The boutique theatrical film distributor Vitagraph Films virtual event debuts Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 3:00 PM PST. "Cinema '62 A-Go-Go" is a virtual multi-media extravaganza for film-lovers. This virtual experience will feature special guests, film talk, musical performances, cocktails, a cascade of memories, and even dancing.
"Cinema '62 A-Go-Go" is a live event that combines a book talk, a Q&A, an interview, and a variety show about films made in the year 1962 and the culture that existed at that time. Everything mixes togehter to provide context to the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the era in which these films were made. "Cinema '62 A-Go-Go" promises special guests, period cocktails, a multitude of music, prophetic politics and even an opportunity to learn the early 1960s dance sensation, “The Twist!”. Noted guests include Leonard Maltin, director Penelope Spheeris, Jeremy Arnold (author of Lawrence of Arabia: The 50th Anniversary, TCM: The Essentials), Tom Santopietro (author of Considering Doris Day), ABC News Political Director Rick Klein, and Stiletto City's Kastle Wasserman with a cocktail demo.
The whole set up for this online event seems pretty briliant, especially since theaters are closed and most people feel safer at home. So, how can you have a movie night out without actually going out? Well, you could set something up in your backyard if you're lucky to have what it takes, let alone a backyard. You could have your freinds and family facetime a "watch party", although that does get tricky trying to start the film all at the same time. You could also watch something on cable and tweet as the film plays along, but that can be be distracting if not annoying. Or there's another alternative, which is you join the folks at Vitagraph Films 360 who are striving to bring people together while we're apart.
Cinema '62 A Go-Go is designed as an episodic series that will address various topics in film and society in 1962. The core of the first episode is the book itself, Cinema ‘62: The Greatest Year at the Movies (Rutgers University Press) from authors Stephen Farber and Michael McClellan. The authors make the bold claim that 1962 is a pivotal year in world cinema, one that eclipses all others – including the often referenced, 1939 (my year of preference). The book is described as movie history with a twist, an amalgam of pop culture, critical analysis, and juicy anecdotes of more than fifty memorable films, combined with interviews with Pop Culture experts, and a look at Cold War politics and how they still resonate today.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite. After purchasing your ticket, Eventbrite will send you an email with a Zoom link to use on the day of the event. Sadly, no actual films will be shown, but audience members are encouraged to watch them on their own. Arrive at this film conversation-meets-cocktail party-meets-variety show, dressed in your 1962 finest (the audience WILL be able to see each other), to enjoy this virtual gathering.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2020
Time: 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET
Tickets for the Zoom program are $available on Eventbrite.com
$13 (per viewing device) $19.62 after Oct. 6.
Program Duration: 100 minutes (including Q&A period)
Delivery Platform: Zoom