Fresh and Reheated Films

An idea, a tarp, and some old movies

Story by David Matz

The Champlain Valley Film Society brings a refreshing alternative to the movie experience in the North Country. One of the founders, David Reuther explains, "The Film Society started with four guys who loved movies and weren't happy with what they could see on television or at the mall in Plattsburgh."

The four founders were able to find a common passion in film and began to shape the Champlain Valley Film Society. "We took our first steps in the late spring of 2003, showing 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' at the Willsboro Central School," Reuther says. Since then, the number of screenings has grown along with the audience. The six films in 2003 jumped to 19 in 2006. 

"The Film Society started with four guys who loved movies and weren't happy with what they could see on television or at the mall in Plattsburgh."

The audiences have also multiplied in numbers.  "We have a core group of 65-70 people who attend each film, but we often get audiences of 100-150 for films such as 'Little Miss Sunshine,' and 'Juno,' as well as 'Sicko,' and 'No Country for Old Men,'" Reuther explains.

There is no shortage of movies to show, but finding out how to run a successful film society is another matter altogether. Although the movies are now shown at the Willsboro Central School, the Champlain Valley Film Society has taken a journey around the North Country. After the first series of films were shown at the Willsboro Central School, films were shown throughout the region in locations such as under a tarp behind the Essex Inn, Merrick’s Bakery in Wadhams, and Wadham’s Church.  "In summer 2006, we continued to show movies under the stars at the Essex Inn and at Ballard Park in Westport," Reuther explains. But after a turnout of 250 for 'An Inconvenient Truth' at the Willsboro Central School the format has changed. 

"Since then, we've shown movies indoors (at the Willsboro Central School) every two weeks during the fall, winter and spring, emphasizing three types of films: 
1. Recent high-quality movies that didn't show in Plattsburgh
2. Movies of regional interest, either because of a subject such as, Rockwell Kent, or because the director or writer or other key contributor lives here
3. Exceptional films from the past that rarely show on television."

One of the more recent films shown was "King Corn," a documentary by Aaron Woolf of Elizabethtown, NY.  King Corn was screened in October 2008. Aaron Woolf described the experience as "Gratifying.  People identified with the film." The film, which follows two people who plant an acre of corn in Iowa and follow the corn to the consumer, was a hit. Woolf reflects, "They (the audience) were able to relate to the story. They were a great audience that felt the issues viscerally."

The Champlain Valley Film Society is also connecting with the community. They are sponsored by several local businesses, like The Turtle Island Café, Adirondack Community News, and The Inn on the Library Lawn. Alexandra Wheeler of The Inn on the Library Lawn supports the Champlain Valley Film Society because, "We believe in sponsoring the Arts."

One of the focuses for the film society now is getting the word out. "We promote our films by sending emails to about 1200 people each week. We also do posters, which go up in about 50 locations in Westport, Elizabethtown, Wadhams, Essex, Willsboro, and Keeseville. We are just now starting to put posters in Peru and Plattsburgh," Reuther says.   

"They were a great audience that felt the issues viscerally."

The Champlain Valley Film Society provides an alternative to the movie experience in the North Country. It distinguishes the region from other areas where the only movies shown come from Hollywood. "The Film Society has a working board of 15 and a 30-member advisory board who help determine the films we show." It provides a different viewing perspective with a small town feel. After many films people stay around to discuss the films with the film makers. Reuther describes the scene, "there have been many spirited discussions in the lobby after our films and this sometimes continues in the towns the next day as people exchange ideas about our films."

What movies do you want to see on the big screen?