This Sunday, Feb. 22, the Saratoga Film Forum is holding its 16th annual Oscar Night, a fund-raising event hosted at Mare Ristorante on 17 Maple Ave in downtown Saratoga Springs.
The only not-for-profit cinema in the greater Saratoga region, the Film Forum has dedicated itself to showing award-winning movies from all across the globe, movies that other local cinemas won't play.
"I think last year we had 47 weekends of films," Derek Leidig, the managing director for the Film Forum said. "We've committed ourselves to offering films at a discount. So the highest ticket price right now is $6. If you have a membership, the ticket price will be cheaper. The concessions are a ridiculous $1 per item, and not $5 for a box of popcorn. So it's great for people, but we do have to make some money."
Most larger theaters make their proceeds from their popcorn and candy sales, which is typically why prices run so high. But that's not the case for Saratoga's Film Forum.
"For 16 years, the Saratoga Film Forum has brought extraordinary films to Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region. We celebrate the best of America's most beloved art form with weekly screenings at the Dee Sarno Theater in the Saratoga County Arts Center," Michael Englert, president of Saratoga Film Forum said. "Oscar Night is our only fund-raising event and proceeds enable us to develop the programming essential to remaining one of the Capital Region's leading art organizations. And this year, we need everyone's support."
The dress-to-impress viewing party features endless hor d'oeurves, a cash bar and the traditional silent auction on which attendees may bid. Items for the auction include pottery pieces from Regis Brodie, an autographed picture of Steven Spielberg, pieces from local artists and packages (such as free dinner and a move) donated from local business owners.
This year, Leidig indicated that the organization is more than ever in need of support due to the stuttering economy.
"We know that next year we will get some money from the New York State Council on the Arts," Leidig said. "But we know that we're going to be receiving less money than what we've received in the past. That's what makes this event even more important. We're trying to fill that gap."
Tickets for the event are open to all for $50, and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
"We're going to continue to take reservations. We want as many people to come as would like," Leidig said.
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