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Macomb, IL – In 1977, 34 years ago, Western Illinois University and the movie theater manager, at that time Phil Weiss, teamed up to bring a series of films to town that became known as the International Film Series.
This university community was seen as a good audience for films from other countries. The movies played a limited engagement, 2 showings each Wednesday and Thursday, during the school year.
Over the years a committed audience grew as we saw such classic films as "Das Boot" from Germany, "Ran" from Japan, "El Norte" from Mexico, and the most popular, "Educating Rita" from England.
Under the leadership of a later theater manager, Larry Jarvis, the community was encouraged to submit ideas for future films. We were treated to movies that only played in large urban settings at specialty theaters. Friends from other cities envied my ability to see foreign and art films that never played in their areas. The series provided a welcome break from the usual multiplex offerings. After NPR, it was the jewel for the town.
When a new set of theaters was built on the east side of town, the owners, Melody and Larry McGrath, agreed to continue this unique series. They have offered the series for another 10 weeks and then will assess its continuation.
Now is the time for the community to support this venture if we want to preserve it.
In coming weeks, foreign film winners and highly rated independent art films are slated for showing. None are yet out on DVD.
The opener, showing September 7 & 8, is "Tree of Life," the highly praised Terry Malick film starring Brad Pitt in a critically acclaimed role as a strict father in the 1950's.
Next, Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris." This delightful comedy/romance features the art scene in Paris in the 20's and meetings with artists like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Cathy Bates in a wonderful turn as Gertrude Stein.
Other films in coming weeks include an Irish comedy, dramas from Bosnia, Iraq, and France; a documentary about the destruction of coal mining towns in W. Virginia; and a sweetly comic coming-of-age story from England.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to see each of these notable films.
For more information about these movies, playing times and prices check the theater website: earlann.net - or call the Rialto theater.
Now is the time to plan your fall schedule and be certain it includes the International Film Series on Wednesday or Thursday. Your support will ensure the continuation of this important series into next year.
And as Larry Jarvis always says, I hope to see you at the movies.
Sally Egler is a retired teacher and an avid film fan from Macomb. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Western Illinois University or Tri States Public Radio.