States
Google map and directions
TIPS: The Seaside Social
Overlooking the picturesque Marina del Rey harbor, Cafe del Rey offers a truly remarkable networking experience with coastal-inspired cuisine in an elegant seaside setting. This "Best Ocean-View Restaurant" (Food Network) has received The Argonaut's "Best of the Westside" for four years as well as an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Mix and mingle with SoCal's brightest achievers this March with The Ivy Plus Society. We look forward to seeing you there.
Business Attire, Must be 21+ with valid I.D.
20% off promo: 2020ALUMNI
TIPS: Party at Phoenix
Rise once again because the wait is finally over. Meet us at what UrbanDaddy awarded "Outstanding Achievement in Naming Your Drinking Establishment," Phoenix LA. This vintage-chic bar will be the place for you to meet someone new in 2020. Join The Ivy Plus Society on February 26th at their stylish patio for a night of networking you won't forget.
Business Attire, Must be 21+ with valid I.D.
20% off promo: 2020ALUMNI