Even with theaters shuttered, Macon Film Guild finds a way to connect people
Even with restrictions loosening a bit for film theaters under Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest round of re-opening provisions this week, it’s not likely there will be a rush to theaters.
Like everyone in the world of arts and entertainment, Macon Film Guild officials halted regular activities the past couple of months and sought other options fitting with shelter in place and social distancing.
“Obviously, we discontinued our feature showings the second Sunday of each month at the Douglass,” said guild president Robert Fieldsteel. “What we’ve done instead is every couple of weeks we send out an email with recommendations for films that can be streamed and watched at home. People can then comment on our Facebook page and other social media. That makes up in a small way for the discussions we have during regular showings.”
The Film Guild’s regular showings cost $5 unless you’re a guild member and get a discounted entrance. Membership begins at $25 annually for students and goes up from there with each level offering added discounts and perks. Basic membership for one person is $35 and includes a $1 ticket discount.
But Fieldsteel said the real perk is simply supporting the guild’s work to bring to Macon films that won’t be coming to commercial theaters.
“The feedback has been encouraging during this from members about how much they appreciate the guild and what we’re doing,” he said. “A lot of people are expressing support and many are renewing memberships. All memberships are being extended by however many monthly features we’re missing.”
Fieldsteel said the guild is geared toward showing some of the best foreign and U.S. independent and art-house films, presentations that otherwise would never be available locally. The group shows a monthly dramatic feature and one documentary each quarter, all at the Douglass.
Members like to say the movies shown are films “of substance.”
But for now, there are only the home viewing recommendations for home viewing. At least members are still getting to watch the same fare.
The current list of recommendations - all comedies - sent out by email Friday are:
-“The Grand Budapest Hotel,” a 2014 comedy-drama written and directed by Wes Anderson
-“Our Hospitality,” the 1923 silent comedy by Buster Keaton
-“Smiles of a Summer Night,” from Ingmar Bergman in 1955
-“Sunshine Cleaning” from 2008 starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin
Fieldsteel said the films are typically at any one or more of the standard online streaming sources and while most are free, some must be rented.
“We miss the interaction of being together but this will have to do for now,” he said. “There’s nothing like viewing together on a large screen or the group discussions we have afterward in the theater or more informally in the lobby or out in front of the Douglass. Some regularly have a meal together on showing days. People have told me the at home films are fine but they do miss the Douglass’ popcorn. Until we can get back to that, we’ll just have to make do.”
Speculating when the guild might again be able to show films live, Fieldsteel said there’s no answer but he and guild board members are tracking developments and make the decision to return to the Douglass when it’s safe.
Fieldsteel suggested keeping up with the latest by subscribing to their newsletter, checking their website at www.maconfilmguild.org, or following them on social media such as at www.facebook.com/maconfilmguild.
A final note in the Middle Georgia entertainment world this week, the Jazz Association of Macon has announced a matching-funds challenge in its efforts aid musicians in financial need during the days of Covid-19. For the rest of May, funds donated to the association (JAM) will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2,000.
Officials said the matching program is for individual and corporate donations made until May 31 with information about donations to the charitable fund their website at www.maconjazz.org.
Musicians may apply for relief by May 31 using an application at www.maconjazz.org/musicianresources. Other useful information for struggling musicians is also on the page.
“The Jazz Association of Macon is concerned about hardships on musicians who have had their livelihoods severely disrupted,” said Neil Rigole, JAM president. “Because our mission is to promote and encourage live jazz performances and an appreciation of jazz music, a matching gift fund makes sense for our organization.”
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.