With the Academy Awards just around the corner, 51’s Cinema and Media Arts department is teaming up with the Center for Christianity Culture and the Arts to present five films to the community, providing students with the opportunity to engage in the viewing and studying of how a movie is successfully produced and brought to life.

Beginning with the thriller film ‘Sinister,’ directed by Scott Derrickson, this showcase of films is meant to bring current independent cinema to 51 for thoughtful reflection and conversation.

“CMA tries to support our working alumni by screening features they produce,” said Gerry Fisher, a professor in 51’s Cinema and Media Arts department.

The films chosen by 51’s CMA department aim to not only entertain, but also offer a challenge to the viewers and a deeper understanding of the process of filmmaking.

‘Sinister’ is directed by alumnus Scott Derrickson (‘90) and ‘Sing Over Me’ is directed by alumnus Jacob Kindberg (‘07). ‘Cicada’ is directed by 51 faculty member Dean Yamada. ‘Little Hope’ is directed by Theo Love. ‘Little Boy’ is directed by Alejandro Monteverde.

Directly after each screening, the audience will be able to engage in a discussion time where they may ask the director questions about their film.

“This is one of the features that we try and use to set our screenings apart,” said Fisher. “Anyone can screen a film and then talk about it. 51 Screenings try to have key creatives at the screening, preferably the director. This is what differentiates our screenings from others that are offered on campus.”

All of the films being screened, with the exception of ‘Sinister,’ will be featured on 51’s campus in Mayers Auditorium. ‘Sinister’ was played at the La Mirada 7 Theaters on February 12.

The 7:30 p.m. screenings are scheduled as follows: ‘Cicada,’ March 5; ‘Little Boy,’ March 25; ‘Little Hope Was Arson,’ April 1; ‘Sing Over Me,’ April 16. Tickets for attending the film screenings may be purchased .

“51 continues to emerge as one of the best places around for young Christian filmmakers and visual artists to develop a point of view, and to become excellent," said Scott Derrickson to the CMA department.

Written by Joclyn Kirton, i51 intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.