‘Spinning Plates’ to kick off Cinema Society’s inaugural half-season
The newly formed Cinema Society of Las Vegas is planning to host its inaugural half-season of films at the Galaxy Green Valley Luxury + Theatre.
“We are very eager for this,” said Andy Friedenberg, founder of The Cinema Society. “This brings a level of sophistication to the community. It’s good to build up an art community.”
Four films are expected to be at the theater, 4500 E. Sunset Road.
Admission is $55 for the season.
The first documentary “Spinning Plates,” which follows three different restaurants and what it takes to run them, is scheduled at 4 p.m. Jan. 27.
Founded in San Diego, The Cinema Society is celebrating its 30th year.
Friedenberg was a regional marketing director for a company when he decided to launch The Cinema Society.
“I wanted to bring a cultural arts group and showcase films,” he said.
The society not only hosts screenings of films, it also puts on a discussion after the movie.
“I try to get the filmmakers or an expert to talk about the film,” he added. “Sometimes I lead the discussion.”
Whether it’s attending film festivals or meeting directors in his travels, Friedenberg collects a mixture of short film, documentaries and foreign language films to add to his screening list.
“It’s very eclectic,” he said.
About four years ago, Friedenberg expanded to Arizona.
It started at one theater chain, but when word got out, he opened his second and third chapters.
Members from his San Diego chapter moved to Henderson and asked Friedenberg to bring a chapter to the city.
“I knew nothing about the area,” he said.
The couple said they would host a coffee meeting with other residents so he could get a feel for Henderson.
“We met up at Sun City Anthem,” he said. “There were about 26 people who showed up. All of them were eager to learn how we work.”
Friedenberg asked the residents if he brought the society to Henderson, what theater would work best for it.
“They all said Galaxy,” he said. “It was a unanimous cheerleading squad.”
The theater, he said, had a good environment that fit his vision.
Representatives at Galaxy Green Valley Luxury + also were excited for the opportunity.
“In addition to mainstream blockbuster hits, Galaxy Theatres strives to expose the community to carefully selected independent and prestige films that people otherwise might not see,” said Rafe Cohen, president of Galaxy Theatres LLC.
Lee Josselyn, the vice president and film buyer for Galaxy Theatres, said the event adds to the the theater’s mission to be a community asset.
“I’m an old-school guy,” he said. “I believe the movie theater should be the central place for a community.”
Along with the events put on by the Cinema Society, Galaxy Green Valley is planning to have a classic movie night featuring films such as “The Breakfast Club” and “The Neverending Story.”
“Stand By Me” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 9.
The director of “Spinning Plates” is expected to attend the screening to talk about his documentary.
“It’s a perfect way to start the season,” Friedenberg said.
The four films are part of a half-season.
“A normal season starts in the fall,” he said.
Other screenings are scheduled to include “Marcello, Marcello” at 4 p.m. Feb. 10, a collection of award-winning short films at 4 p.m. March 10 and “Touch of the Light” at 4 p.m. April 7.
Friedenberg hopes to expand to a full season in the fall.
“I think (the half-season) always me to get to know the theater and them to get to know me,” he said. “It’s to let them see if they like this kind of event.”
He also plans to get feedback from people who attend to see if more screenings are desired in Henderson.
“I hope people respond well,” he said. “I think this adds a lot of value to the community.”
For more information, visit cinemasociety.com.
Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.
