Editor,
I am grateful for the thoughtful and supportive letter from Bolton Colburn about the Laguna Beach Film Society (“Origin of the Museum’s Film Society,” Letters, April 5). With the development of a closer relationship with Laguna Art Museum, the future of the film society is brighter than ever. Here’s why:
*In conjunction with the art museum’s mission of showcasing California artists, LBFS will be screening unique films connected to California along with indie, classic films, and documentaries that resonate with Laguna’s diverse community.
*Our pre-screening receptions now take place at Laguna Art Museum, allowing us to accommodate many more members and guests, surrounded by California works of art. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discounted price at Laguna Art Museum’s website www.LagunaArtMuseum.org/LBFS, which also has film synopses, links to reviews and movie trailers.
* Appearances by cast members and film makers at our events will continue. In April we will have Alan Kozlowski, the cinematographer for “Travellers and Magicians”, the first feature film from Bhutan, the country of soaring Himalayan peaks. In May, one of the supporting actors who appeared in the post WWII film classic, “The Best Years of our Lives”, will be speaking. And, in October, Dr. Randall Pyle will be performing some classic guitar pieces and giving a short lecture to accompany the touching documentary on the life of Spain’s greatest 20th Century composer, Joaquin Rodrigo, who was blind from the age of 3.
*At least half of our 12 screenings a year will benefit a local nonprofit. In October 2012 we screened Rob Hedden’s new film, “You May Not Kiss the Bride” as a benefit for Augie’s Quest, raising $900 to fund research on Lou Gehrig’s disease. And, last November, local resident and UC Irvine professor, Dr. Peter Navarro, allowed us to screen his new documentary, “Death by China” at which part of the ticket money was used to raise money for Laguna Beach High School’s baseball program.
All of these changes are helping us grow from the strong foundation that Bolton and our LBFS film presidents, volunteers and members started. If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of LBFS film receptions and films—or just a movie—try to come on any third Thursday. We’re growing and welcome you to one of our events.
George Weiss, LBFS chair, Laguna Beach
