New Rochelle Public Library Announces Two Exciting Film Series for The Fall
The New Rochelle Public Library announces two compelling film series this fall, offering the community a chance to experience cinematic gems in the Ossie Davis Theater. Both series are free and open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy critically acclaimed films in a communal setting.
NRPL Film Series: True Crime
The Fall 2024 NRPL Film Series kicks off on Saturday, September 14, at 1:00 PM with Goodfellas (1990), Martin Scorsese’s gripping tale of organized crime based on the real-life story of mobster Henry Hill. On Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 PM, Zodiac (2007) will take audiences into the obsessive pursuit of the infamous Zodiac Killer, directed by David Fincher. The series concludes on Saturday, November 23, at 1:00 PM with In Cold Blood (1967), a chilling adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel about a brutal family murder in Kansas.
“This series explores the darker side of human nature, showcasing true crime stories that have captivated audiences and shaped our understanding of crime and justice,” said Chris Poggiali, the series host. “These films are not just entertainment; they’re cultural landmarks that provoke thought and discussion.”
Chris Poggiali is a librarian, film researcher/historian, and Rondo-nominated writer who co-authored These Fists Break Bricks: How Kung Fu Movies Swept America and Changed the World (Mondo, 2022) and contributed chapters to Xerox Ferox: The Wild World of the Horror Film Fanzine (Headpress, 2013) and Warped and Faded: Weird Wednesday and the Birth of the American Genre Film Archive (Mondo, 2021). He has written for Turner Classic Movies and numerous magazines and websites, and his essays, audio commentaries, and additional special features have appeared on DVD/Blu-ray releases from the Criterion Collection, Kino Lorber, Shout! Factory, and many other companies.
New Rochelle Plays Hollywood: Excellent But Little-Known Films
On Sunday, September 22, at 2:00 PM, the New Rochelle Plays Hollywood series begins with The Breaking Point (1950), an underrated adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s To Have and Have Not, starring John Garfield in one of his finest performances. The series continues on Sunday, October 6, at 2:00 PM with Boomerang (1947), a gripping, documentary-style film by Elia Kazan, based on a true event in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The series wraps up on Sunday, November 17, at 2:00 PM with The Shootist (1976), John Wayne’s poignant final film that serves as a farewell to both the actor and the Old West.
“These are films that deserve a wider audience, offering profound narratives and exceptional performances that may have flown under the radar,” said Les Srager, film aficionado and series host. “Our goal is to introduce viewers to works of art that resonate deeply, even if they aren’t household names.”
Les Srager is a retired attorney and former host of “Fairfield Plays Hollywood” at the Fairfield Public Library, author of “The Screening Room”, a newspaper column in the Westport News, and host of the radio program, “In the Screening Room.”
“The New Rochelle Public Library is committed to bringing high-quality, diverse programming to our community,” said Tobe Sevush, Programming Coordinator. “Our film series are growing in popularity because they offer something for everyone—a chance to see a film you might not have heard of, or to explore a genre that’s new to you. We’re proud to offer these enriching experiences that foster connection and conversation.”
Both film series take place at the Ossie Davis Theater, located at the New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle. All programs are free of charge, but registration is requested at bit.ly/NewNRPLCalendar or by calling 914-813-3706.
Learn more at nrpl.org. Follow the New Rochelle Public Library on Facebook and Instagram, @NRPublicLibrary