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    Cinevent 45: A Celebration of Classic Film and Memorabilia

    This Memorial Day weekend Columbus will again host a unique film related event that many Columbus residents have probably never heard of called Cinevent. Returning for an amazing 45th year Cinevent is a four day celebration of film that includes classic film screenings, dealer tables and a full auction at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center.

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    Founded in 1968 by Steve Haynes and his likeminded friends as a way to gather and watch 16mm films, their get together has grown into an annual tradition attracting film enthusiasts from all around the United States. You won’t find the latest blockbusters being screened at Cinevent; instead the emphasis is on silent and early sound pictures that pre-date the rating code. Fans of this age of cinema can enjoy a one of kind experience viewing films that are not easily found on disc or cable.

    Just a few of this year’s 16mm features include 1921’s The Nut starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr., The Sea Beast and Catch That Co-Ed starring John Barrymore (grandfather of Drew) and a late Errol Flynn adventure, Crossed Swords released only five years before his death. Silent films also include live piano accompaniment. Cinevent is again partnering with the Wexner Center for a one night only Pre-Cinevent triple feature on Thursday night featuring Laughter in Hell, The Little Giant and Black Moon all presented on 35mm film.

    If classic film screenings aren’t your speed there are over 170 dealer tables offering a wide variety of merchandise for an audience of varying budgets. Of course you’ll find Blu-ray and DVD but if you’re so inclined you’ll also find Laserdics, VHS and the loveably impractical 8mm and 16mm films with projectors to show them.

    If you’re all set for movies but need help finishing off a naked home theater room Cinevent is the best local option I’ve found to find classic, original movie posters in my fifteen plus years of collecting. You’ll find posters from the 20s all the way through today’s biggest hits with some dealers focusing on specifics years or genres while others have a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a specific piece of Hollywood history you can probably find it at one of Cinevent’s dealer tables whether it be a regular movie poster, half sheet, insert, lobby card or something in-between. The dealers love to bargain and almost everything is negotiable.

    A full-fledged auction is held on Saturday afternoon with live bidding in house and via the web and phone. Attendees may view all the items up for auction but must purchase an auction catalog to participate in bidding. Lots will sell in the low hundreds into the tens of thousands; regardless of whether you’re bidding or just browsing it’s a great way to see some amazing works of cinematic art.

    Cinevent runs from Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center on Sinclair Rd. Dealer tables are open all four days with Friday and Saturday being the busiest times. By Sunday many dealers begin to packing up and by Monday only a fraction of them remain. Admission to Cinevent is $40 in advance ($45 at the door) and includes all on site screenings while single day admission is $25.

    For more information about Cinevent including a full schedule of the films being screened visit www.cinevent.com. If you see me there on Friday trying to add an Escape From New York or A Nightmare on Elm Street poster to my own collection make sure to say “Hi”.

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    Nicholas Herum
    Nicholas Herumhttp://www.movieshateyoutoo.com
    Nicholas Herum is a featured contributor who reviews films for Columbus Underground. You can find more of his work at his own website, Movies Hate You Too.
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