Monroe Center in Hoboken is ever expanding its artistic role in the community. Not only is the center a place to hear music, see art, or take a class, now residents can see a selection of independent films. The new series, “Art in Film” features artistic films that one would normally have to travel to the city to see.
Film series
The series opened in October with “The World According to Shorts.”
According to Aida Jones, artistic director of Monroe Center, the idea for the series was based on requests and the fact that there is a need for a movie theater in Hoboken.
“We want to bring a wide diversity of high quality films to the community,” said Jones. “We look for films that are thought provoking and also select them based on the reviews of over 40 different critic sources.”
The films planned for the series include: independent films, classic foreign and American cinema, contemporary foreign and American, and documentaries.
“People in Hoboken have told us that they want a place to see great films,” said Jones, “but more than that people have enjoyed the intimacy of our small venue.” “There is an opportunity to mingle with people and share thoughts on the film, this sharing makes “Art in Film” a richer experience,” Jones added.
Next up: ‘Friends With Money’
Next Thursday, on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., “Friends With Money” will be shown in studio E201 at Monroe Center. The film by writer/director Nicole Holofcener features a top-notch cast of leading ladies (Jennifer Aniston, Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, and Catherine Keener) in this realistic comedy/drama.
The women play life-long friends living mostly comfortable married lives on the West Coast. Except for Olivia (played by Aniston) who is neither comfortable nor married. In a moment of crisis she quits her full-time teaching job and begins cleaning houses.
Although the other women are married, they too struggle to find balance. Jane (played by McDormand) is a successful fashion designer who has grown apart from her husband. Christine (played by Keenar) works with her husband as a screenwriter, which raises tensions at home. Franny (played by Cusack), who is independently wealthy, seems to be outwardly happy with her marriage and kids. The story also shows how money or how the lack of it can affect friendships.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and guests are asked to reserve a space in advance as seating is limited. Reservations can be made online at: www.monroecenter.com. There is a $5 suggested donation.
Coffee and cookies will be served.
Upcoming
According to Jones, the grand plan for the series is to have it every month. Eventually it will include dinner and a movie as soon as the new bar and restaurant Shades opens in the Monroe Center.
On Dec. 5, they will screen “Gabrielle” at 7 p.m. Other planned films include: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring; Woman is the Future of Man; The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes; and Since Otar Left.
Jones said that the response from guests has been great.
It has been very positive,” said Jones. “It is more of a night out and becomes a chance to share the experience with other people.”
Monroe Center is located at 720 Monroe St. in Hoboken. For more information, call (201) 795-5000 or visit: www.monroecenter.com.