PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — To complement its Distinguished Lecturer Series and other cultural events, the University of Maine at Presque Isle has established the Salmagundi Film Series, with a screening and conversation about the film to take place every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium in Wieden Hall.
All are invited to attend these free screenings, though films may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
“We named the series after the school newspaper that started back in 1909, when UMPI was known as the Aroostook State Normal School, and later evolved into the yearbook that many alumni will remember,” UMPI President Ray Rice said.
“Loosely translated, ‘Salmagundi’ means ‘a little bit of everything’ and we felt that was a perfect name for this new series. We’ll be showcasing a wide range of thought-provoking films and providing an opportunity for people to discuss them after each screening,” he said.
The inaugural film screening took place Sept. 11, featuring the documentary film “9/11” by James Hanlon and French filmmaker brothers Jules and Gédéon Naudet. The directors set out to make a film profiling a rookie New York City firefighter, but became documenters of one of the most unforgettable days in U.S. history as the events of 9/11 unfolded.
“We selected this particular film as the first date of our film series coincides with Sept. 11 and we felt it was only right to mark the day by thinking about and discussing 9/11,” said Vanessa Pearson, interim dean of students and committee member.
Upcoming film series dates are Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Organizers have not yet finalized film titles.
For more information about the Salmagundi Film Series, contact Gayla Shaw at 207-768-9452 or email umpi@maine.edu.
