A magical movie night from the past — plus free jaffas
MAVtech is opening its doors again on Friday for its monthly film night. Coronation Hall Foxton will be open from 6pm for viewing of their huge collection of audio visual items from the past. Then at 7pm, movie-goers are invited upstairs to the dress circle to watch a selection of old advertising glass plates, accompanied by the sound of the pianola. Then the feature film will be projected onto the big screen by 35mm and 16mm carbon arc projectors.
The MAVtech movie night held on the last Friday of each month is believed to be one of the very last places where people can see movies projected by the same equipment used in the 1930s — the heyday of cinema. It is all made more charming by being held in what has been a cinema since 1926.
Acting chairman of MAVtech Detlef Klein said the difference between the carbon arc projector and modern digital projection is like comparing MP3 and vinyl audio. “There is a particular atmosphere with carbon arc projection. There’s a magic about it, subtle to the innocent viewer but noticeable.”
Detlef says the cinema and Coronation Hall have always been important to Foxton. “When the original wooden building burnt down in 1926, it took just six months for the community to build a new concrete and brick Coronation Hall. It shows how prosperous a town Foxton was at the time. Movies have been shown here continuously since 1926.”
He encourages people to visit the MAVtech museum any weekend, not just for movie night.
“Many people will remember some of the equipment displayed in the museum. It is quite something that in this age of rapid change, many of these items still function — a reflection back to a simpler time.”
Tickets for the movie evening are $10 adults and $5 students and include museum entry and complementary jaffas to make the experience complete.
The museum is open every weekend 2-4pm, free entry.
For further information contact Jim Harper 027 205 7968 jebharper@xtra.co.nz or email mavtech@xtra.co.nz