Old‑school movie buffs, this one’s for you. This Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. at Central Cinema, TAMIS and UT Cinema Studies present Amateur Movie Day — an international celebration of historic amateur filmmaking.
Knoxville’s beloved Central Cinema, the one‑screen gem in the heart of Happy Holler, right up Central near the Freezo, continues to be one of the coolest spots in town. Their programming is always eclectic, spanning everything from cult horror to throwback blockbusters. And once a month, they open their doors to host free events with the Library’s own Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS).
This one‑time screening showcases a wide range of short films created by hobbyists, students, artists, and other non‑professional filmmakers. Expect rare material from the 1930s all the way to the 2020s, featuring everything from international travel reels to home‑grown crime thrillers.
The program includes works from the TAMIS permanent collection as well as contributions from artists, collectors, and partner institutions. Amateur Movie Day is sponsored globally by the Amateur Movie Database, an academic project dedicated to preserving and uplifting amateur cinema.
Admission is FREE, and the popcorn is too.
If you love local history, vintage film, or just discovering stories you won’t find anywhere else — this is absolutely your night.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.
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