A committee headed by Larrilyn Oso and Community Service Coordinator Roberta Cano has planned a festival celebrating classic films. Oso had this to say about why she started the ball rolling on the festival, “Film is an awesome medium that can reach across so many boundaries and cultures.” Oso is an aspiring screenwriter herself and is grateful for the team behind the Winslow Cinema Festival. “This project has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderful people and I am thankful for their support and efforts to see this happen.”
She added that the venue, The Winslow Theater, is an important part of the project. The theater, previously known as The Rialto opened on July 12, 1927. Since then, it has gone through many renovations and owners and is the subject of a Northland Pioneer College (NPC) student film that will be shown on the opening night of the festival.
Cano said, “The movie lineup is a little something for everyone. It will start out with the NPC student film called, “#supportyourlocaltheatre,” which is a documentary made by NPC film students and featuring local people talking about what cinema and movies means to them and a short history of The Winslow Theater. She also mentioned theater owners Debbie and Tommy Martinez. “They have been so generous with the space and they really would like to see this historic theater being used for more community things. This event is just the beginning.”
According to Cano, funding for the event is through a grant provided by Arizona Public Service (APS). “We don’t have to (take it) out of the city’s pocket. They are buying the rights to all of the films and helping with costs related to souvenirs.” The use of the theater is also free of charge.
Also featured will be an opening night reception hosted by local business owner Lori Law that will take place at the Motor Palace, located across from the theater at 112 N. Kinsley Ave. The Motor Palace is an event venue that will be opening its doors for the first time that evening.
“Members of the committee will be there, APS (representatives) will be there and the VIP pass holders of course. We will do appetizers and punch right before we go over to the theater to start the festival. We are hoping to bring people to the theater that will be excited to share the big screen experience with their families,” said Cano.
The Winslow Cinema Festival will be held Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 3-5 at the Winslow Theater, located at 115 N. Kinsley Ave. Films to be shown include, “#supportyourlocaltheatre” opening the festival at 6 p.m. and “Tombstone” showing at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Friday films include “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” at 11 a.m. and “La Bamba,” showing at 3 p.m. “Sixteen Candles,” will round out the event at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Tickets will be on sale at Winslow City Hall, located at 21 N. Williamson Ave. and The Winslow Theater beginning this month. The price per movie will be $4. Fifty VIP packages will be sold for $25 apiece. The package will include an invitation to the opening night reception, admission to all five movies, various movie memorabilia and concessions.
For more information on The Winslow Cinema Festival, contact Roberta Cano at (928) 289-1411.
