Reel Alternatives Huntsville, a member of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Film Circuit, is a community not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to present quality Canadian and International films to enrich the cultural experience of the community.
Reel Alternatives traditionally presents movies on the first and third Monday of each month except July and August. With the closure and sale of the local Cinema in 2022, the importance of providing access to films slightly out of the mainstream has become all the more important.
Throughout the year, net proceeds from the films are invested directly back into qualified community groups and individuals. Over their 25-plus years, the Reel Alternatives group has donated close to $75,000 to deserving recipients. A few years after they began screening films, one of their primary focuses was improving the Huntsville Library’s collection of DVDs as well as film and media publications. Given the success of these ventures, in 2009, the group expanded its reach and began donating to develop collections at the Dwight and Baysville libraries.
At a recent screening, representatives from both the Huntsville and Lake of Bays libraries accepted cheques from the Reel Alternatives organization to allow them to add to their current collections. Both David Bradley from Huntsville Library and Cathy Fairburn from Lake of Bays spoke glowingly about their respective DVD and media collections and confirmed the collection’s popularity with their patrons.
Another area where Reel Alternative funds have been used is to support their scholarship program. Primarily aimed at graduating students who are pursuing post-secondary studies in film and media programs, the scholarship is also open to graduates and individuals who are involved in contributing to or creating some aspect related to film, animation, or media. While scholarship proceeds are normally directed to the recipient’s school to reduce admission fees, there are also opportunities to partially fund costs related to projects that fit the criteria as determined by the Reel Board.
Applications for the scholarship can be found online at the website noted below or through the HHS Guidance Department. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024.
Additional information about the group and up-to-date movie information are available on their website at www.reelalternatives.ca. There is a link on the site to join their eblast list and be advised of upcoming films. In addition, the opportunity to sponsor a film is available for $175, with further information available by calling Rob at 705-787-5211.
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