A Binghamton University professor has organized a monthly film series that promises good movies and good eats.
Ingeborg Majer-O’Sickey, an associate professor of German, Russian and women’s studies, will debut the “Film and Food Series” at the Art Mission and Theater on Prospect Avenue in Downtown Binghamton on Thursday. The series will feature food-themed films every month until May.
Before the film begins, theater-goers will sample food from a local restaurant while mingling with other film and food fans. Following this, Majer-O’Sickey will introduce the film and offer a discussion session at the conclusion.
This week’s screening will feature “Ratatouille,” paired with food courtesy of Lost Dog Café, and tickets cost $15.
Majer-O’Sickey hopes that the series helps to enrich the area around BU.
“I would like this event to bring a deeper sense of community to Binghamton,” she said.
She pointed out that other universities, including her alma mater, The University of Texas, do not hold events that create synergy between local restaurants and the community.
“Binghamton has a lot to offer to the community,” she said. “And an economically vibrant town is good for everyone.”
Majer-O’Sickey began planning the series last summer. She approached Sean Massey, a research associate professor of women’s studies who co-owns Tranquil Bar/Bistro in Binghamton, to start the process.
Massey said Tranquil was happy to take part in the series, and introduced Majer-O’Sickey to the Art Mission and Theater team.
Majer-O’Sickley said she believes this series reflects the ideals of BU’s president, Harvey Stenger, who has said he hopes to build community engagement to enhance the local community and region. Majer-O’Sickey extended a special invitation to him and his family to attend the series.
“This series has to do with his idea of forging campus and community relations,” Majer-O’Sickey said. “He should bring his family to ‘Ratatouille.’ It is so charming; they will love it.”
When arranging the program, Majer-O’Sickey said she selected movies that are uplifting and hold some profundity, so they can be examined on a symbolic level. Later, she chose local restaurants that she thought held some connection to the movies.
Majer-O’Sickey said she believes this series will be successful, and hopes the series will inspire similar events in the future, like an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community festival. According to her, the next step is transforming this into a student-run activity.
Restaurants are donating their food and services in exchange for one month of free advertising with the theater, which will receive the proceeds.
Chloe Sosa, sophomore double-majoring in psychology and comparative literature, said she thinks the series could broaden horizons for many BU students.
“It provides a great opportunity to experience a part of the city we live in,” she said. “Binghamton is so much more than State Street and a lot of students have yet to realize that.”
Sosa also said that students should attend the optional post-screening discussion.
“Professor Majer-O’Sickey is both incredibly knowledgeable and hilarious,” she said.
Other students, like Atif Sabur, a senior majoring in history, said the series will give students the opportunity to enjoy good food and good movies.
“Combining local cuisine and interesting movies will be a great combo, which many students will appreciate,” Sabur said. “With professor Majer-O’Sickey introducing each film, you can’t go wrong at all.”
Sabur believes there is a misconception among some BU students that Binghamton and neighboring towns are “devoid of good food or some sort of food culture.”
Michaela Fitzgerald, a junior majoring in anthropology, said she is a movie buff who will definitely attend the series.
“We already pay $11 for a movie ticket,” she said. “It’s worth it to pay the extra $4 for free food. The food at the concession stand is expensive anyway.”
Each monthly event will begin at 8 p.m. at the Art Mission and Theater at 61 Prospect Ave. Tickets are $15 and it is recommended that they be purchased prior to each screening. Tickets can be purchased by calling (607) 722-6914 or via email at orartmission@artmission.org.