Cinesthesia Film Series Returns to Central Library January 17

Central Library’s film series, Cinesthesia, will make its triumphant return on Wednesday, January 17 at 6pm showing the film Strange Days (1995) from Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. 

The series, which began shortly after the renovation of Central Library in 2013, was started by local cinephile Jason Fuhrman and gained momentum and new audience members right up until the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. Fuhrman is excited to bring the series back downtown, as he believes it brings something unique to Madison. 

“There are so many amazing resources here for cinephiles, but I have always tried to do my own thing and complement, rather than compete with, other film programs such as the UW Cinematheque and Mills Folly Microcinema at the Arts + Literature Laboratory,” said Fuhrman. “I think I've managed to carve a niche in the Madison film community and provide something unique that people can't get anywhere else.”

Part of what makes Cinesthesia stand out is the selection of films that are shown. Movies are shown monthly in the Community Room on the 3rd Floor, and Fuhrman says he puts a lot of thought into curating the right mix of films for the year. 

“I tend to gravitate toward films that have been forgotten, overlooked, or misunderstood for one reason or another,” said Fuhrman. “I also try to emphasize titles that are either adaptations of books or have some connection to literature since the series takes place in a public library. As the program gradually takes shape and I arrange the films into a sensible order, I always look for segues, complementary pairings, unexpected juxtapositions, and contemporary resonances.”

This makes for an eclectic mix of movies that often have interesting and timely messages for attendees. But, Fuhrman says his goal is for the films to be approachable, no matter what your film history may be. 

“I hope that people broaden their horizons and expand their minds a little by attending events at Cinesthesia. I want to challenge viewers and stimulate meaningful conversations with films that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. People might discover films that they never knew existed or view previously seen films in a different light,” said Fuhrman. “I think the events are for anyone and everyone who has any kind of interest in cinema—from the casual moviegoer who has watched mostly mainstream pictures to the die-hard cinephile and the discerning, jaded film aficionado. Above all, I hope they have a good time.”

Cinesthesia Lineup 2024: 

• Wednesday, January 17 - Strange Days (1995)
• Wednesday, February 21 - Malcolm X (1992)
• Wednesday, March 20 - Hollywood Shuffle (1987)
• Wednesday, April 24 - 1984 (1984)
• Wednesday, May 15 - Election (1999)
• Wednesday, June 12 - A Face in the Crowd (1957)
• Tuesday, July 16 - Shaft (1971)
• Wednesday, August 21 - Medium Cool (1969)
• Wednesday, September 25 - A Dry White Season (1989)
• Wednesday, October 23 - The Elephant Man (1980)
• Wednesday, November 20 - The Piano (1993)
• Wednesday, December 18 - Black Swan (2010)

Learn more about Cinesthesia at madpl.org/cinesthesia. 

About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 140 years.  Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on X (formerly Twitter), or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.