It was a party, a reunion, and a moving tribute all in one. And none of us has aged a day!
The 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Watch the highlights of our 50th anniversary celebration!
Part 1: A rousing opening number; video from the Off the Wall closing party; and tributes from filmmakers and friends.
Part 2: Ken Field introduces Karen Aqua’s films; Michael, Mike, Larry, and Jay reminisce and answer questions; and David Mendelsohn slides in to share his thoughts and memories.
On December 11, 2024, in honor of Off the Wall’s 50th anniversary*, all five Off the wall Cinema partners were together in one room for the first time in 38 years to present a sampler of the best of Off the Wall’s film collection (program notes: 6pm animation / 8pm live action). On the following night, four of us gathered again to present more Off the Wall classics, reminisce about the theater and its impact on independent filmmaking, and answer questions from the many friends, supporters, former employees, and curious youngin’s who gathered to celebrate. We ran a video of tributes from longtime friends and fans (see below), along with an archival interview with June Foray and Bill Scott, screened more of our favorites (program notes), and shared memories.
*Off the Wall’s actual opening night was Friday, December 13, 1974, but we’re not foolish enough to tempt fate with a Friday the 13th event again.
Not everyone had a chance to ask their question during our Q&A, so people have been writing in with the subjects they’re most curious about. Some of the questions and some of our answers are below. Do you have a question? Ask away! We’ll answer it as soon as we’re in the mood to do it.
Questions asked and answered
Do you have a favorite moment (or moments)? A favorite movie?
MICHAEL NICHOLSON: Looking back I'd say I enjoyed the animation the most. First the newer and international animation of shows of the Magic Movies presentations, particularly getting to go to Canada five times for the International Animation Festivals, then all the 75 Years of Animation, Warner Brothers retrospectives and the like. I remember asking my Dad, when I was about five or six, if I'd still like cartoons when I grew up? He said I wouldn't. Father doesn't always know best!
MIKE PECK: There are too many great moments (and too many great movies) to pick a favorite, but I will say I had a favorite type of moment. It was when a film had a bit that was guaranteed to make people burst into laughter or applause -- a gag in Duck Amuck for example, or the Nicholas brothers' peerless routine in Stormy Weather. I'd leave the projection booth to sit with the audience, or if I was in the kitchen I'd stop what I was doing and listen for the reaction.
What did you do after OTW closed?
MICHAEL NICHOLSON: I continued Off the Wall part time until the 20th anniversary in 1994. Then I went on to a new career working for a nonprofit helping to support adults with intellectual and other disabilities until retirement in 2020.
DAVID MENDELSOHN: I focused on community, environmental, and gang mediation; eventually I transitioned to working with FEMA on environmental mitigation, and eventually established Settlements and Solutions, a resource for dispute resolution.
MIKE PECK: I saw which way the wind was blowing and got a job at a video store. Meanwhile, I took graphic design classes until I learned enough to get a design-related job.
Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently?
MICHAEL NICHOLSON: Knowing what I know now, I would still do it all over again. You might only get one chance to do something that makes a difference. This was mine and I took it! No regrets! There have been the inevitable ups and downs, but it's been a wonderful ride on the whole, and I'm happy with the way things turned out. I do wish the Globe had acknowledged our 50th though.
MIKE PECK: I probably could have added a few XXL shirts to the Off the Wall t-shirt order.