Abingdon Cinemall’s Arts Array a terrific series

The Abingdon Cinemall hosts a series of films every season collectively deemed the Arts Array series. Ben Jennings, an English professor at Virginia Highlands Community College, is the head of the Arts Array organization. A film series had been ongoing at VHCC for 25 years when the Cinemall opened its doors in Abingdon. Jennings then asked Steve Weston, owner of the theater, if they would be interested in hosting the films. They’ve been going on at the Cinemall ever since.

The films that are primarily chosen for the series are films that this area would not normally be able to show. Due to small interest and small theaters, some of the films that have limited releases in national theaters don’t make it anywhere near Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

“The series brings people in the area the chance to see quality films that they might never have heard of and or have the opportunity to see,” says Jennings.

Many of the films have received praise from those in the film industry in addition to awards and award nominations. For example, the film shown three weeks ago, A Serious Man, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. Two weeks after, Precious was shown and recently earned six Oscar nominations.

Overall, there is a very eclectic mix of films chosen for the series.

“I try to choose a mix of foreign, documentaries, and independent American films. I read reviews; other people send me tips, et cetera. I always have a “contact” on the Emory faculty who helps in the selection of films,” Jennings said. “Films are the popular art form in America, and, sadly, college students don’t know the range of wonderful films in all genres and all around the world that are available.”

The film series attempts to battle this. With a wide variety of films that both students and community members alike may not have the chance otherwise to see, the opportunity for an eye-opener is brought to the table. With such accessibility, and no charge for students or faculty of the sponsoring organizations, the film series continues to be a hit in the community.

“The brightest narrative artists are working on the great American screenplay these days, not the great American novel,” said Jennings.

Arts Array films are shown every Monday and Tuesday at 4:30 and 7:00 at the Abingdon Cinemall. Admission is free for students as long as you present your school ID and general admission is $7.50. For more information or a complete list of films being shown, contact Ben Jennings at bjennings@vhcc.edu or head to the Virginia Highlands Community College website and look for the events box.

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