‘Off-the-Square Screening Room’ July 20th

Successful Launch of Independent Film Series Prompts Move to Larger Location; Hyatt Place Hotel is New “Screening Room”

The Mystic Art Gallery will host the second edition of its Off-the-Square Screening Room on Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 pm. The success of the inaugural session last month has prompted the gallery to find a larger space to accommodate the audience. The Hyatt Place hotel in Medford Square has graciously stepped forward to partner with the gallery and serve as host.

Medford Arts Center, Inc. (MACI) President Mike Oliver was pleasantly surprised by the community response to the Off-the-Square Screening Room. “With the end of the ‘Doc’ Kountze Film Festival, we saw there was a void in the community that needed to be addressed. While we’re not traditionally filmmakers, we’re artists and not afraid to say “Why not?’ he said. “We filled the gallery and even had people standing out front peeking in the doors and windows. So it became clear that we immediately had a ‘good problem’ and needed to find a larger space.”

Able to accommodate up to 75 patrons, the Hyatt Place hotel offers the ideal space in which to grow the Screening Room, featuring a space with moveable walls that create a larger or smaller, more intimate space depending on attendance. The room also features superior A/V equipment and comfortable chairs. Patrons will even be able to purchase refreshments at the hotel’s bar. Popcorn will also be available for free.

The July screening will feature a short film directed by four beginning filmmakers from the Boston area, Tom Pilla, Martha Spizziri, Eta Shrestha and Georgia Bellas. The film, Changing Gears, is intriguingly described as “Two bikes fall in love, but will conflict keep them apart? Surprises are in store.” Director Spizziri will also be in attendance to discuss the film.

– Information from Medford Arts Center, Inc.