Movie Madness
You haven’t heard from me for while. I’ve been juggling!
Haven’t worked so hard since I was a working mom with the kids at home and was deeply involved in everything that a busy family, career and community life required.
At that time my fantasy life focused on the leisurely days ahead when the boys were grown and our businesses ran on “automatic.” Alas, for good or ill, those days remain a fantasy. Certainly, the economy has played its part in this. But, I have to confess it’s really because of my personality-my need to stay involved and my inability to say no to a good idea.
The latest good idea that has captured my time and energy is the Malibu Film Society. You may recall that when we were all suffering from local movie-house withdrawal after the Malibu Cinema burnt down, The Malibu Times, with the generous support of Scott Tallal and David Lyons’ CommCinema, and the City of Malibu initiated CineMalibu-the summer film series in Bluff’s Park. Now operated through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, it continues to provide great family films under the stars every summer.
You would think that this would be enough film busyness for Karen and The Malibu Times, but, nooooh … Being a true movie buff, requiring frequent access to interesting, classic and thought-provoking films year round-plus being a compulsive volunteer and obsessive organizer, I was totally vulnerable when Rabbi Judith HaLevy of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue talked to me about their beautiful new multi-purpose sanctuary and how they might maximize its value to the whole community. “Wouldn’t this be a great place for movies?” she asked.
Thus the Malibu Film Society was born.
Oh, it wasn’t an entirely new idea, but rather, an idea whose time had come. Scott and David had wanted to do this for years. David had even reserved the name and the Web site address. When I told them that I had found a home for the Society, they were ecstatic. And, with their characteristic generosity and enthusiasm, they were in!
Now, after several months in the planning stage, with the full support of MJCS, a generous donation from the family of the late, special effects genius, Stan Winston, a City of Malibu seed money grant, great community input, the expertise of CommCinema and with a few hard working board members we are ready to launch. And, our mission is simple:
“To offer an opportunity for all types of film lovers to gather, appreciate and discuss a wide range of classic, provocative and noteworthy movies and to provide a venue for actors, writers, producers and film scholars to present their work to Malibu audiences.”
On Sunday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., at MJCS*, we will be presenting our first event-a membership development program celebrating the 50th anniversary of the comedy masterpiece, “Some Like It Hot” and initiating our state-of-the-art high-definition DLP digital cinema, big screen projection system with theater-quality audio-and selling freshly popped popcorn!
If you love movies as much as we do, you’ll want to join us for this great film (some consider it the best American comedy ever made!), listen to our “pitch” and learn how you can become a member or a sponsor. The admission is $15 per individual and $25 per couple if you reserve in advance, or $20 per person at the door (space available). For reservations, or if you can’t make it that evening and want to learn more, give Scott a call at 310.589.0223.
Does anyone know of a local meeting of Volunteers Anonymous?
* MJCS is located at 24855 Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Pepperdine University.