Wallace opens up for movies

Published 10:57 pm Monday, August 29, 2011

Though Selma may be lacking a movie theater, it won’t be long before residents can enjoy their very own big-screen movie experience right here in town.

Beginning Sept. 10, Wallace Community College-Selma will show the Warner Bros.’ motion picture the Green Lantern inside its Earl Goodwin Theatre.

Wallace director of marketing Johnny Moss said the effort is to reach out to the community and address a need. The college, Moss said, plans to show new releases afterward.

Email newsletter signup

“We’re a community college and we strive to maintain a presence in the community,” Moss said. “We understand there’s a lack of programs for our youth to participate in. There’s a need for a movie theatre here. The plan is to show a movie once a month and then take an assessment to show if there’s a need for more showings. We’ll then make an internal examination.”

Thanks to a federal grant, Wallace developed an advanced visualization center, or AVC, that includes an experience and learning lab to show 3-D contents for student and business use. The lab also has the capabilities of playing DVDs, which Wallace president James Mitchell, Moss said, was in favor of.

“Dr. Mitchell had the concept, which was based off of need,” Moss said. “Through the advanced visualization center we knew we had the capabilities and technology. Originally we wanted to start in the summertime (showing movies) but we decided to upgrade the sound system to give the Surround sound effect. We always had it in plan, now we’re moving forward.”

Having sent out movie flyers with two complimentary tickets for each area K-12 school Monday, Moss said he anticipates a great response from the public.

“We sent out nearly 100 tickets,” Moss said. “Right now, it’s a first come, first serve basis … we’re looking into a presale purchase program. I’ve been pleased with the feedback, a lot of people have been asking about the movie theatre.”

Moss said through this process, he hopes to give the area’s youth another positive outlet. Moss said the movie theatre concept is in line with the school’s mission.

“We want to provide entertainment for the citizens of Selma,” Moss said. “We want to follow in the mission by providing high quality educational opportunities and services to the community.”

Movie showings begin at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $5 and $3 for children under age 11.