The poetry of communication: an evening of films by Charles & Ray Eames
In 1970, American screenwriter and director Paul Schrader admiringly referred to the films of Charles and Ray Eames as the poetry of ideas. The designer couple’s moving pictures covered a vast breadth of subjects, from toys to science to furniture assembly. They were filmed across the world in countries such as India, Germany, and Mexico and often highlighted new communicative theories and original technologies. Charles Eames, when discussing these filmmaking projects, professed: “They’re not really films. They’re just attempts to get across an idea.”
Eames films were the basis from which Charles and Ray deeply examined the world’s design and cultures through the lens of a camera. Colorful, often animated visuals, energetic and circus-like scores of music, and thoughtful narration perfectly communicated an Eamesian style of poetry. The results remain just as technically dazzling, curiosity-inspiring, and relevant today as they were when first projected for audiences decades ago.
In that spirit, the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation and Philosophical Research Society are excited to announce The Poetry of Communication: An Evening of Films by Charles and Ray Eames! The event will feature screenings of Charles & Ray’s films, followed by a panel discussion and reception with refreshments.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Philosophical Research Society
3910 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
7pm – 9pm
Reserve Tickets
The program will present screenings of seven of Charles & Ray’s films, many of which have never before been shown in Los Angeles, including:
Powers of Ten — 1977, 9 min.
Glimpses of the U.S.A. — 1959, 13 min.
House: After Five Years of Living — 1955, 11 min.
SX-70 — 1972, 11 min.
Bread — 1953, 7 min.
Traveling Boy — 1950, 12 min.
All stills courtesy of © 2025 Eames Office, LLC. All rights reserved.
Following the screening, Alex McDonald, Programmer of the Philosophical Research Society, will moderate a panel discussion between Eames Demetrios, Chairman of the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation and grandson of Charles and Ray Eames, Jeannine Oppewall, American filmmaker and former staff member of Charles and Ray Eames at the Eames Office, as well as Sing-Sing: Adi Goodrich, spatial and furniture designer, and Sean Pecknold, filmmaker, animator and creative director.
Eames Demetrios
Jeannine Oppewall
Sing-Sing: Sean Pecknold & Adi Goodrich
A reception with refreshments, graciously provided by Optimist Botanicals and other sponsors, will follow the screening and panel discussion.
All proceeds for this event will benefit the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery & Resilience Fund and the Philosophical Research Society. Usage of films is generously provided by the Eames Office, founding patrons of the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation.
