newportFILM to Host Double Feature Aimed at Children and Adults

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

newportFILM will be staging a double-feature for children and adults at the Jane Pickens Theater on February 18th.

Both films are from the past year, and both have been met with critical acclaim and excitement. The first is entitle Ernest et Celestine, to be shown earlier in the day. The film, recommended for ages four and up, has nabbed an Oscar nomination this year and has been re-voiced from the original French by esteemed American actors including Forrest Whitaker.

Terri Conners, Executive Director of newportFILM, said of Ernest and Celestine, "It's a very classic tale of unlikely friendship. It's timeless in its telling." Based on a series of beloved books, Conners compared Ernest and Celestine to A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh series--an enduring, affective work with appeal for adults and kids. Following Ernest et Celestine, there will be a post-screening party from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Orange Leaf which will include raffles, giveaways and more. All proceeds from the event will go towards newportFILM.

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Maidentrip, which will be screened that evening, is recommended for slightly older audiences, ages ten and up. The film tells the true story of a determined teenage girl, Laura Dekker, who at fifteen embarks on a journey to sail, unaccompanied, around the world. A few years ago, as she prepared for her journey, "it was a controversial story in the sailing community," said Conners. "Newport being a sailing community, we think it'll draw a good crowd." The Maidenship showing with be preceded by free appetizers from The Clarke Cooke House and will be followed by a post-film question and answer with the film's director, Jillian Schlesinger.

Conners characterized Maidentrip, like Ernest and Celestine, as an engaging film that tackles issues on both parents' and kids' minds. "How early is too early," Conners asked, "to trust your kids to be independent?" she asked.

newportFILM's mission is to create community engagement around films, especially documentaries (like Maidentrip), bringing filmmakers together with audiences and creating other programs to foster discussion and reflection. For more information about the organization or the events, the showtimes, or to purchase tickets, visit their website, www.newportFILM.com.

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newportFILM to Host Double Feature Aimed at Children and Adults