Scarabic Serenades

Includes a special screening followed by a Q&A with the film-makers.
Scarabic Serenades chronicles two artists’ collaboration inspired by the mating songs and dances of the Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle. Part documentary, part art-film, this film braids together researchers from the Emlen Biology Lab at the University of Montana, music by composer Jessi Harvey and dance by Helena’s own, choreographer Julynn Wildman into a story as captivating as the beetle itself.
With their oversized, pitchforked horns and an enigmatic mating ritual that includes both battle and a courtship song/dance, the Japanese Rhino Beetle captures hearts and imaginations alike. Scarabic Serenades is a tongue-in-cheek film featuring over 20 Montana artists and researchers exploring the quirks of and questions about these charismatic critters.