The Silver Screen Film Society, a one-man operation, has introduced Martha’s Vineyard to a refreshing variety of classic and contemporary films. Richard Paradise is the man behind the projector.  

“I try to create an enjoyable environment for each film. It comes down to the films themselves and the audience reaction to the films. There’s a sense of community. There’s always a buzz. It’s a great gathering place.”

The Silver Screen Film Society came about because of the growing interest in specialty films, and Richard’s sense that this Island market was unserved. He created the film society to supplement, rather than compete with, commercial theaters, and to offer independent and foreign-language films year-round.  
Silver Screen is nonprofit. “We get contributions from the Martha’s Vineyard Cultural Council.” One hundred members, who can buy tickets at reduced prices, help to fund it. “And we have regular ticket sales. One of the main reasons we’re able to stay in the black is that everyone volunteers their time, including myself. From day one I never looked at this as a money-making venture for me personally. We try to break even on the films.”  

Day one began in New York City. “I was the oldest of four children, so I had some special privileges. One was being able to stay up later. My father worked evenings when I was growing up, so I used to keep my mom company and we would watch old movies.”

Richard organized a film program at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. He selected, promoted, and screened the films in the dark ages of sixteen-millimeter projectors. When he moved to the Vineyard in the mid-1990s, he kept at it. “There was a movie program back in the ’70s and early ’80s called the Movie Museum. We reintroduced it in the summer of 1999. I got an enthusiastic response and felt this was something that could go on for most of the year.

“In February 2002 I began a program showing more contemporary films: art or specialty; documentaries; foreign language films. And that’s the beginning of the Silver Screen Society.” With the enlistment of a board and creation of a website, the Movie Museum evolved into the Silver Screen Society. How is he compensated?

“I do get to choose the films,” he says, grinning. Richard selects films connected to the Island, and those that have received critical acclaim. “I look for good stories.  I love foreign-language films. I try to keep it very broad.”

He previews each movie. “You need to know your audience. I enjoy programming films done by regional film producers–films about the Cape Cod Baseball League, the Nobska [a derelict Island steamer languishing at the Charlestown Navy Yard]. We mix both national and regional films.”  

In 2003 the Silver Screen Society partnered with Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs to show sci-fi films on summer evenings under the stars. “We’ve worked with other nonprofit organizations – Women Empowered, Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council, Hebrew Center, One Book One Island, NOW, and the Brazilian community.” His goal is “to cross-pollinate our audiences,” he says.

“All the films get introduced by someone, usually me. That’s the part I enjoy the most. I try to give a little flavor for the background of how the film was made and any little tidbits I can find.”

Richard has a supportive board and an understanding family to back him. His wife, Brenda Horrigan, “is very supportive of me doing this film society. I might spend ten, fifteen, twenty hours a week on the film society. She’s okay with that.” But, he adds, “I can’t personally screen films more than two nights a week. It takes too much time away from family life, since this is not a full-time career and I have a day job.” He sells magazine advertising and other services to clients in thirty countries.

In summer, films are shown at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs, the Grange Hall in West Tisbury, Featherstone, and the Katharine Cornell Theater in Vineyard Haven. “If we’re going to grow, we need our own theater and paid staff,” he says. “Getting a permanent location to do screenings is the next step. I want a more varied, interesting program that people ordinarily wouldn’t have an opportunity to see. People enjoy the films I show. That’s what keeps me going. They’re telling me we’re showing the right movies.”