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Marilyn Monroe Centennial Inspires Film Tributes and New Short Film
June 1 2026 marked the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe, prompting a wave of commemorations worldwide. In Iowa City, the Film Scene theater presented a four‑film tribute titled “It’s All Make Believe,” showcasing works from Monroe’s career throughout August. Meanwhile, writer‑director Maggie Gyllenhaal debuted a 17‑minute short, Flesh Impact, starring Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, offering an alternate‑reality look at Monroe’s later life and reflecting on aging women in Hollywood.
The centennial also revived interest in Monroe’s legacy sites. Her tomb at Westwood Village Memorial Park was sold in 2009 for more than $4.6 million, and the adjacent plot has been occupied by Hugh Hefner since 2017. Earlier, on May 19 1962, Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden.
Entities
Anthony Jabin · Dakota Johnson · Ellen Burstyn · John F. Kennedy · Maggie Gyllenhaal · Marilyn Monroe · Venice Film Festival
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to President John F. Kennedy on May 19 1962 at Madison Square Garden. www.letemps.ch
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Film Scene in Iowa City presented a four‑film Marilyn Monroe tribute in August. themarilynreport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Maggie Gyllenhaal directed the short film “Flesh Impact,” starring Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn, which premiered at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival. www.20minutos.es · www.eonline.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday was on June 1 2026. themarilynreport.com · www.20minutos.es · pivot.quebec · www.eonline.com · www.letemps.ch
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hugh Hefner occupied a tomb adjacent to Marilyn Monroe's since 2017. pivot.quebec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Marilyn Monroe's tomb at Westwood Village Memorial Park was sold for more than $4.6 million in 2009. pivot.quebec