CIFF Student Classic Film Study Program Launches Second Session with Exciting Updates

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Saturday, April 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Village Theater, 820 Orange Avenue.

After a successful start of the Student Classic Study Program, the second session will kick-off following the spring break holiday, on Saturday morning, April 2nd. The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) will present a slight change to the screening schedule replacing Meet Joe Doe with Frank Capra’s 1939 Columbia Pictures release, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington featuring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur and a supporting cast including some of Capra’s favorite character actors.

Mr. Smith is the inspirational story of one simple man’s quest to fulfill his civic duty pitted against greedy, moneyed political kingmakers, back-room influence peddling and front-page character assassination. Eighty years after its release, Mr. Smith was chosen by more than ninety percent of both Democrat and Republican TCM classic movie fans as their all-time favorite politically themed motion picture.

Mr. Smith proved a breakout role for Jimmy Stewart as a dramatic lead. A film critic for The Nation wrote a visionary 1939 review of Stewart’s tour de force portrayal of Jefferson Smith’s transformational journey: “Now he [Stewart] is mature and gives a difficult part, with many nuances, moments of tragicomic impact and he is able to do more than just play isolated scenes effectively. He shows the strength of the character through experience. In the end he is so forceful that his victory is thoroughly credible. One can only hope that after this success, Mr. Stewart in Hollywood will remain as uncorrupted as Mr. Smith in Washington.”

Mr. Smith is the first film in the “second quarter” of CIFF’s Student Classic Film Program. On April 16th the series will screen the quintessential Noir classic, Double Indemnity. On May 7th, Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront, winner of eight Oscars, including Marlon Brando’s powerful performance as conflicted longshoreman and ex-prizefighter, Terry Malloy. The program concludes May 21 st with William Wyler’s enchanting romantic comedy, Roman Holiday, featuring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar winning performance in her first Hollywood film.

A new lower price will also take effect dropping from $15.00 to $10.00 per ticket, which includes the film, a post-discussion, study guides and materials, and a small popcorn and drink!

“These films have had an incredible impact on the students who have joined us!” states Jon Mosier, the Program Director “We want as many students to come to these Classics, participate to enrich the discussion with their thoughts and insight!”

The new ticket price comes after feedback that it may be cost-prohibitive for some students. CIFF believes that film should be accessible to all, scholarships and complimentary tickets are available for all screenings and remain confidential, please reach out to Merridee Book to request. Educators are also encouraged to reach out for tickets on behalf of students or classes. To view the schedule and purchase Program Passes or individual event tickets visit:
www.coronadofilmfest.com.

The morning of the show only, if seating capacity permits, a special “cash only” seating section may be made available for parents or educators who would like to attend with their students.