"Anime" is Japanese animation and few people know more about it than Rob Vollmar, manager of Atomik Pop Comics. Vollmar is bringing his expertise to the Southern Oaks Library on Thursday, August 17, as he introduces and discusses the contemporary anime classic "Millennium Actress."

The film represents the memories of an actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who has been away from the screen for 30 years. As her old studio is about to be torn down, a documentary filmmaker comes to her for her remembrances of working there, and the film becomes a series of flashes from different eras as we learn about the actress's life-long quest for love.

Film critic Brian McKay calls "Millennium Actress" a " fanciful little tale, with ample doses of humor, warmth, and tragedy. While the plot can be a bit confusing at times with all of the leaping from reality to fantasy and past to present, 'Millennium Actress' paints a vivid portrait, blending pathos and Chiyoko's unrequited love with a rich collage of Japanese history."

Southern Oaks librarian John Hilbert said, "We're really glad to get Rob Vollmar to come to the library to talk about the film. Since its release in 2001, it has gone on to become one of the most beloved of all animes."

Vollmar also conducts the monthly manga reading group at Southern Oaks. "Manga" is Japanese comics, and Vollmar has been an advocate of Japanese pop culture in America for many years.

The "Millennium Actress" screening and discussion will be at Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker , on Thursday, August 17, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. The film is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older, but younger children will be admitted if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no charge for the event.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.