Norwich Community Cinema

The Norwich Community Cinema recently caught up with Alec Asten, the creator of our feature upcoming short film “The Curse of Micah Rood”. We learned a little more about his new projects and his love of filmmaking in Connecticut .
Q: What intrigues you most about ‘The Curse’ and what do you hope the audience will get from viewing your film?

Alec – The fact that this legend is in our own back yard is what originally grabbed me. I have always loved ghost stories and hope that the audience will be inspired by our cinematic rendition to explore history on their own. History is an important element to any civilization, and the truth is its’ only recorded from a certain perspective. When more people take the time to research the recorded page, new truths will be discovered. History opens up opportunities for many of us to become detectives.. and with these new results uncovered, we learn a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Q: What are some of the best things about making a film in CT?

Alec – Some of the best things about making a film in CT is a combination of working with a local cast & crew, shooting at the fantastic locations around the area, and of course utilizing the amazing support we have from the talent in our surrounding communities. I feel honored to have been able to create this film in the place I call home. Creating a motion picture is not a single effort, it takes an army to put it together and when you have a team of dedicated individuals working to attain one goal, amazing results can be achieved. For me, my proudest moment is when the credits roll and I’m reminded of those who contributed to this project. We could not have done it without all of their support.

The Staff and Volunteers of the NCC would also like to thank The Day for their great support and publishing the story of the Norwich Community Cinema on our behalf today.

Dear film lovers,

My earliest memory of going to the movies dates back to the 50’s when my Dad would take my brother and I to the grand Loew’s Poli Theater in Hartford. Armed with a half pound of penuche and a half pound of cashew pieces from the candy shop next door, I could barely wait for the cartoons to begin before the double feature. Movie stars were glamorous with no hint of scandal or misbehavior, sex and swearing were nonexistent and an afternoon or evening at the movies didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Although the films I saw as a child are now classics and gone are the “extras,” I still love going to the movies. If I can first get my hands on the book a movie is based on, all the better. My favorite movies are three hours long because a really good movie can that much time to develop complex characters and an intriguing plot.

It is my hope that we capture some of that magic for you at the Donald Oat Theater. Whether it’s a “date “ night, girls night out or merely a chance to unwind after a long week, I hope your evening at this theater is memorable. Although the films we show may not be the extravaganzas of those early years, they will be thought provoking, informative and entertaining. We will offer snacks, beverages, baked goodies, hot coffee and of course, popcorn, at affordable prices (I still can’t watch a movie without Junior Mints or Twizzlers). You can come early and chat with friends or stay after the movie for a talk back session. You can even bring a bottle of wine.

If you’ve seen an outstanding movie at another independent theater, let us know. This is your alternative community cinema and we welcome comments about your experience. Send us an email or talk to us at the Theater. Please tell your family, friends and coworkers to join us. The movies you see at the Donald Oat Theater probably won’t be playing “at a cinema near you.”

See you at the cinema!

Sandy Quarto
President, Norwich Community Cinema

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We’re looking forward to you joining us in our love of film!