The Spokane magic lantern is a historic artifact that holds great significance in the field of visual entertainment. Also known as a "magic lantern projector," the Spokane magic lantern was a device used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to display still or moving images to a large audience. It was a precursor to the modern-day projector and played a pivotal role in the development of cinema. The magic lantern consisted of a light source, usually an oil or gas lamp, and a system of lenses and mirrors that projected an image onto a large screen or wall. The images were often hand-painted or created through photography and were printed onto glass slides. These slides were then inserted into the magic lantern and projected using the light source.
Spokane's Arthouse Theatre
One of the year's most acclaimed releases: Oscar-nominated Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania's experimental documentary FOUR DAUGHTERS (Les Filles d'Olfa), which will be screened in Arabic with English subtitles. The film tells the story of Olfa Hamrouni & her four daughters. Exploring the complex history behind the radicalization & disappearance of Olfa's two eldest daughters, we watch past events unfold with the aid of two actresses standing in for the missing daughters. An intimate journey of hope & rebellion that examines the ties that bind mothers, daughters & sisters. NR | 1h 47m
( ( ( Now Showing ) ) )
( C lick p o sters fo r t railers)
Original Title: Kimitachi wa dô ikiru ka (2023)
A moving and visually stunninig semi-autobiographical fantasy from the brilliant mind of Hayao Miyazaki soulfully explores themes of life, death and family. A young boy named Mahito (Soma Santoki) who loses his mother during WWII and is forced to move with his father (Takuya Kimura) to the home of his father's new wife Natsuko (Yoshino Kimura), who also happens to be the younger sister of Mahito's late mother. Mahito struggles with his new surroundings as well as his new stepmother. Before long, he finds himself being taunted by a bizarre Grey Heron (Masaki Suda) who guides Mahito to a fantastical realm hidden in his stepmothers gardens. Here Mahito discovers strange truths about his family lineage and journeys toward healing his unresolved grief.
*Note: We are showing both the Japanese Language with English Subtitles "SUBBED" and the English "DUBBED" versions.
Original Title: Kuolleet lehdet (2023)
A quirky tale of star-crossed lovers, Fallen Leaves is a life-affirming gem from Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki.
In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls (Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen) in search of their first love meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. However, the pair’s path to happiness is beset by numerous obstacles – from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog. NR | 1h 21m
A Michael Mann film unfolding in 1957 as Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), an icy and driven man, approaches 60 and struggles to maintain his grip on the industry he revolutionized. The film opens with an effort to break a speed record, something that Ferrari knows could be devastating for a company that’s already battling bankruptcy. The story continues as Farrari publicly contends with challenges to his legacy while privately bearing the grief of a lost heir and navigating the love of two strong women, his wife (Shailene Woodley) and long-time mistress (Penelope Cruz ).
In this heartwarming film directed by Alexander Payne, a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them (Dominic Sessa) -- a damaged, brainy troublemaker -- and with the school’s head cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), who has just lost a son in Vietnam.
Director and writer Sean Durkin tells the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their brutal and domineering father and coach, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), the brothers, Kevin (Zac Efron), David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and Mike (Stanley Simons) Von Erich seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.
Magic Lantern Theatre
These slides were then inserted into the magic lantern and projected using the light source. The Spokane magic lantern was not only a form of entertainment but also a means of education and documentation. It was frequently used to give lectures, showcase scientific discoveries, and tell stories through visuals.
Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability
The magic lantern played an essential role in spreading knowledge and information before the advent of television and film. The significance of the Spokane magic lantern goes beyond its practical purposes. It represents a pivotal point in the history of technology and visual media. The invention and widespread use of the magic lantern can be seen as a precursor to the development of cinema and modern-day projectors. It paved the way for the mass dissemination of visual information and the evolution of entertainment. Today, the Spokane magic lantern serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of past generations. It is a testament to the human desire for visual stimulation and the power of technology to bring about new forms of communication and entertainment. The magic lantern may no longer be in everyday use, but its impact on the world of visual media is undeniable..
Reviews for "The Spokane Magic Lantern: Reviving the Golden Age of Projection"
1. Jessica - 1 star
I had high hopes for the Spokane magic lantern show, but I was sorely disappointed. The presentation was lackluster and the magic tricks were predictable and poorly executed. The host seemed disinterested and unengaging, which made for a completely boring and unmemorable experience. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this subpar magic show.
2. Tom - 2 stars
The Spokane magic lantern show was a mediocre event. The illusions were outdated and didn't have the wow factor I was expecting. The overall production value was low, and it felt more like a small-town community theater performance rather than a professional magic show. I've seen much better magic shows in other cities, so I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone looking for an impressive and captivating experience.
3. Jennifer - 1 star
I attended the Spokane magic lantern show with my family, and it was a major disappointment. The tricks were unimpressive and poorly executed, leaving us underwhelmed and disinterested. The host's jokes were stale, and the entire show lacked energy and excitement. It was a waste of our time and money, and I wouldn't recommend it to others seeking quality entertainment. Save your money and go see a better magic show elsewhere.
4. Mike - 2 stars
I had heard good things about the Spokane magic lantern show, but it fell short of my expectations. The illusions were basic and unoriginal, failing to capture my attention or leave a lasting impression. The pacing of the show was also off, with awkward gaps between tricks that disrupted the flow. Overall, it was a lackluster experience that I wouldn't recommend to fellow magic enthusiasts. There are much better magic shows out there worth seeing instead.