Dozens of films will be shown over the next month at Gloucester Stage in East Gloucester as Robert Newton opens his newly formed Cape Ann Community Cinema.
More than 60 diverse films will be presented in marathon fashion through Nov. 2, including local, independent and foreign films. Some shows are free.
The wide varieof films include the Oscar-winning Holocaust drama, "The Counterfeiters," the thriller, "Transsiberian," and the acclaimed documentary, "Man On Wire."
Newton said the idea behind the community cinema effort was to bring people together to experience different films and discuss them while bringing in an entertaining and alternative line-up of film.
"I want to get them talking about what they've just experienced. A great way to do that is to invite the filmmakers for a first-hand account of making the film," he said. To that end, he will bring in some filmmakers to attend, including producer and editor Alison Ellwood with the Hunter S. Thompson documentary, "Gonzo," "Angels Of Austria" director Judy Faust, featured player Prof. Jerry Lembcke and director Anne Rearick of "Sir! No Sir!" and Gloucester's Ken Riaf from "My Pal Skeets."
Newton, managing director of Cape Ann Community Cinema, was a member of the Class of 1987 at Hamilton-Wenham High School and spent summers in Gloucester. A full-time film critic and editor, Newton wants to showcase new fare for residents at a site close to home.
"I believe people want to see thoughtful and inspiring films that we will bring here," he said. "Balancing the films that I want to share with our audience with the constantly changing needs of that audience will be paramount."
Newton said he is always looking for volunteers, benefactors or event programmers because he is always looking for new ways to get people excited about watching movies with others.
Free films, appearances
For four Wednesdays in October, Newton will host an author, starting next Wednesday on Oct. 8 with Beth Harrington's "The Blinking Madonna & Other Miracles." The film, shot in Boston, will be presented by film critic Paul Sherman, who will discuss and sign his new book, "Big Screen Boston."
On Oct. 15, critic MaryAnn Johanson (aka "The Flick Filosopher") will share Rob Reiner's modern classic, "The Princess Bride," and talk about her book, "The Totally Geeky Guide To The Princess Bride."
On Oct. 22, Ernst Lubitsch's 1940 classic, "The Shop Around The Corner," which was remade as "You've Got Mail" in 1998, will be screened and Variety film critic Daniel Kimmel will discuss his new book, "I'll Have What She's Having," which goes behind the scenes of Hollywood's greatest romantic comedies.
On Oct. 29, Clive Young will share a selection of "fan films" (fan-produced tributes to a favorite film like "Star Wars") and talk about his new book "Homemade Hollywood," which traces the long history of the genre.
In addition to the free Wednesday events, there will be five free movies at 5 p.m. every Thursday starting with the thriller "Ben X" (Oct. 2), the drama "Days And Clouds" (Oct. 9), the coming-of-age tale "The Grocer's Son" (Oct. 16), the police drama "Noise" (Oct. 23) and the unconventional love story "XXY" (Oct. 30).
Night at the Opera
On Saturday nights in October, residents can experience some of the world's greatest opera and ballet companies in high definition, which Newton describes as "The next best thing to being there." The schedule is: Oct. 4, "Bolt" with the Bolshoi Ballet; Oct. 11, "The Barber Of Seville" at Italy's Grand Opera; Oct. 18, "Mediterranea" with the La Scala Ballet; and Oct. 25, "Norma" with Italy's Grand Opera.
Eco-friendly films
Every Monday in October will feature an eco-conscious documentary as part of the "Somewhere That's Green" series of sustainability related films: "Who's Got The Power?" (Oct. 6), "The Greening Of Southie" (Oct. 13) with director Ian Cheney in attendance, "The Real Dirt On Farmer John" (Oct. 20) and the Morgan Spurlock-produced "What Would Jesus Buy?" (Oct. 27).
Films that frighten
Every Friday at 9:30 p.m. in October will feature "Friday Night Frights" series, featuring some of the scariest films ever seen: "Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer" (Oct. 3), "Baghead" (Oct. 10), "Jake's Closet" (Oct. 17), "God Of Vampires" (Oct. 24) with director Rob Fitz in attendance and ending on Halloween Night with the H.P. Lovecraft-inspired "Cthulhu."
Reader Box
What: Cape Ann Community Cinema opens monthlong movie marathon.
Where: The Gloucester Stage Company at 267 East Main St. in East Gloucester.
Film tickets are $8.50, $7 for students and seniors and can be purchased for as little as $6 in quantity either online at www.CapeAnnCinema.com or at the box office during regular business hours. The box office opens 45 minutes before the day's first show. Ballets shows cost $15, operas $20. The full line-up, including descriptions, links and trailers, is available at www.CapeAnnCinema.com.
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