The Arts | Wilmington & North Carolina's Southern Coast


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		Film With its long history as a filmmaking town, Wilmington's cinematic offerings have improved greatly over the years. Between a couple of nicely appointed multiplex theaters, a cozy cinema grill, various film festivals and other assorted venues that offer movies, the Port City has a lot to offer the film buff. So whether you're looking to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster or an obscure foreign flick, there's a screen somewhere for your viewing pleasure.
		Venues
		Cameron Art Museum Film Series Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum 3201 South 17th St., Wilmington (910) 395-5999 The folks at the Cameron Art Museum host regular film screenings in addition to other interdisciplinary programs. With a broad array of subject matter and post-film commentary and discussion, the evening is typically a stimulating one. Also, the museum offers alternative film events such as the Cine Noir film festival and other singular happenings. The facility boasts a 22-foot-long screen and excellent sound. While most events are free, donations are suggested and appreciated.
		Cinematique Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington (910) 343-3664 With the dearth of "art-house films" in local theaters, the Cinematique series offers film buffs an opportunity to catch movies that sidestep the multiplex. Presented through the combined efforts of WHQR and Thalian Hall, this series includes classic films, foreign flicks and limited-release gems. Cinematique often features speakers and other activities to coincide with the screenings. Movies are typically shown Monday through Wednesday at Thalian Hall, and admission is $7. So if the latest Hollywood blockbuster isn't to your liking, there are better films afoot at Cinematique.
		Fabulous Fantail Film Festival Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 1 Battleship Dr., Wilmington (910) 251-5797 www.battleshipnc.com Back when the Battleship North Carolina was in service, the crew would often enjoy calm waters by erecting a screen on deck and viewing popular movies of the day. Now you too can enjoy classic films in the cool evening air on the deck of this gleaming queen of the sea. With admission at only $1, it's a great budget night for an entire family. For a couple of bucks more, popcorn and sodas can be had by all. Of course, screenings are dependent upon the weather, but where else can you catch a Hitchcock thriller under the stars?
		Free Family Movies at Carolina Beach Lake Park U.S. Hwy. 421 and Atlanta Ave., Carolina Beach (910) 458-8434 Beginning the last weekend in May and running through the end of August, this free movie from the local Chamber of Commerce is a great way to spend a balmy summer evening. Held in the spacious lawn of Carolina Beach Lake Park, the event offers family-friendly features and delicious concessions. With admission free and the snacks very reasonable, it might be worthy extending your trip an extra day for these movies by moonlight. Load up the kids, the lawn chairs and a blanket or two and show up early for good seats. Films begin at dusk, usually around 8:45 PM in the summer months.
		Jengo�s Playhouse at Independent Art Company 815 Princess St., Wilmington (910) 343-5995 www.cucalorus.org
		Not only does the Cucalorus film festival utilize historic Thalian Hall for its main screenings, it also show films at its headquarters, the magical Jengo's Playhouse. In addition to housing the Cucalorus offices, Jengo's features a 60-seat micro-cinema, technical facilities and an excellent back yard for post-movie chit-chat. Jengo's offers regular weekly screenings as well as the odd special event. Community groups like the YWCA and the Association of International Architects also hold regular screenings there. Members of the Cucalorus Foundation also have access to the immense library of films the festival has accumulated over 14 years.
		Lumina Theater at UNCW 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington (910) 962-7098 This facility is an excellent addition to UNCW's cultural climate, offering students and residents alike an eclectic smorgasbord of cinema. From current theatrical blockbusters to quaint and unusual art-house flicks, the Lumina has something for every taste. Students get an excellent deal, paying only $2 for new films, while others pony up $4, a bargain compared to the multiplex. Other screenings are often free, depending on their nature or whether or not another university department has sponsored the film. With a capacity of 360 seats and a full Dolby Digital surround-sound system, the theater is capable of screening both 35mm prints and DVD copies. Private parties may inquire about utilizing the space for their functions as well.
		Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington (910) 343-3660, (800) 523-2820 From its weekly Cinematique series to hosting the annual Cucalorus Film Festival, Thalian Hall has grown far beyond just an ordinary theater for live performances. With Wilmington's growth as a filmmaking capital, the hall has expanded its reach to include top-notch films typically unavailable in local multiplex cinema locations. The main stage's grand appearance further enhances enjoyment of the screenings and makes seeing a movie at Thalian a fabulous experience. With concessions ranging from popcorn and candy to sodas, gourmet coffee, premium beers and fine wines, a night at the hall can be an ideal date.
		Film Festivals
		Cine Noir: A Festival of Black Film Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington (910) 396-5999 This unique, independent film festival, a juried and invitational event celebrating independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers, features projects based on African-American themes. Four days long, Cine Noir is a welcome departure from your typical festival and offers films that are at once contemporary and historical. In a film-making town of Wilmington's magnitude, this extended weekend is one of the town's most varied arts events. Other highlights include the Family Cinema block with free screenings of films suitable for young audiences, free workshops and a free tour of Screen Gems Studios. Held at the Cameron Art Museum, this is a wonderful occasion for families to attend and develop their appreciation for the culture explored in these movies.
		Cucalorus International Film Festival 815 Princess St., Wilmington (910) 343-5995 www.cucalorus.org
		This festival of independent film drew more than 10,000 people from all over the world for its 14th annual event in 2007. Featuring provocative drama and documentaries, hilarious shots, live entertainment and a little something for everyone, Cucalorus is a hit among locals and visitors alike. Utilizing historic Thalian Hall as well as the enigmatic Jengo's Playhouse and UNCW's Lumina Theater for screenings, among other locations, this festival offers no prizes, awards or distribution deals, hence its popularity with filmmakers merely hoping to meet some like-minded film buffs. This wild, four-day festival in the fall is produced by the Cucalorus Film Foundation, which also hosts weekly screenings at Jengo's Playhouse and presents a kid-themed weekend in the spring as well.
		Cucalorus Kids! Film Festival 815 Princess St., Wilmington (910) 343-5995 www.cucalorus.org
		This relatively new spring event from the independent film connoisseurs at Cucalorus features tons of great fun for kids and their parents. Not only can kids take in many children's classic films, but they can also attend workshops on filmmaking and tour Screen Gems Studios. Cucalorus KIDS! has a little something for everyone, young or merely young at heart. Coveted spots in the Cucalorus KIDS! DayCamp fill up quickly as aspiring filmmakers get hands-on experience in making their own films and then watching them on the big screen, all in one day!
		Final Cut Film Festival Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington (910) 392-0486 This fall festival/contest is a spin-off of the One Take Film Festival. But unlike the One Take, in which teams must shoot their project with no editing, contestants in this event have no limit with regard to editing or equipment but must complete their project in a scant 36 hours. With a group of local professional actors at their disposal, 20 teams of filmmakers attempt to assemble a short film in very little time. The results are impressive and often hilarious and fun for novice and experienced auteurs alike.
		"Let Us See Your Shorts" Film Festival (910) 763-4133 Presented by the Cape Fear Independent Film Network, this evening of shorts highlights the works of Carolina artists but extends beyond the state's borders as well. Hell's Kitchen, formerly a location for the Wilmington production "Dawson's Creek," hosts the event and features live music following the screenings. Look for quirky bits with odd humor as well as gorgeously photographed short subject productions. Before you know it, you'll be showing your own shorts to the crowd. This event is usually held in November.
		One Take Film Festival Thalian Hall and Jengo's Playhouse, Wilmington (910) 392-0486 Imagine being given 24 hours to make a film three to eight minutes long. Oh, and you can't do any editing. Everything must be shot in an A-to-Z style, and there are a few other stringent requirements, unknown to you until the clock starts ticking, thrown in for good measure. Think you could pull it off? Each year numerous aspiring filmmakers, artistic types and a few people who are just plain nuts throw their hats in the ring to see who can come up with the greatest idea and the best-looking project. At the end of the 24 hours, contestants and friends convene at Jengo's and then take the short walk down to Thalian Hall to screen their projects. Benefiting the Patrick Crawford Foundation, this weekend is one filled with crazy antics and hilarious results.
		Photography
		Coastal Carolina Camera Club Brunswick Electric Company, U.S. Hwy. 17, Supply (910) 754-3720 The mission of the Coastal Carolina Camera Club is to encourage members to share their diverse talents, teach new techniques and expand and enhance their skills. All forms of photography are accepted, including point-and-shoot, SLR (digital & 35mm) and integrated advanced digital cameras. CCCC hosts field trips to photograph different areas of coastal Carolina, then a video slide show using members� images is shown at the next meeting. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 PM and include a business meeting, presentations by guest speakers or club members, slide shows of member photos, photographic instruction tips and equipment displays.
		Joann Bristol Fine Art Photography Wilmington joannbristol@mac.com
		Joann Bristol believes that moving from a big-city environment to the Carolina coast was the best move she's ever made, and by looking at her amazing photographs, it's evident that the beach inspires this creative photog. With images depicting her travels in Tuscany as well as local spots like Wrightsville Beach, Airlie Gardens and other locations of note, Bristol offers her work in a variety of mediums. Whether you want a simple print to frame or you'd rather enjoy her images on a coaster, magnet or on your own wall calendar, Bristol has a number of options on offer. Take home a precious moment from your beach visit or display your favorite view of your coastal home with the work of one of Wilmington's most unique photographers.
		John W. Golden Photography 307 N. Front St., Wilmington (910) 762-4651
		Artist John W. Golden captures remarkable images of the Cape Fear Coast with his digital SLR camera, and the results are magnificent, particularly for those with a fondness for the sights and sounds of this region. Creating panoramic images of the downtown riverfront, Golden meshes history with modern technology. He also creates fantastic compilation prints highlighting architectural features of historic downtown Wilmington, the Carolina Beach boardwalk and other local hot spots. A well-known graphic artist, Golden offers a series of saltwater fish prints and regional landscape images that are a must for any collector with a maritime fancy. If you're hoping to enhance your home's decor with water-themed pieces from a local artisan, stop by the Golden Gallery.
		*Lundie's Photography* 4724-8 New Centre Dr., Wilmington (910) 392-3141
		Heather Lawrence specializes in family and children's portraiture, both in the studio and on location. Her beach portraits are especially fun. Along with traditional poses, she offers hands and feet panels and photographs with live bunnies and chicks at Easter. Heather does some wedding photography and commercial photographs by special request.
		Naturally Captured Photography by Megan Deitz Wilmington (910) 520-8283 www.naturallycaptured.com
		The photographs of Megan Deitz have a poignancy that comes directly from the hands that capture them. That's why her studio, Naturally Captured, features images that are the result of a lifetime of evaluating the here and now and knowing just when to click the shutter. The studio's slogan, "turning the ordinary into art," is wonderfully appropriate, seeing that Deitz's ability to spot unique features in everyday scenarios is what makes her photographs special. In addition to creating wonderful works of art, Naturally Captured also offers photography services for weddings, commercial projects, portraits and more and the artist is willing to travel out of state depending on circumstances.
		*Peter Doran Fine Art Photography* 740 Fort Fisher Blvd. N., Kure Beach (910) 458-6893 www.peterdoranphotography.com
		Peter Doran's background is in graphic design, which would explain his fantastic eye for framing and capturing nature at its finest. With a BFA from Rochester Institute of Design and an MFA from SUNY Buffalo, Doran honed his photography skills while in graduate school, recording his adventures in Europe and India. In addition to offering 12"X18" framed fine art mini-prints of coastal Carolina's more scenic locales, Doran's work can also be purchased as postcards, providing clients with a slice of the South that they can share. You can even get a set of playing cards featuring 54 of Doran's most popular scene studies. From shots of the state's numerous lighthouses to glimpses of wild horses on barrier islands, the photos of Peter Doran offer a personal and unique perspective of the lifestyle of coastal North Carolina.
		John Muuss, Photographic Artist, Inc., Southport (910) 540-4534
		Now a photographic artist in North Carolina, John Muuss began his award-winning photographic career as a freelance photographer working in New York City. His years in the U.S. Army were spent as a photographer as well. He studied under master photographer Adolph Studley and worked on Park Avenue in New York doing architectural, art and sculpture photography. Among his many clients are The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York, Willem and Elaine de Kooning and Jacques Lipchitz. His specialty is architectural and commercial photography and local photographic art, including landscapes, seascapes, flowers, nature, black and white, and sepia photography. John is a member of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers and the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing photographer and writer for Southport Magazine.
		*Patricia Roseman Photography* Wilmington (310) 766-6011
		Patricia Roseman is a custom photographer living and working in two entertainment-industry epicenters, Los Angeles and Wilmington. Working in the business on both the East and West Coasts for more than 20 years, Patricia has developed her method thoroughly, and, as a result, her photographic abilities are perfect for any occasion. Offering services ranging from actor�s head shots and modeling portfolios to providing full coverage of weddings, family reunions, graduations and other special events, Patricia�s ability to capture the feeling and essence of a moment is one of her most powerful strengths. After working on both sides of the camera, Patricia can directly relate to the excitement and sensation that being captured on still film brings. This connection assists her in capturing these assorted emotions and allows her photographs to illustrate the fundamental magic of that split second with eloquence and poise.
		Chris Tisinger Photography, Wilmington (910) 763-4740 www.christisinger.com
		How much do we like the work of photographer Chris Tisinger? Enough to put his images on the cover of our book. Tisinger has become one of the hardest working photo specialists in the Wilmington area. With a magnificent portfolio of wedding shots, Tisinger has captured many a happy couple's special day with his unique eye and knack for finding special moments in the flurry of activity that weddings engender. In addition, his fine art shots are also in demand and highlight many of the spots and visions that make the Cape Fear region a distinct and memorable place. Always wanted to improve your photos? Take one of Tisinger's digital photo classes and learn not only how to take great shots, but also how to tweak them with computer programs like Photoshop.
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