CineSARNIA, a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of international and Canadian films, has commenced its 30th anniversary season. The organization, founded by the late George Allen and Peter Henderson, was established to bring quality cinema not typically available in mainstream theaters to the Sarnia community. The inaugural film screened 30 years ago […]
CineSARNIA, a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of international and Canadian films, has commenced its 30th anniversary season. The organization, founded by the late George Allen and Peter Henderson, was established to bring quality cinema not typically available in mainstream theaters to the Sarnia community.
The inaugural film screened 30 years ago was Canadian Bacon, a comedy starring actor and Ontario native John Candy. The organization notes a recent connection to its roots, as a documentary about Candy, John Candy: I Like Me, was recently featured at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
CineSARNIA's mission is to "expand your world… through film." Its selection committee, a group of local film enthusiasts, attends festivals such as TIFF, Sudbury CineFest, and the Windsor International Film Festival annually to choose the 11 films for the season. According to cineSARNIA President Carolyn Callaghan, the organization's programming is distinguished by its diversity, featuring "everything from classic films and foreign cinema to contemporary indie projects."
Over the past three decades, cineSARNIA has screened more than 300 movies, including a number of Golden Globe and Oscar winners. Following a decline in audience attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic and with the growth of streaming services, the organization has recently experienced a resurgence. "There is something special about the shared experience of seeing a film that can’t be replicated when you stream a movie at home," said longtime committee member David Druiett. "I think audiences recognize that."
As a not-for-profit group, cineSARNIA operates to cover its expenses and contribute to scholarships and charities. The organization estimates it has donated over $200,000 since 1995.
Films are shown at the Sarnia Public Library Theatre every two to three weeks between September and April. Screenings take place on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
The first film of the new season is Sing Sing, a film based on a true story about the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Prison. The movie, which stars Colman Domingo, will be screened on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Season passes are available for $99, while fall-only passes for the five films screening from September through December are available for $55. Rush tickets for individual films can be purchased for $12. Subscriptions and rush tickets can be purchased online at cinesarnia.com, with cash purchases of rush tickets also available at the door.
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