Geraldine is gearing up to celebrate a century of cinema.
Opening in August 1925 as the Geraldine Town Hall, the building doubled as a cinema, and was one of the first in the area to be wired with electricity.
To mark the centenary, the cinema’s new operator Isaac Jones has planned a celebration week, which would showcase some of the classic silent films released in the decade, including Les Miserables (1925) and Nosferatu (1922).
Those silent movies — some as long as six hours — would be accompanied by musical events throughout the week.
Spokeswoman Rachael Ferguson said the cinema was not only an important historical building, but a significant landmark, and tourist attraction.
‘‘It’s such an iconic space and venue.’’
Ms Ferguson said celebrations included The Bats (Flying Nun) performing to Nosferatu on Thursday, supported by local musicians Divamol and the Romantic Nihilists.
The centenary would also double as a fundraiser for the Geraldine Academy Lucky Stars campaign, which was aiming to raise funds to buy the 117-year-old Anglican diocese-owned building that the academy has called home since it was established in 2012.
On August 30, the academy — which was located directly across the road from the cinema — would host a French Revolution-themed support event with a bar, food and music across the road, while the cinema would be showing Les Miserables.
The six-hour movie would be accompanied by the cinema’s ‘‘star guest’’, local and international Geraldine artist Jaz Paterson.
Mr Jones would be her supporting act — playing before and after her set — sharing his other skill set as a professional multi-genre DJ and light show co-ordinator.
‘‘Isaac will be bringing something for all ages and tastes, from electro swing and ’80s disco, to popular dance remixes and house music, a chance for the town to get down in the iconic theatre and support the continuation of this well-loved cinema operating out of the original Geraldine Town Hall.’’
‘‘We offer an all-ages movie event at the cinema, with under 18-year-olds to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and a continuation of the option to dress up from the pre-event if desired.’’
Tickets can be purchased on humanitix.
