The filmography of director Julie Taymor isn’t especially lengthy — just three features that played in cinemas (1999’s Titus, 2002’s Frida and 2007’s Across the Universe) plus a trio of made-for-TV projects released in the ’80s and early ’90s. However, Aspen Film executive director Laura Thielen feels that Taymor is the ideal choice for the organization’s first Visionary Award, which will be presented tonight, because of her work in a variety of mediums, including opera — she’s staged acclaimed versions of The Magic Flute and Beowulf — and theatrical productions such as The Lion King, for which she won two Tony Awards. “It’s very unusual, I think, for an artist to be able to move so seamlessly between these different forms and yet be able to create them anew, if you will,” observes Thielen.

Taymor’s no stranger to Aspen Film, having participated in a panel discussion as part of a short-film festival several years back. Based on that visit, Thielen is confident attendees will be fascinated by the career retrospective and question-and-answer session Taymor will host. “She’s very articulate, very passionate and very single-minded, in the best sense of the word — and she’s got such an unusual vision,” she says. “This is a wonderful opportunity to hear what makes her tick.”

The Taymor tribute takes place at 8:15 p.m. at Aspen’s Paepcke Auditorium, 1000 North Third Street; tickets are $40. Call 1-866-449-0464 or visit www.aspenshowtickets.com for more information. In addition, a supper with Taymor follows her appearance. Those interested in attending can get details at 1-970-925-6882 or www.aspenfilm.org.
Sat., June 28, 8:15 p.m., 2008