Oh Mamma! The Plaza is Going Digital!
(Patchogue, NY) On Tuesday, May 7, actor, model and environmental activist Isabella Rossellini presented her latest short film, MAMMAS, at Shand’s Loft at The Brick House Brewery. After the movie, Ms. Rossellini discussed her film (of which she is the writer, director and star) and answered questions from guests.
Pictured (left to right): Catherine Oberg (Plaza MAC, Executive Director), Isabella Rossellini (Plaza MAC, Honorary Trustee), and Campbell Dalglish (Plaza MAC, Board of Trustees, President) celebrate the premiere of Ms. Rossellini’s new short film, MAMMAS at The Brick House Brewery. The event raised close to $27,000 for The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center.
All proceeds for the film and dinner benefited The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center’s Digital Campaign. The Plaza’s switch to Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) will allow theater to keep screening its signature quality, international art-fare films.
The Plaza’s Oh Mamma! fundraiser is only the first in a series of events and efforts to raise money for DCPs. The Plaza successfully raised close to $27,000 from its group of core donors and stakeholders in the community.
The phrase “Go Digital or Go Dark” has become the mantra of Art House cinemas across the country to emphasize the importance of transitioning to DCPs. “Go Digital or Go Dark” means that without DCPs, Art House cinemas like The Plaza will be unable to show the exciting and unique films that keep its loyal audiences coming back for more.
Without DCPs, The Plaza will not be able to meet audience expectations for continued quality programming and will miss the opportunity to expand to include first-run films.
The Plaza still needs $28,000 to reach its goal. No amount is too small. Click HERE to make a donation!
Digital Cinema : The Next Stage in Historic Cinematic Breakthroughs
In the history of cinema, there have been two revolutionary breakthroughs: “talkies” and color film. Until 1923, films were silent; the introduction of talkies was the first time that moving images were synchronized with sound. In 1939, the Technicolor Corporation forever changed the way we looked at movies with the advent of color film technology. Moviegoers watched in awe at the rich and vibrant beauty of iconic films such as Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.
“A Necessity, Not a Nicety”
The conversion to digital cinema is the latest stage in the history of the evolution of film. This transition is critical. Although “talkies” and color film are undoubtedly groundbreaking advancements in film history, silent films and black and white films would have still endured without sound or color for audiences to enjoy. Without digitally compliant equipment, some movie theaters will go dark, and the communal, movie-viewing experience could ebb into history. “It is not a nicety, but a necessity in order to keep up with the evolution of Cinema,” said Plaza’s Executive Director, Catherine Oberg.
As the only Art House cinema on the South Shore of Long Island, The Plaza is a beacon for film devotees who crave distinctive, choice films in a local, community theater, without the hassle of traveling to NYC. The Plaza’s shift to digital will not only allow it to keep the theater running; it will also enable The Plaza to expand its programming to show critically acclaimed first-run features. Digital projection will also enhance the viewing experience for The Plaza’s audience, with higher resolution, brighter images that pop off the screen, and fuller, richer sound.
The cost of purchasing this equipment falls on theaters. The Plaza’s Oh Mamma! fundraiser is only the first in a series of events and efforts to raise money for DCI equipment. This will help The Plaza continue to fulfill its mission as an Art House cinema, media arts facility, and a cultural community center for Patchogue and the South Shore.
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community supported charitable organization, The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center has a mission to become a cultural center serving the South Shore Community and furthering the revitalization of Patchogue. We are only one of three Art House Cinemas in Suffolk County, and only one of two Media Arts Centers.
In 2012, our first year of operation, close to 3500 patrons joined us to see world-class films, participate in discussions with filmmakers, and to enjoy music and comedy at The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center.
The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is expanding its programming to include classes in all aspects of filmmaking. We are working with schools and other stakeholders to provide children and teens Media Literacy workshops and Film In Education programs.
The Plaza MAC was co-founded in 2011 by Campbell Dalglish and Catherine Oberg, two filmmakers and media arts educators from New York City.
For more information, please contact Catherine Oberg, Executive Director, at obergc@plazmac.org or by phone: 631.848.7288.
