Talkies bring multi-media to Sisters Movie House

When talking pictures hit the silver screen in the 1930s, people flocked to the theatre. This week, a new kind of "talkies" hits Sisters Movie House and organizers hope it will be exciting too.

The new Talkies series, billed as an "interactive film experience," brings artistic movies and audience discussion to Sisters in a sort of book club for movie lovers. Movie goers will also hear live music.

The series begins this Thursday with a showing of "Rivers and Tides" about British artist Andy Goldsworthy who creates ephemeral sculptures from natural materials such as rocks, leaves, flowers and icicles.

Organizer John Simpkins said he's always loved movies for their power to "take you someplace else."

Simpkins said "Rivers and Tides" is a great way to start.

"It's a lovely, quiet film, and it just begins to heighten our awareness," said Simpkins.

"To me it's fascinating to see how other people work and what they go through to create their pieces," added Simpkins, who is a painter.

The Talkies organizing team includes Brian Vegter, Dougal Haines and Joe Leonardi.

"Art in general sometimes challenges people," said Leonardi, who owns Leonardi Media Arts. He wants to "bring a little more culture to Sisters" and provide a way for people to discuss what they've been exposed to in the movie.

Organizers hope the experience will be inspiring to creative people in the community, especially young people.

"I envision the showing of independent films here with directors and actors coming to speak and answer questions. There is no end to the potential for good this series can have for our community," said Simpkins.

The series begins this Thursday, January 11 at Sisters Movie House with a pre-screening party at 7 p.m. Entertainment includes the folk/rock band Threes. Joe Leonardi plays bass and sings along with daughter Anastacia Scott who sings and plays guitar. Jared Forqueran provides percussion. Show time is 7:30 followed by discussion. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Books about featured artist Andy Goldsworthy are available at Paulina Springs Books.

The next Talkies on February 8th will be One: The Movie which explores the meaning of life through interviews with famous spiritual leaders. The Talkies series continues the second Thursday of every month. Check http://www.sistersmoviehouse.com for future movies.