A Brief History of the Longmont Film Society

In 2001, the Longmont Council for the Arts (LCA), Steve Eisler and Bob Woolsey wanted to offer a unique film viewing experience for Longmont's citizens. Their goal was to screen movies, old and new, in a family-friendly atmosphere with guest speakers knowledgeable in the field.

When Bob Woolsey left the program, LCA member Steve Eisler continued on, with a small group of dedicated cineasts, to produce Longmont's First Fall Film Festival. The group chose It's a Wonderful Life for the feature film with selected experimental short films by CU-Boulder film student Mary Beth Reed, and award winning animated shorts. Guest Speaker Richard Klein, former owner of Longmont's first movie theater, enthralled the audience with a history of cinema in Longmont.

In 2002, the Committee added two new members and lent their support to "Community Arts Live", a non-profit organization starting a summer outdoor film series. For their Fall Film Festival the Committee chose the theme "Film Noir" and expanded their program to three movies. Guest Speakers Howie Movshovitz, film critic for Colorado Public Radio, presented D.O.A. and Jim Palmer, Chair of the CU-Boulder Film Studies Program, presented In A Lonely Place. On the third night, the Committee showed He Walked By Night. All three showings included a "Three Stooges" short.

The Festival Committee grew to ten members in 2003 and accepted responsibility for producing the summer outdoor cinema. Six family-oriented films will be aired including Monster's, Inc. and Spy Kids. Their fall festival will expand to include six films shown over three days around the theme "Film Influences". By popular demand, Howie Movshovitz returned as guest speaker to talk about how films and film makers are influenced by past masters of the art.

2004 Fall Film Festival - Hitchcock: 4 Blondes and a Redhead

  • Rear Window
  • North By Northwest
  • Notorious
  • Vertigo
  • The Trouble with Harry

2005 Summer Outdoor Cinema

  • Shrek 2
  • My Dog Skip
  • SpongeBob Squarepants
  • The Iron Giant
  • Babe
  • Shark Tale

2005 Fall Film Festival - Documentaries: Real Life Reel Stories

  • Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
  • Winged Migration
  • Spellbound
  • Grandpa's Still in the TuffShed
  • The Trouble with Harry

2006 Fall Film Festival - A Taste of Cinema

  • Big Night
  • The Future of Food
  • The Real Dirt on Farmer Brown
  • Eat, Drink, Man, Woman

2007 Summer Outdoor Cinema

  • Happy Feet
  • Curious George
  • The Princess Bride
  • Over the Hedge
  • Flushed Away
  • Night at the Museum

2008 Summer Outdoor Cinema

  • Grease
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks
  • E.T.

Longmont's citizens have responded to each Festival in growing numbers. Their enthusiasm for cinema, its history and lore, has encouraged the Committee to enlarge and improve its festivals. Due to the continued support of the LCA and many valuable business sponsors, the Longmont Film Festival, and its Committee of volunteers, has enjoyed the privilege of screening memorable films for all to enjoy.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Longmont Film Festival is to provide high quality movie experiences with a strong educational component to Longmont citizens and the surrounding communities in a fun and relaxed environment.

To fulfill its mission, the Longmont Film Festival shall:

> Illuminate patrons on the history and lore of cinema
> Exhibit wholesome family entertainment, especially during the summer outdoor cinema
> Seek informative guest speakers for the fall film festival
> Celebrate the diversity of films
> Maintain affordable admission fees so all people and families may explore the world of film.
 
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