HELVETICA

WNY Typofest presents the 2007 documentary with director Gary Huswit in person with a reception following at Hallwalls. Preceded by Studio Visit to Paradise Press, a hand-set metal type demo and tour of Paradise Press at Printing Prep, 12 E. Tupper St., Buffalo, NY
  Helvetica looks at the proliferation of one typeface (celebrating its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and discussions with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

Helvetica invites us to take a second look at the thousands of words we see every day. The film also serves as a long overdue profile of some of the greatest graphic designers and type designers working today. Interviewees include Massimo Vignelli, Matthew Carter, Hermann Zapf, Erik Spiekermann, Wim Crouwel, Neville Brody, Stefan Sagmeister, David Carson, Michael Bierut, Jonathan Hoefler, Tobias Frere-Jones, Paula Scher, Experimental Jetset, Michael C. Place, Norm, Alfred Hoffmann, Mike Parker, Bruno Steinert, Otmar Hoefler, Leslie Savan, Rick Poynor, & Lars Müller.

Why make a film about a font? The screening of Helvetica will be followed by a live Q & A with the film's director Gary Hustwit. You can ask him that question yourself!