As we have been mentioning in some of our intros over the past few screenings, NOSFA enters the New Year with some intriguing, exciting titles, a couple of which have been heralded among the best of 2009.

Such films include An Education (Jan. 7th), where young Carey Mulligan is earning raves as a smart, young teen who gets a bittersweet taste of life from her dalliance with an older man in pre-Mod London. This is followed by Bright Star (Jan 21st), where another young actress, Abbie Cornish, lights up the screen as the love interest for Romantic poet John Keats.

We get into (slightly) lighter fare with the Coen brothers’ A Serious Man (Feb 4th), their cheeky, dark comedy set in the Midwest US during the mid-sixties about a hapless Jewish professor (Michael Sturlbarg) whose life unravels in hilariously absurdist fashion. Then Audrey (Amelie) Tautou takes centre stage in the formative years of a young Coco Chanel in Coco Avant Chanel (Feb. 18th.)  

The year 2009 certainly has provided its share of challenges for NOSFA, with the loss of our cherished home, the Cumberland Theatre. However, we are still hanging in, thanks to our host venues, SilverCity and the Paramount Theatre. We extend thanks to Manager Jim Lavia and his staff at SilverCity, and Cineplex Corporation, as well as Leon Bullock, Operations Manager at the Paramount, for their cooperation and support.

We also offer a couple of interesting tidbits from The Film Circuit’s recent newsletter. Some NOSFA titles are featured in the top films in attendance this fall including the box office champ Is Anybody There?, followed by The Pool, Departures and Every Little Step.

But the newsletter also lists an even more dramatic statistic. As of October 31, 2009, your humble little NOSFA sits atop the entire Circuit in attendance with an astounding 10,690 admissions (from the calendar year). This is obviously a tribute to the tremendous support of our patrons and success of the Northwest Film Fest. For this, NOSFA extends a deep, heartfelt “Thank you!” to our loyal membership and patrons, our fellow volunteer corps, the Cumberland Theatre, the Film Circuit and especially our film booker, Wendy Blushke.

And, I offer my personal thanks to the sterling efforts of my fellow NOSFA board members, a great group of dedicated, resourceful people.

As 2009 draws to a close, the North of Superior Film Association extends best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and blessings in the New Year. Peace on Earth and goodwill towards all. We look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Sincerely,

Marty Mascarin
NOSFA