WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — WHQR Public Media and Thalian Hall have announced the finale of a 30-year partnership presenting the Cinematique Film Series at Thalian Hall.
Cinematique was originally presented by WHQR and St. John’s Museum beginning in 1992, screening films in various locations, primarily the old Oleander Cinema.
In 1995 — under the direction of former Executive Director Tony Rivenbark — Thalian Hall acquired 35-millimeter film equipment and purchased a screen and sound system for film projection. A new partnership was organized between WHQR and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. under the name of Cinematique at Thalian Hall.
Throughout the years, Thalian Hall continued to support film by completely updating the experience with new projection and sound equipment.
Now, Thalian Hall is preparing for a major expansion as the City of Wilmington moves many of its remaining activities from Thalian to the Skyline Center.
The finale of Cinematique at Thalian Hall will take place June 23-25, featuring screenings of some of the most popular films of the series during the last 30 years: The English Patient, Amélie, and The Queen, followed by a toast/gathering post-screening on June 25.
“Cinematique at Thalian Hall has been an incredibly special part of our community,” said WHQR Development Director and Cinematique Coordinator Mary Bradley. “It was one of my favorite things in Wilmington when I moved here 18 years ago and it has been an honor to work with Thalian Hall these many years to present quality films in such a beautiful setting.”
“We are so proud of this collaboration between Thalian Hall and WHQR and look forward to working together on future projects,” said Thalian Hall CEO Shane Fernando. “Film has been a very important part of our community experience since 1896 with North Carolina’s first public film screening at Thalian Hall. We look forward to new and continued growth of this genre in our region.”
Both Cinematique and Thalian Hall film programming will continue in some variation, but details will be announced at a future date.