LIKE VHS and DVD before them, streaming services have again altered the way many consume films.
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However, once a month a dedicated audience gathers at Gerringong to enjoy the big screen movie experience.
On the first Friday of each month (except for January), Gerringong Pics and Flicks screens a film at Gerringong Town Hall.
“I think a lot of people actually like that big screen experience,” Pics and Flicks president Charles McCammon said.
“Rather than just a couple of people at home, the big screen experience with the film’s sound and a mass audience all reacting together, I think there’s something to be said for that.”
Mr McCammon has been involved with the not-for-profit organisation since its inception nearly 18 years ago. “The entire time we’ve been at the town hall, and we’ve gone from film projectors to a digital projector,” he said of their history.
The Pics and Flicks committee aims to select and screen films that aren’t conventional blockbuster or mainstream fare.
“We wanted to give people the chance to see some of those films that play at places like the Dendy that don’t really get much of a run down in the Illawarra,” Mr McCammon said.
“We’ve been averaging about 140 people each month.
“The two things that bring people along are number one, these films and the chance to see them, but also number two is that people realise it’s quite a social night.”
Pics and Flicks also donates a DVD copy of each film to Kiama Library.
Gerringong Pics and Flicks’ next screening will be Mountain on Friday, April 6.
The film commences at 8pm. Tickets are available from 7.20pm. After the film, punters can stay for tea, coffee and cakes.
Some of Charles McCammon’s favourite films from Pics and Flicks’ history:
- As It Is In Heaven: The story of a former Swedish concert conductor who leads the choir in his former home town. “Just a quirky, interesting film that rang true.”
- Dean Spanley: “The most beautiful film, set in Edwardian London. Why Peter O’Toole didn’t get an Oscar nomination, I’ll never know. One of his last and finest roles.”
- The Lives Of Others: The impact on a couple due to the surveillance of the Stasi in former East Germany. “A great film, really strong.”
- The Dinner Game: “Basically a comedic stage play put to film, just hilarious.”
- The Secrets In Their Eyes: An Argentinian film in which a policeman seeks revenge on an acquitted criminal. “Great performances, and the way it was shot was brilliant.”
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
