The Champlain Valley Film Society is going to spend its 10^th anniversary this Saturday, April 27 with an Oscar-nominated film. After screening almost 170 films since its inception in 2003, The Film Society is thanking audience members with a free showing of Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar winning performance in Lincoln.

Founded by Larry Barns, Thurston Clarke, Bill James and David Reuther, the Champlain Valley Film Society has grown from an infrequent outdoor movie experience to a nonprofit, monthly art house cinema from fall to spring.

The four men found that the closest theatre experience was the Plattsburgh area, which wasn’t always showing films they wished to see. Burlington was too far so they joined forces to bring current, classic, foreign and independent films to the Champlain Valley.

“We’ve been around 10 years now and have made the Whallonsburg Grange Hall our permanent home,” says Reuther. “We’ve installed a much larger screen, HD projector and partnered with The Grange to buy comfortable seats. We have made a big upgrade to provide a great theatre experience.”

The Film Society not only delivers interesting films but strives to bring directors, authors and actors associated with the chosen movies.  According to Reuther The Film Society provides an outlet for conversations about quality films. Even during the shows without special speakers, the audience will stay and socialize about what they’ve seen.

“When people go to movie theatre they don’t talk to each other afterward. They usually just get up and leave,” says Reuther. “ Here, people will stay and discuss. It is different to see a movie on a big screen and with a live audience. That is why people still go to a theatre to see movies even with live streaming, TV and DVDs. It’s a better experience.”

The free showing of Lincoln will begin at 8 pm at Whallonsburg Grange Hall. The last two scheduled shows for the season will be Silver Linings Playbook on May 11 and Fort Apache on May 25, which will be introduced by the director (and Westport writer) Addison Mehr. All shows are $5 for adults and $2 for children under 18.

Poster courtesy Champlain Valley Film Society.