Groton Film Society readies for its first public screening

Groton Film Society readies for its first public screening

By Pierre Comtois
Correspondent
Nashoba Publishing

Article Launched:11/30/2007 08:35:31 AM EST

GROTON -- A group of local film enthusiasts has come together in an effort to bring to town independent films and above-ground films that may have been squeezed out of local distribution by the current crop of studio blockbusters at venues available to everyone.

"A lot of people like movies," said Keith Dawson, who along with a few other film buffs helped found the new Groton Film Society. "Enjoyment of films cuts across all lines. Groton right now is fairly well served for family films, so we're looking to have a more adult perspective. We like to call it, 'a sophisticated evening out for grownups.'"

Dawson emphasized that although some may be rated R for their content, the films to be shown by the society need not include cruder elements that often pass for "mature" entertainment.

The order of the day will be films that provoke thought and engender discussion. In fact, society members hope to have guest speakers introduce selected films and to set aside time after screenings when viewers can exchange opinions on the film they just saw, over wine and snacks.

"Eventually, we hope to get enough interest in the program to attract the attention of some commercial outfit to come in and set up a real movie theater," said Dawson.

In anticipation of their first screening, to be held Dec. 1, society members met at Lawrence Academy last week to set final plans for the evening and check equipment. Although members dream of someday opening a theater of their own in town, for now they have to settle for a series of venues around town. The first screening will be held at Lawrence Academy, where some members of the school administration have expressed interest in the project.

But permission to screen films does not come cheap. The society has been selling memberships in order to pay studios for the privilege of showing their movies. With as many as 65 committee members so far, the society hopes to sign up many more new members in the near future.

Cost for a full year's membership in the Groton Film Society is $150, $100 for senior citizens and $50 for students. Discounts are available for couples and those who want to buy two-year memberships.

A lifetime membership is $1,000.

Although single-day memberships will be available for $12 for the society's first few shows, Dawson said those who wish to attend screenings regularly must sign up for full memberships. The leasing agreement for the films requires membership, he said.

That, however, has not slowed interest in the project.

"Pretty much every time we go to the mailbox, we find somebody new who wants to sign up," said Dawson. "The public really seems enthused with the idea and we were so gratified at the response our booth received at Grotonfest. One couple came up to us and said when they saw our booth across the green, they turned to each other and said, 'Civilization!'"

Dawson stressed that membership in the society is not restricted to Groton residents only. Anyone can join.

"We're thrilled with the response we're getting," agreed fellow society member Scott Stathis. "We're hitting critical mass in town sooner than we thought we would. I think we hit a cultural nerve in town. It's like a runaway train that we can't keep up with!"

For its initial viewing, the society will screen "The World's Fastest Indian," a 2005 film, starring Anthony Hopkins, about a New Zealander and his Indian-brand motorcycle. The film will be shown at Lawrence Academy's Williams Art Center on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The show will be the first of three at the Lawrence Academy venue before the society moves on. So far, said Dawson, no decision has been made where subsequent showings will take place.

Dawson said that the group plans to hold 12 screenings over the coming year and is entertaining suggestions about what films people wish to see.

"We don't discriminate on the basis of the age of a film or its subject material," Dawson said.

Those interested in learning more about the Groton Film Society can visit the group on the Internet at www.grotonfilmsociety.org.