SMOKESCREEN WRAPS FOR 2023
Be prepared for a fright and a touch of mystery when the Western Plains Cultural Centre’s (WPCC) film series Smokescreen wraps for another year.
The final screening on Saturday 4 November, is a unique double-feature showcasing the crime fiction film The Maltese Falcon (1941) and the supernatural horror The Exorcist (1973).
Screened in the Drama Room at the WPCC each year, the Smokescreen films are chosen based on a specific theme. The theme for 2023 was The Forbidden.
Dubbo Regional Council Local Studies Officer Simone Taylor said the theme encompassed each film and was a way to safely delve into the darker elements of human nature from the comfort of the cinema.
“People often become obsessed with the things they cannot have, whether it is forbidden love, treasure, or knowledge,” Ms Taylor said.
“A forbidden experience creates a sense of excitement; it’s something out of the ordinary and more thrilling than the every day.”
“Exploring this through film has certainly generated interesting discussion amongst people who have attended the screenings.”
Smokescreen allows the community an opportunity to explore fascinating cinema, revisit old favourites or be introduced to some of the most iconic cinema.
This year’s films included To Kill a Mockingbird, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the Academy Award-winning romantic drama Casablanca.
“Our final screenings for the year are always a double-feature. People can come along for one or both films on the day,” Ms Taylor said.
“The ticket price also includes a free complimentary drink at the Establishment Bar after the screening, and we encourage ticketholders to come along for a debrief. They may need to settle their nerves after seeing The Exorcist, a film still credited as one of the scariest horror movies ever.”
In line with the SPARC Cultural Plan, Smokescreen provides an opportunity to foster community engagement with film that is open and inclusive.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Smokescreen double-feature at 2pm on Saturday 4 November visit westernplainsculturalcentre.org/events
Last Edited: 31 Oct 2023