I had a
chance to speak with Graeme McKenna, General Manager of The Linda, about area
independent film outlets. I had an inkling that there was a bevy of local
talent after attending the Knickerbocker Film Festival last year at the
Spectrum. There’s so much more than that! I got more animated during our
discussion about all the area has to offer for filmmakers and appreciators.
Did you
know that The Linda hosts a film series called “Food for Thought”? Teaming with
the Honest Weight Co-Op, who provides an assortment of hors d’oeuvres for the
event, The Linda hosts a film night on the third Thursday of the month. Things
start kicking off around 6pm, with the film starting at 7pm and followed by a
panel discussion. The cost is a mere $8.00
This
month’s Food for Thought features a film called “Out Here” which discusses the
experiences of queer farmers across the country, in honor of Pride Month.
The
Linda also hosts Upstate Independents, a local not-for-profit group consisting
of filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and other media artists. On the first Tuesday of the month they hold a
meeting at the Linda where artists can screen their films, welcome critiques,
and network with others in their craft.
Time and
Space Limited in Hudson, NY is a technicolor dreamcoat of activities from HD Live
viewing events of opera, ballet, music and movies, theater, and an art gallery.
The
Saratoga Film Forum in Saratoga is a member-supported not-for-profit arts
organization that screens independent and obscure films, also offering panel
discussions and other media productions.
I knew
about the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, which provides film
showings, varied music acts, festivals, and fundraisers for local
organizations. I’d gone there with a couple of friends of mine to see an
outdoor screening of Night of the Living Dead (without sound) and accompanied
by a chamber music group that provided a live score to the film and had a
delightful time.
And if
you don’t know about the Spectrum Theater, you should. A local independent
movie theater, they feature some blockbusters along with independent films,
screenings of plays put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company and others, special
screenings of independent films with panel discussions, real butter on their
popcorn, and some of the best desserts in town. That’s not to mention the fact
that they run on solar power.
So get
out there! See what these hidden gems in our area have to offer and help make
them not so hidden.