POLSON – The Showboat Cinema in Polson was built in the 1950s and is now finding new ways to get people to the theaters.
The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) entered into its seventh year this weekend.
FLIC co-producer David King has an extensive background in Hollywood but said bringing indie films to the big screen gives him a chance to share his love of storytelling.
“We think having a festival in the dead of winter is good, in fact, we’re voted one of the top 10 film festivals — or winter film festivals — in the country. It’s because there’s not that many I guess.”
“I think it’s so important to bring into the community because you never know who’s going to benefit from the story,” co-producer Jessica King said. “Who’s going to benefit from that hope, or that connection, or that point of view on life.”
Theater CEO Becky Dupuis said going to the movies is social, and offers fewer distractions than watching from home.
“The dog wants in, your kids want help with their homework, whatever it is that’s happening, but when you come to the theater, you don’t have any of those distractions. You can really sit down and enjoy the film and kind of lose yourself into what’s going on on the screen.”
This year’s festival featured 56 films from China, France, Australia, the UK, Iran, Canada, and Montana.
Producer of movies like Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, and The Flintstones, Jerry Molen grew up in Great Falls, and said he always knew he wanted to make movies.
“It’s still a great date night. It’s a great way to take the family out, take the wife out of the house, let her go out and have some popcorn and a Coke,” Molen said.
Molen also produced Schindler’s List, which is showing on Sunday, followed by a question and answer session.
Showboat Cinema will also host encore showings of some of the top films throughout the coming week.
Click here for more information on the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest.
