Famed Documentarian Frederick Wiseman Turns His Camera on NYPL in Ex Libris

Master documentarian Frederick Wiseman, known for his spellbinding films about complex topics and institutions, turns his attention to The New York Public Library for his latest film, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library. In this fascinating long-form documentary, Wiseman exposes the myriad offerings and resources provided by NYPL, from our online archive of images to our author talks to our educational programs and more. Get tickets to see the world premiere of Ex Libris at Film Forum, which is screening from September 13 to September 26 daily at 12 PM, 4 PM, and 7:45 PM. For more information, check out the trailer below.

And check out early reviews for the film, which is screening at the Venice Film Festival:

• “Wherever Wiseman plants his camera—in the thick of board meetings, at public talks and performances, in kids’ reading labs—he samples the stunning diversity of services on offer from this huge modern library… As the camera flips through a gallery of faces belonging to every age group, social class and ethnicity, it becomes clear how central the library is in the lives of all New Yorkers.” - Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter.

• “[T]here’s a little jolt of excitement each time Wiseman cuts to a new library branch — over time, the value “Ex Libris” helps us to see in The New York Public Library melts into a visceral appreciation for the intrinsic value of all libraries.” - David Ehrlich, IndieWire.

• “Frederick Wiseman's latest long-form doc shows The New York Public Library as a vibrant place of lectures, workshops and community outreach.” - Jay Weissberg, Variety.

• “If this ends up being Frederick Wiseman’s last film I can think of no better swan song.” - Jordan Hoffman, The Guardian.

Additionally, Wiseman himself is coming to LIVE from the NYPL to discuss the film at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on September 14. He will be joined by fellow master of documentary Errol Morris. Get your ticket to this unique meeting of minds today.