Objectives
The Calgary Cinematheque Society is a new non-profit organization, founded in 2007, designed to promote the appreciation of cinema in all of its permutations and celebrate the best that movies have to offer. Our goal is to program curated screenings that present rare and treasured films within an artistic and cultural context for everyone to discuss and enjoy. These series will be constructed around thematic links, historical or current movements, or feature the exemplary work of an individual director. Often, to heighten the educational experience, we will bring an artist connected to the film to accompany most screenings and share their ideas with the audience. We want to build a loyal audience and develop a nationally regarded, thriving film culture here in Calgary year round.
A cinematheque is a place dedicated to one of the great art forms - the moving image. We believe that the moving image is an art form that is as worthy of serious consideration, appreciation and thoughtful curation as any of the traditional fine arts. And in a media saturated culture that increasingly values pure visceral entertainment, the Calgary Cinematheque hopes to provide something unique: a place that nurtures intelligent and critical responses to the art of cinema in all of its provocative, challenging and varied manifestations.
Our long-range plan is to build a theatre--- a constant destination for the serious filmgoer. But rather than wait for a permanent home, we launched the "Talking Pictures" series in September 2007 at The Plaza in historic Kensington. "Talking Pictures" featured Matthew Barney's art piece "Drawing Restraint 9", Charles Burnett's long-awaited masterpiece "Killer of Sheep" (Henry Sanders in attendance), from Boston, The Alloy Orchestra's musical accompaniment to Von Sternberg's "Underworld", and British master Terence Davies himself discussing his artistic process and his wonderful "Distant Voices, Still Lives".
Our 2007/2008 inaugural season finished off with Ophuls' "The Earrings of Madame De...", Apichatpong Weerasethakul's enigmatic "Syndromes and a Century", Albert Lamorisse's "The Red Balloon & White Mane", and Jacques Demy's colourful, restored French musical "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg".
Our next season promises to keep pushing the bounds of Calgary's film-going public and its expectations.
We look forward to seeing you in the theatre in September.