Largely unchanged for more than a century, the projection of photochemical film faces an uncertain future in the digital age. The practice of handing and projecting film is in danger of being lost; and the role of film projectionist is nearing extinction. The Dying of the Light explores at the history and craft of motion picture presentation through the lives and stories of the last generation of career projectionists – the specialists who can lace a projector, run reel-to-reel changeovers, splice and wind film, and ensure proper brightness and focus on screen.

By turns humorous and melancholic, their candid reflections on life in the booth reveal a world that has largely gone unnoticed and is now at an end. The result is a loving tribute to the art and romance of the movies — and to the unseen people who put the light on our screens. Along with its focus on the eccentric characters who helm the projection booths, it also visits theaters (working and not) around the country, including Detroit’s Michigan Theatre, which now functions as a parking garage.

Michigan premiere.

Saturday, April 2 at 9:15 p.m. ONLY
Documentary – NR – 94 min – Tickets $10 – Get tickets online

After the film: Director Peter Flynn takes part in a Q&A with film critic John Monaghan.