Gershon Hinkson. (Dustin Schoof Photo)
We are less than 24 hours away from the return of Movies at the Mill and hopefully you have your most dapper speakeasy ensemble ironed, pressed and ready to go.
The 11th annual showcase of independent short films will be held Saturday at the Sigal Museum in Easton.
Here are five things you need to know about this year’s speakeasy-themed event:
‘SPEAKEASY’ FUN
This year’s popular post-screening soiree will be a Movies at the Mill “speakeasy,” which will be held at a secret location in the city and will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. That means festival goers can get their food, drink, and dance on before, or after, going to their selected screening. Attendees will be given a password and directions to the “speakeasy” when they check in for their screening block.
TICKET TO ADVENTURE
Tickets, which provide entry to the “speakeasy,” cost $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at moviesatthemill.com or Saturday at the Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St., between 3 and 9 p.m. Free parking in the parking deck behind Easton City Hall is included with your ticket. (City Hall is located at 123 S. Third St.)
MOVIE MAGIC
Nine films will be featured during Movies at the Mill and will be broken down into four screening blocks: 3, 4:50, 6:40, and 8:30 p.m. This year’s cinematic offerings include animation, drama, comedy, documentary, political pontification, and other thought-provoking fare — a wide-ranging and diverse mix of styles and voices.
LOCATION
Festival founder/director Gershon Hinkson said during a recent interview that the move to the Sigal Museum fits squarely into the festival’s mission. “It sort of ups the ante and increases the cache and the experience by having it in something as distinguished as a museum,” Hinkson said.
LIBATION STATION
The Movies at the Mill “speakeasy” will feature what Hinkson described as a carefully curated food and drink menu. Adding to the vintage vibe of the evening will be live music provided by jazz group The Steve Hall Quartet. “The same you would experience at a speakeasy in the 1920s, through the ‘40s even,” Hinkson said.