With The Princess Theater closed, residents' movie options are limited. Re/Max Alpha Real Estate is hosting a free family-friendly film series at the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) to give community members another option.
According to Caroline Crosswell, executive director of the Oxford Community Arts Center, Re/Max sought out the OCAC to be involved in the film viewings.
"Re/Max wanted to give the people of Oxford a chance to still enjoy a family-friendly night out at no cost," Crosswell said.
Rio will be the first film in the series, scheduled to show 6:30 p.m Feb. 6. Three more movies have been scheduled for later this year. Everyone's Hero will be screened March 6, Aliens in the Attic will be screened June 17 and The Fantastic Mr. Fox on Aug. 7. All movies have G and PG ratings, according to Crosswell.
At this time, OCAC is not showing films for older audiences; however, if sponsorship can be found, the OCAC is interested in expanding their audience and showing indie and environmental films, according to Crosswell.
"If there is an organization or a group of individuals who would like to work on and/or sponsor a film series we would certainly be open to exploring those options," Crosswell said.
Senior Emily Kishler said she believes the OCAC would draw a greater audience if it varied the types of movies they show.
"I think it would be neat if they show more recent films like they do at After Dark in the Shriver Center," Kishler said. "Oxford lost its only place to go see movies so it would be nice if we had another outlet."
David Prytherch, chair of the Oxford Planning Commission and creator of the "Save The Princess" Facebook page, said he thinks the movies are a good idea.
"I think it's fantastic," he said. "It can never substitute having first-run movies, but that's not the point. It just brings more opportunities to the community." Prytherch has two children and said he looks forward to attending some of the movie showings.
According to Crosswell, OCAC is expecting a turnout of about 100 people at its first showing. Although this is the first film showing, the center recently brought the Mad Cat Puppets from Cincinnati to perform a puppet show, where the turnout was about 110 people.
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Crosswell said OCAC provides a number of different events year-round for families. The Re/Max Alpha Real Estate Film Festival will continue to provide movie showings and other activities for community members in the future.
Although the movies are all family-friendly, the young as well as the young-at-heart are all welcome to enjoy these free films.
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