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New book puts IU Cinema history in spotlight

IU Cinema book cover
IU Cinema book cover

Ever wonder how IU came to be home of one of the country’s best venues for cinematic experiences? IU Cinema’s new book, “Indiana University Cinema: The New Model,” delves into the history of cinema on the IU Bloomington campus and the groundswell of support that inspired the renovation of a darkened historic theater space into a state-of-the-art venue for film presentation.

Co-written by Interim Director Brittany D. Friesner and Founding Director Jon Vickers, “Indiana University Cinema: The New Model” is now available from IU Press. It offers the rich history of how the cinema became the world-class venue that is today.

Illustrated with archival materials, photography and original posters that were designed for various IU Cinema events, the book also boasts 17 exclusive interviews from past IU Cinema guests, including Jim Jarmusch, Meryl Streep, Mira Nair, John Waters, Cheryl Dunye and alumnus Jonathan Banks. Banks also wrote the book’s afterword, while philanthropist and IU alumna Jane Jorgensen provided the foreword.

With IU Cinema celebrating its inaugural decade this year, “Indiana University Cinema: The New Model” reflects on the organization’s past, present and future while demonstrating how a Midwestern cinematheque became a space for groundbreaking filmmakers, innovative programming, thoughtful collaboration and unique moviegoing experiences.

IU Cinema’s podcast, “A Place for Film,” recently hosted a conversation between Friesner, Vickers, IU Cinema publications editor Michaela Owens and IU Cinema design and marketing manager Kyle Calvert on the process of creating the publication.

Morgenstern Books will host a book-signing event with Friesner and Vickers at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at 849 S. Auto Mall Road, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of “Singin’ in the Rain” at IU Cinema.

To order “Indiana University Cinema: The New Model,” visit IU Press’s website.