Oct 092014
 
Come little children, I’ll take thee away; into a land of enchantment. Come little children, the time’s come to play: here in my garden of magic.

Hocus PocusHauntingly chanted by a Sanderson sister in the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, that is something as children we learned was a bad thing to hear echoing in the cloud-filled skies— be you in Salem Ma or elsewhere. But, after all it was just a movie. And that movie is fondly recalled every year here in Salem, where the producers actually took the time to film several scenes.

Radio 92.9 is presenting a free, weekly Haunted Movies Series in Salem during October; this week Hocus Pocus, rained out last week (perhaps the burning rain of death?) has been reset for Saturday, October 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on the Salem Common under the stars.

Bring a blanket or beach chairs to watch this movie, which picked up 2 wins and 11 overall nominations during the 1994 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA awards.

Last year was the 20th anniversary of the movie. Here is a bit of trivia: did you know that the actor playing Thackery (not Zachery) Binx was Sean Murray who now plays Tim McGee on NCIS? You did? Well, did you also know that he was the voice of neither Thackery nor the cat? Movie Magic.

Hello Salem! My name’s Winifred, what’s yours? I put a spell on you…

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Feb 282014
 

 

Global spotlights focusing on Salem, MA, are not unusual during October with Haunted Happenings festivities ensue.  But we’re now getting used to world-wide attention and engagement in March for the Salem Film Fest.

From March 6 – 13, the largest all-documentary festival in New England will be presented at multiple venues in Salem by an all-volunteer organization of passionate film-lovers who have worked long hours to really make it a festival of film and more.

According to the website, “Besides presenting great documentary films, Salem Film Fest offers a rick schedule of discussions, parties, meet-and-greets, family-friendly screenings, student film showcases, and opportunities to meet visiting filmmakers in intimate settings.”

To just list the films would not do justice to the quality and variety selected, therefore we suggest you go to their website for the full effect.

To highlight the importance of this event, look no further than the fact that two-thirds of the featured filmmakers from all over the world are expected to attend and engage in post-screening dialogue.

Businesses around town are starting to decorate their windows in anticipation of this special festival, and “SFF super-fans” already have their viewing strategies planned for the full festival.  This is a truly unique Salem event that you can’t miss!

Festival passes and General Admission tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through the website or at the CinemaSalem box office.

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May 162012
 

 The 5th Annual Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair will take place in and around Old Town Hall in historic downtown Salem on Saturday, May 19 from 10 am – 3 pm. The event is organized by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem Renewable Energy Task Force.

The Fair will bring together green industry professionals and consumers from the Greater Boston & North Shore regions to discuss products, services and information that encourage healthier, more sustainable consumption and lifestyles for businesses and families. Stop by the Salem Farmers’ Market table.  For more information visit www.salem-chamber.org.

The City of Salem Beautification Committee will host their 5th Annual Plant Sale fundraiser where fairgoers can purchase a wide assortment of home-grown perennials, a variety of annuals and a selection of hanging baskets. The plant sale will be held outside on Derby Square, directly in front of Old Town Hall. The Fair will also feature the 2nd Annual Salem Seed Exchange, an ethical electronics recycling event, a free screening of a “green” themed film at Cinema Salem, and other fun activities for the family.

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Mar 042012
 

The Salem Film Festival runs through Thursday, March 8. There are five or more films to choose from each evening playing at Cinema Salem. For a full list visit www.salemfilmfest.com. Then join us as we wrap up the festival at 10:30 p.m. at the Cinema Salem Cafe. At this event the Jury and Audience Award Winners will be announced.

(Picture from Wish Me Away Thu, Mar 8- 8:30 pm “the poignant story of Chely Wright, the first country music star to ever come out as openly gay. Chronicling the aftermath in her hometown of Nashville and within the larger LGBT community, WISH ME AWAY reveals both the devastation of her own internalized homophobia and the transformational power of living an authentic life.”)

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Mar 012012
 

Last night festival attendees enjoyed an After-Party at Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill and the music of Henley Douglas…

The Salem Film Festival is much more than great film. Although, there are 14 different Independant Documentary Films showing just on Saturday, March 3 at the Salem Film Festival.  For a full list visit www.salemfilmfest.com.

Friday, March 2 join the festival at Finz After-Party with film makers and music by Henley Douglas. The event starts at 9:30 p.m. at 76 Wharf St.

Saturday, March 3 enjoy a Filmmaker Forum at 10 a.m. at the NPS Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty St. about Documentary Filmmaking as an Activist Tool.

1:30 p.m. Join the Filmmaker’s Forum at Griffen Theatre (7 Lynde St.) sponsored by the Alliance of Women Film Journalists to discuss how media covers documentary film.

9:30 p.m. Another great opportunity to unwind with filmmakers at the After-Party at Victoria’s Station (82 Wharf St.) with music by Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket.

Sunday, March 4 join filmmakers for breakfast at Caffe Graziani (133 Washington St.)

Noon enjoy the Filmmakers Forum at the Peabody Essex Museum (166 Essex St.) discussing Reframing Reality.

3 p.m. Attend Funding, Broadcasting, and Distribution Tips for Filmmakers at the Peabody Essex Museum (166 Essex St.)

(Photos of We Still Live Here showing at the PEM at 1:00 and Wild Horse, Wild Ride  showing at Cinema Salem at 10.)

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