Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Glasser.
Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a vintage movie enthusiast. I started the Columbus Moving Picture Show to continue the 52-year tradition of Cinevent, a film convention that ended in 2021. I was on their staff for several years and learned the format. We have most of the same staff and dealers. In addition to the films, dealers, and book signings, I have added seminars and had a bigger social media presence. Our event is all about nostalgia, not only for the movies and music of the past but for the big conventions of the past, which brought passionate fans from across the country together socially in person instead of virtually. Many of them are no longer around, but the friendships formed and memories made at these shows are priceless and last a lifetime.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We could never have predicted Covid and the effects it would have on our attendance. Unfortunately, because a large amount of our attendance is comprised of senior citizens, some of them are no longer with us. Those that are have been understandably wary of attending a large indoor social gathering. This year is an improvement over 2022, and I anticipate that we can slowly grow over time, especially as we reach new audiences through social media.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Columbus Moving Picture Show?
We are a pre-1960s film festival and dealer show, and we host book signings by authors writing about film and seminars conducted by experts in their fields. The convention lasts four days each Memorial Day weekend and attracts movie enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada. Our film program consists of 16mm films (except one rare digital silent) sourced from private collections. We emphasize rarities not commonly shown at large venues and retrospectives. There are two silent programs each day of the event with live piano accompaniment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is always involved in a project. Covid was bad luck, but the enthusiasm and support of our attendees and contributors has been great luck. Whether their loyalty to Cinevent or their enthusiasm for the hobby motivated them, I’ve had the good fortune to maintain the relationships established by Cinevent with the Columbus Moving Picture Show.
Pricing:
- $8 tote bags
- All kids under age 18 get in free with a paying adult
- Weekend passes are $80 and Day passes are $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ColumbusMovingPictureShow.com
- Instagram: ColumbusMovingPictureShow
- Facebook: Columbus Moving Picture Show
- Twitter: Moving_Show
