Amherst Cinema presents FIVE ON FILM. A Month-long Artistic Celebration of Films Made by or Starring Graduates of the Five Colleges

Source: Amherst Cinema

Bring on the school spirit! Beginning October 1, and for each week through the month of October, Amherst Cinema spotlights films written by, directed by, or starring a graduate from the region’s five colleges. The series, FIVE on FILM, pays tribute to the artistic talents that have been cultivated, educated, and perhaps even inspired by the Five Colleges area. From comedies to serious drama to Bruce Willis in outer space, FIVE on FILM was co-curated for your viewing pleasure and in partnership with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and University of Massachusetts Amherst, with the support of Five Colleges, Inc. and Greenfield Savings Bank.

“As a cultural arts and education center, Amherst Cinema is fortunate to be in close proximity to the Five Colleges, and it’s been a privilege to see the FIVE on FILM series come together so beautifully.” said Executive Director Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer. “We consider ourselves an extension of the five campuses. Not only are many of our filmgoers affiliated with each campus as faculty, staff, students and alums, but we also have a long, wonderful history of working together to co-create deeply engaging and enriching programs for our shared communities.”

Tickets are available online and at the Box Office. For more info, visit: https://amherstcinema.org/series/five-on-film. Guests sporting college apparel (from any institution of higher learning) will receive the “School Spirit” discount on tickets purchased at the Box Office.

Who knows—the next great film auteur may be seated right next to you.

FIVE on FILM Series Schedule

THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURE OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE
Tuesday, October 1 at 7:00pm
Directed by Maria Maggenti. 1995. 94 mins. R.

Synopsis: Touching and poignant, this acclaimed coming-of-age comedy, an iconic part of the 1990s queer cinema canon, tells the story of two teenagers whose unexpected friendship grows into the joyful wildness of first love. Written and directed by Maria Maggenti, Smith College, Class of 1986.  Introduction by Sarah Willie-LeBreton, President of Smith College.

NOMADLAND
Thursday, October 10 at 7:00pm
Directed by Chloé Zhao. 2021. 107 mins. R

Synopsis: Frances McDormand stars as Fern, who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. Chloé Zhao’s third feature film won Oscars® for Best Picture, Best Director, and Actress in a Leading Role. Written and directed by Chloé Zhao, Mount Holyoke College, Class of 2005. Introduction by Danielle R. Holley, President of Mount Holyoke College.

ARMAGEDDON
Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00pm
Directed by Michael Bay. 1998. 151 mins. PG-13

Synopsis: Bruce Willis and an all-star cast of roughneck oil drillers blast off on a mission to save the planet in this disaster epic. ARMAGEDDON is a visually extravagant big screen spectacle, and a relic of ‘90s blockbuster opulence best experienced in a theater. Co-written by Jonathan Hensleigh, UMass Amherst, Class of 1981. Introduction by Maria del Guadalupe Davidson, Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, UMass Amherst.

A MIGHTY WIND
Monday, October 21 at 7:00pm
Directed by Christopher Guest. 2003. 91 mins. PG-13

Synopsis: In this side-splitting mockumentary from Christopher Guest, three never-quite-famous folk bands come together for the first time in decades following the death of their manager. As a reunion concert approaches, apprehension sets in, romances are rekindled, and ambitions are permanently deferred. Starring John Michael Higgins, Amherst College, Class of 1985. Introduction by Michael A. Elliott, Class of 1992, President of Amherst College.

A SERIOUS MAN
Monday, October 28 at 7:00pm
Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. 2009. 106 mins. R

Synopsis: In 1960s suburban Minnesota, physics professor Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) learns that his wife is leaving him for his best friend, Sy Abelman (Fred Melamed). Thus begins a downward spiral of existential proportions, leading Larry on a journey of faith, family, delinquent behavior, and mortality. Starring Fred Melamed, Hampshire College, Class of 1974. Introduction by Edward Wingenbach, President of Hampshire College.

The Five on Film series is generously underwritten by Amherst College (presenting sponsor); Mount Holyoke College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Greenfield Savings Bank (supporting sponsors); and Hampshire College, Smith College, and Five Colleges, Inc. (program partners).

About Amherst Cinema
Amherst Cinema is an independent, nonprofit arts and education center brimming with world-class programs. The comfortable, fully accessible theater offers state-of-the-art projection and sound and is a welcoming crossroads for all. Amherst Cinema presents over 250 programs a year on four screens in more than 35 languages. For more information, visit: www.AmherstCinema.org