Horror and mystery with the Cinema Series

Augusta University’s Cinema Series offers free admission to film screenings at the Maxwell Theatre. (flyer courtesy of the Cinema Series)

By Clara Sorrow | Staff writer

The Cinema Series is having its first-ever summer film screenings beginning this week, on Friday, May 26 with “Enys Men” and on June 10 with a surprise film.

“Enys Men,” pronounced “en-nis main,” is a film produced by Denzil Monk. It follows a wildlife volunteer as her nature-based work takes a turn for the supernatural. The film’s genre, folk horror, describes a story that takes the natural environment or lay of the land and turns it on its head. Especially with an experimental film such as this one, viewers can expect an uncanny relationship between the imaginary and reality as they embark on this strange journey with the protagonist. The film begins streaming at 7 p.m..

The second film taking place this summer, on June 10 at 8 p.m. is nameless. Not to say the film has nothing to be called, it is simply a mystery as to what the film actually is. Organized between the Cinema Series and the Super Secret Cinema Society, an audience member may not know what film they are stepping in to watch until they are experiencing it firsthand.

When discussing the prospects raised by such an interesting event, Matthew Buzzell, director of the Cinema Series, said, “They’re always very fun.”

This, of course, is also referencing back to the past events they have scheduled similar to this upcoming one, always having been performed with a different lesser-known film. Along with this specific screening, though, will be a live musical performance. An hour before the film, at 7 p.m., will be a Secret Record Night performance. This group is known for performing music of a generally underground nature. This is not your typical jukebox-music band.

Buzzell referred to these two events together as “a great marriage,” indicating that the obscure nature of the two groups separately creates a harmony of events. There will be free Cinema Series merchandise given out throughout the night, as well, which is a perfect follow-up for a beautiful and indescribable night.

The Cinema Series has perfected its craft, having its roots all the way back in the 1970s. The series was originated by Charles Willig, an established poet and benefactor of Augusta University.

It has always primarily served to amplify “international films that students, faculty, and staff wouldn’t normally see,” said Buzzell. He added, “I love to stress multicultural screening.”

The program is currently and has been backed by Student Life and Engagement, along with many other programs listed on their page, www.augusta.edu/student-life/sle/. These movies are put on by the AU community, not only for the AU community, but for the local community as well.

For more information, check out more future events for the Cinema Series, as well as other events produced in Maxwell Theatre, here: https://www.augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/.

Contact Clara Sorrow at csorrow@augusta.edu.