Arts and Culture
Bringing the best in foreign and independent film making to Walnut Creek Submitted by John Bennison
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ow in its sixth year, Walnut Creek’s Mountain Shadow Film Society is thriving; bring the best in foreign and independent film making to our community. When Cine-Arts left Pleasant Hill in June, 2013, with the demolition of the old Dome theatre, cinema lovers in the Walnut Creek area lost the opportunity to see great foreign, independent and short films without trekking to Berkeley or San Francisco’s commercial theaters. In January, 2014, Mountain Shadow Film Society was launched as the new alternative! The enthusiastic response in our community has been tremendous. In the first five years, attendance has grown, adding an additional monthly screening each year. In 2019, there are now over 550 members. For the 2019 Season, the five screenings include one Friday night show, two Saturday matinees, and two Saturday evening shows. Shows are held in the Oak View Room (theater) of the downtown Walnut Creek Library. Each show includes a first-run foreign or independent feature film that is otherwise unavailable in our locale; often along with an award-winning short film (like the old cartoons), a brief introduction
with film review, and optional follow-up discussion for those interested. Periodically, filmmakers present their work in person or via video chat. While membership provides additional benefits, a limited number of $12 general admission tickets are available on a first-come basis for each show. General admission tickets are sold on a first-come basis, beginning 30 minutes before show times, and some shows occasionally sell out. As a non-profit arts-education organization, Mountain Shadow is also committed to supporting aspiring filmmakers. An Annual Short Film Competition is held each September. Last year, a volunteer Jury selected ten Finalists from all over the country were selected from over 640 submissions to present their work in person for audience cash awards. This year’s Competition is set for the weekend of Sept. 20-21. For more information, including membership, and all the latest news of Coming Attractions, you can check out the website: http:// mountainshadow.org. Or contact the Director, John Bennison: Email: jb@mountainshadow.org / Direct: 925.787.6965.
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