Kinonik preserves and shares film history in Portland

A nonprofit group in Portland, called Kinonik, is dedicated to preserving and sharing film history. Since its creation in 2016, Kinonik has built a collection of about 1,800 movie film prints. The prints come from donations by colleges, libraries, and theaters, as many organizations shift to digital movie projection. Kinonik offers regular screenings at its 50-seat venue on Cassidy Point, near Portland's waterfront. They also show films at other local venues. The collection features a range of films, including silent movies, foreign films, and classics from the past 50 years. Upcoming screenings include notable titles like "Forbidden Games" (1952) and "Dr. Strangelove" (1964). The founders hope to promote a communal film-watching experience, which they believe sparks vibrant conversations among viewers. Co-founder Skylar Thorne Kelly noted that watching films with others is more impactful than viewing them alone. Kelly's interest in film began in childhood, inspired by famous director Akira Kurosawa. He and co-founder Andy Graham created Kinonik to revive a love for film in a community setting. Graham has a long history with film, having been involved in a film study group in the 1970s. Kinonik now shows one or two films weekly, with a mix of new and classic films. They rely on donations to grow their collection and carefully maintain the quality of their prints. The group aims to inspire curiosity and discussion through film, as members consider which movies to screen next.