By Sheron Foster, ILLUMINATE Lead Programmer
When a film allows me deep access into the center of my joyful being, I will return to it to experience that thrill again and again. My husband accuses me of being extreme. I confess to watching all versions of “Scrooge” and it’s twin “A Christmas Carol” at least 100 times in my life! My favorite being “Scrooged” by director Richard Donner and starring Bill Murray. Followed very, very closely by Ronald Neame’s 1970 musical masterpiece “Scrooge” featuring Albert Finney.
Is this story not the quintessential life transformational story? The first Time I saw Dickens “A Christmas Carol” in a movie, I was completely and forever changed. It featured someone truly destitute, even though outrageously wealthy, seeing the light and accessing beauty, companionship, humor, forgiveness and finding the true richness of life. It had a love story, it had a supernatural element I loved, and it had such a happy ending! I wanted to be just like Ebenezer Scrooge. I wanted to be in a loving family like Tiny Tim. I wanted life to be more than just the accumulation of money. It made the holiday truly special.
Other films, just as noteworthy and life changing that I must watch every year are Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life“, Ron Howard’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and George Seaton’s “Miracle On 34th Street“. These movies rock my December, and I know I am not alone. I cannot share with you how many times I have watched these and other holiday films, because they just feel like visiting with family and friends. Sometimes their words feel truer than my own.
This December is also a great time of year because ILLUMINATE Film Festival is offering a 50% discount on All-Access Festival Passes until December 31st. Come springtime, our films and programs may be just what you need to feel that holiday love all over again. We’ll feature new favorites and maybe even an oldie but goodie that will inspire the ILLUMINATE magical program.
I’ll let you in on a secret too, I already have some new favorites in our spring lineup that I will be watching over and over again. My husband will just look at me and sigh!
In 2015 I look forward to more magic, more illumination and more fun with films! Anybody remember these lines?
Buffalo girls won’t ya come out tonight?
Won’t ya come out tonight?
Won’t ya come out tonight?
Buffalo girls won’t ya come out tonight
and dance by the light of the moon?
Words I live by!