Successful Kick-off for Centennial Film Series

A large crowd enjoyed the first film in the Century Through Cinema film series at Webster University

September 9, 2014 – More than 150 people packed into the Winifred Moore Auditorium on Friday evening – but it wasn’t a big budget Hollywood blockbuster that drew the crowds to the screen, instead the crowd gathered to see a series of silent films.

Local musical group, The Rats and People Motion Picture Orchestra, accompanied silent films of Harold Lloyd. The live music allowed the audience to experience the films as audiences did in the silent era.

“It was exciting to hear so much laughter throughout the films,” said James Harrison, director of the Webster University Film Series. “People of all ages really enjoyed watching silent films and getting into the spirit of the films.”

Friday evening marked the first films in the “A Century Through Cinema” film series.  The series is designed to highlight 100 years of cinema in conjunction with Webster University’s centennial celebration. Throughout 2014 and 2015, the series will show films that capture decades, define generations and evoke nostalgia in conjunction with Webster University’s Centennial celebration.

“The School of Communications is excited about being involved in the Centennial in this way,” said Eric Rothenbuhler, dean of the Webster University School of Communications. “People can learn so much about history and culture by studying the films of different decades. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see a century of culture throughout one year.”

The series will take place in the Winifred Moore Auditorium in Webster Hall. This is one of the last venues in the St. Louis area that can screen 35MM film prints allowing the Film Series to present archival and restored classic films in their original format. The first twenty-five attendees to any of the centennial film series events will receive a souvenir button.

The Webster University Film Series, housed in the School of Communications, is the Midwest’s premier hosting venue for American and foreign films. The Series is host to speakers and visiting artists who address the pertinent issues in films presented. In an effort to further integrate film with education, the Film Series provides workshops with artists and experts.

A complete schedule of Century Through Cinema films can be found on the Webster University Centennial website.