Dustin White
Editor

When thinking about communities engrossed in sharing diverse films, the Mandan-Bismarck area often doesn’t spring to mind. However, for over half a century, groups of avid film viewers have sought to bring a new variety of movies to the area. This winter, the Cinema 100 Film Society is once again treating the community to a diversity of films.

Opening with the film, “Life Animated” a 2016 documentary, the newest series begins on Jan. 17. A total of 12 films will appear in the series, which runs through March 30, finishing with the 2016 film, “The Eagle Huntress.”

History
It was the summer of 1951 when the forerunner of the Cinema 100 Film Society was conceived. Taking the helm of the organization was Gaylord Conrad, the father of Dean, Rowan and Kent Conrad.



The initial event consisted of a showing of “Trio,” a black and white British film. It was shown at the State Theater, a mostly abandoned movie house across from what is now the Belle Mehus Auditorum.

Beginning with success, the prospect of having a more full alternative film fare in the area seemed promising. However, a tragic loss would shock the community. In 1953, Conrad, and his wife Abigail, would pass away after an automobile accident.

It would take another three years for the film society to really take off, with the creation of the group “Cinema 100.” The group took its name from their goal of selling 100 season tickets, at $5 each, in order to finance the series.

The undertaking of such an effort proved to be quite difficult. Showings occurred in a small auditorium in the Provident Life Building. Equipment would have to be hauled in, while local film buffs, and other organizers, had to man the projector, which at the time required them to change the film reels. Unlike today’s movies, the process called for a break midway through the showing.

Eventually though, the group sizzled out and lied dormant for close to a decade. Attempts to revive the society occurred in the mid-1960s, but were short lived. It wouldn’t be until 1973 that Cinema 100 would have a new life breathed into it.

Revival
The grand revival of the film society came largely due to the efforts of a trio: Arnie Lahren, a member of the English department at Bismarck Junior College (now Bismarck State College), Brian Palecek, a member of the English department at United Tribes Technical College, and John Halloran.

One of the leading forces behind the revival was Lahren’s developing a film course at BSC. Using the Cinema 100 films as a “lab” for the class, Lahren helped find the society a new home at the Sidney J. Lee Auditorium at BSC.

However, as the group began to expand and change, there was a need to find a better venue to showcase the films. In 1987, they found just that with the Grand Theatres, a relationship that continues to this day.



With the new home, Cinema 100 was able to expand the content they could show. Having been confined to showing 16mm films, the society was able to begin showing 35mm films as well.

Tragedy would once again strike the society though. First, in 2000, Halloran passed away. Five years later, Lahren, who was unofficially dubbed as president for life, also passed away, after a brief fight with a brain tumor.

However, members of their “core group” stepped up, and have continued to work to keep the society a living entity in the Mandan-Bismarck community.

Evolution
Over the years, Cinema 100 continued to evolve. Having traditionally hosted only a winter/spring series, in 2002, the society decided to test out a fall series as well.

With an initial successful run, the fall series became a staple of the society. Centered primarily around a theme, it generally includes a showing of five films.

In 2003, the society moved to expand a bit more as well. Wanting to advance film as an art form in the state, Cinema 100 began a grant program. Offering financial support for a variety of projects, including the filming, producing, marketing and editing of a film, the society has made an impact on community.

Through the years, that group has also sponsored or co-sponsored a host of other events, including a “But the Book Was Better…,” book/film discussion series, which the Friends of the Morton Mandan Public Library also co-sponsored.