In their documentary film, Cathy & Harry, Marta Renzi and Daniel Wolff present the works and uniquely dynamic personalities of Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman, two award-winning, notable artists, as well as a married couple. The film centers on Murphy and Roseman, while showcasing their artworks and stories as well as their relationship to one another and their views on life, each other, and the world around them. The film is unique in its less formal approach, taking its time to connect with the characters and enter their world, rather than them telling us who they are. This, alongside the inclusions of art and unique locations, cement Cathy & Harry as a poignant portrayal of two artists who seek to question, create, and connect.
Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman possess incredibly similar views on many topics, including life, art, and humans, yet differ greatly in their personalities and craft. These differences and similarities drive the film, opening audiences up to this unique atmosphere where it is not only normal to question why things are what they are, but it is required. The tableside discussion scenes within the film are its own foundation and interviews. Within these, Murphy and Roseman open up about their views on what art is, why they create art, and what they seek and love. They know the world they reside in and are inspired by each other to move forward and continue to create. Their love for each other blends into their art and how they portray each other. These dynamics and questions fuel the film and ask audiences to think while they learn about Murphy and Roseman’s craft. Renzi and Wolff drive this process of conversation and learning greatly with their unique camera placement and location decisions.
Nearly all of the filming locations within Cathy & Harry are central places for the two artists that hold meaning to them, such as their house, studios, and backyard. These places feel less formal, allowing Cathy & Harry’s words to feel more real and candid. Not only are they offering their more private views and feelings to the audience, but they are also offering their spaces that represent them for the audience to enter. As mentioned previously, within a large portion of the film, the camera is placed as a member of the table discussions. Audiences are figuratively and literally in the conversation, creating another entrance for a viewer and subject connection. Finally, the camera is placed closer, with fewer wider shots. This decision also fosters that connection by bringing the audience closer to Cathy and Harry so that they may feel what they feel and understand them more. To build upon this understanding, Renzi and Wolff make the decision to include the work of Cathy and Harry.
Throughout the film, works by Cathy and Harry are placed on screen while they each offer their insights. This allows for not only a stronger grasp of the film’s subjects but also how their personality and beliefs influence their art. Viewers can see Cathy and Harry and their respective processes and viewpoints in their work. Additionally, they can also understand the pieces better, overall building on the strength of this connection between viewer and film.
Marta Renzi and Daniel Wolff’s Cathy & Harry seeks and succeeds in its representation and illustration of Catherine Murphy and Harry Roseman’s life and work. The film delves deeper into how art becomes us and how we become art, while centering itself around Catherine and Harry in their life and who they are. Catherine and Harry’s presence, paired with Renzi and Wolff’s expressive directorial decisions, make the film what it is: a celebration of art, a testament to the human connection, and an honoring of two people who have dedicated their lives to making pieces that mark those factors.
Cathy and Harry will be screening at the Fall 2025 New Jersey Film Festival on Sunday, September 28. The film will be Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5 PM in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ. Cathy and Harry Directors Marta Renzi and Daniel Wolff will be at the in-person screening to do a Q+A with the audience. Tickets are available for purchase here.
The 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place between September 5-October 10, 2025. The Festival will be a hybrid as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VoD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person screenings. Plus, we are very proud to announce that acclaimed band Cold Weather Company will be doing an audio-visual concert on Friday, October 10 at 7PM. The in-person screenings and the Cold Weather Company concert will be held in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ beginning at 5PM or 7PM on their show date. General Admission Ticket=$15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$120; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program.
For more info go here: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalfall2025.eventive.org/welcome
