CityNews– Chiang Mai Cinephiles has finalized an arrangement with Arts Centre Chiang Mai University to screen English-oriented films on a weekly basis.
Negotiations were conducted by Dr. Kanta Poonipat, deputy dean of CMU’s Faculty of Fine Arts, and Dr. Michael Ray FitzGerald, organiser of CM Cinephiles. FitzGerald teaches communication at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., and at University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
The focus of the group is to present challenging and intellectually stimulating films as opposed to Hollywood blockbusters, FitzGerald says. “We plan to focus on independent films, art films, foreign films, documentaries, and perhaps the occasional quirky Hollywood anomaly.”
There is obviously a market for high-quality films here, FitzGerald adds, noting that the group garnered 35 members in only three weeks.
“At one point we were actually worried about having too many members,” FitzGerald says. “But that won’t be a problem now that the Faculty of Fine Arts has donated the use of its 150-seat facility. We could not be more pleased with the venue and are very grateful to Dr. Poonipat and his staff for letting us use it.”
Poonipat wants to promote Chiang Mai as the cultural centre of Thailand, FitzGerald explains, and this is just a small piece in his plan. “I think he can pull it off,” he says. “I’ve seen him in action and was impressed. He has the vision and the energy, plus he is quite effective in inspiring colleagues and staff members.”
There will be a discussion after each screening. FitzGerald has recruited professors from the department to explain key concepts to CMU students and interpret their questions if necessary.
The air-conditioned cinema is located in CMU’s Arts Center Chiang Mai at 239 Nimmanhaeminda. Admission is free for group members as well as CMU students. Free, on-site parking is available. See Chiang Mai Cinephiles at Meetup.com for dates and details.
The group is also listed as an “outside activities group” on the Chiang Mai Expats web site.
Seats can be reserved by emailing Cinephiles board member Brian Hull at [email protected] or by RSVPing at the group’s Meetup.com site, http://www.meetup.com/Chiang-Mai-Cinephiles.
CONTACT:
Michael Ray FitzGerald, PhD
michaelrayfitzgerald.com
061 193 2184