© Can Stock Photo / sabphoto© Can Stock Photo / sabphoto
Chatham

Chatham-Kent Film Group seeking to establish a new committee

The Chatham-Kent Film Group is looking to form a new committee before independent films make a return to the big screen.

The group, which is a division of the Toronto International Film Festival, has been a part of the circuit for over 20 years. It is typically known to hold screenings at the Chatham Capitol Theatre and Galaxy Cinemas.

Group President Irene Carey said they will start to have access to TIFF films this fall but are hoping to switch things up before they press play.

"We're trying to form a new committee," said Carey. "We have been at it for a long time and all of the members who are left are in retirement mode. We need new blood and new people to take over."

The group was forced to cancel its last four scheduled screenings in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, after recently reaching out to the community to see if the interest was still there, the group found residents are wanting to return to their film screenings this fall.

"We needed to know there was enough support there for people to want to come to the movies," said Carey. "That support seems to be there."

According to Carey, the group needs to attract a large enough audience in order to play the movies.

"There are fees involved, so if we can't get enough of an audience, we will be dipping into past savings," said Carey.

Screenings are set to start in September with one new film being played each month after that.

"We're looking forward to bringing back movies in September," said Carey. "We can't wait to see new and old attendees."

Read More Local Stories