Featuring short films by Georges Melies who was a French magician, toymaker, actor and filmmaker. He led many technical and narrative developments in the early days of cinema, primarily in the fantasy and science fiction genres. Méliès rose to prominence creating “Trick Films” and became well known for his innovative use of special effects, popularizing such techniques as substitution splices, multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, dissolves and hand painted colour. He was also one of the first filmmakers to use storyboards in his work. His most important films include A trip to the Moon (1902 and The impossible Voyage (1904) which will be featured.
A TRIP TO THE MOON – At a meeting of the Astronomy Club, its president, Professor Barbenfouillis, proposes an expedition to the Moon. After addressing some dissent, five other brave astronomers Nostradamus, Alcofrisbas, Omega, Micromegas, and Parafaragaramus agree to the plan. A space capsule in the shape of a bullet is built, along with a huge cannon to shoot it into space. The astronomers embark and their capsule is fired from the cannon with the help of “marines”, most of whom are played by young women in sailors’ outfits. The Man in the Moon watches the capsule as it approaches, and, in an iconic shot, it hits him in the eye. Duration 18 minutes.
THE IMPOSSIBLE VOYAGE – The film is a satire of scientific exploration in which a group of geographically minded tourists attempt a journey to the Sun using various methods of transportation. The film was a significant international success at the time of its release, and has been well received by film historians. Film duration 20 minutes.
Doors and bar open 11am. Movies screen at 12 noon. TIckets are $15 for adults and free for kids 13 and under. No need to book get your ticket at the door.