Since the '70s, the Graduate Student Association International Film Series has showcased 16mm prints of various foreign and smaller-scale American releases in Kern Building. But come February, the series will upgrade to 35mm prints as it moves to a new home in the plush surroundings of the Carnegie Cinema.
Currently slated for a mid-February debut in Carnegie, the series will bring to campus a wide variety of films that usually do not get time at the downtown theaters, including Waterland starring Jeremy Irons and Hal Hartley's Simple Men. The films will run on the weekends, with two nightly shows on Friday and Saturday and one show on Sunday and Monday nights.
Joe O'Connell (senior-film), a member of the Student Film Organization, approached GSA in the fall with the idea to utilize the Carnegie Cinema, which until now has been used only for special screenings and classes.
"I, with the SFO, wanted to show 35mm films at Carnegie, but we couldn't afford it," O'Connell said. He proposed a joint venture between the two organizations to ease the expensive costs associated with 35mm prints. These prints offer a considerably better picture and sound quality than 16mm.
Curtis Bayer, director of film programs for GSA, said although admission costs may be slightly higher than those of campus films, they will certainly be lower than costs of films off campus.
"No price has been set, but it will probably be around $3.50," Bayer said. "Our costs are slightly higher to bring in 35mm films, but the price will still be less than those downtown."
Paul Ruskin, director of operations for the School of Communications, said the school authorized use of the cinema for the series last week.
"We looked at the idea, and we feel that we have a wonderful facility here that we feel is the best motion picture theater on campus," Ruskin said. "We looked at this as an opportunity to show high quality films on campus for the students and residents of State College."
Although many details still must be ironed out, Bayer is confident of the series' February debut.
"By the time February rolls around, we'll be ready to roll," Bayer said.
