Press release

Bishop Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Lone Pine Museum of Western Film History to host two vintage movie screenings August 26 & 27. The films will offer a trip back in time with subjects including Owens Valley history, culture, mining, events, and tourism. Film dates range from 1919 to the mid 1980’s.

Lone Pine Museum of Western Film History

Through the “California Revealed” project, sponsored by California Preservation Program, the Bishop Chamber has submitted many old films for digitization that are now living in perpetuity on the internet. A handful of these movies will be shown on the big screens in Bishop and Lone Pine.

The films originated from old media such as 16 mm films, 8 mm films, VHS and Beta video tapes. Many old home movies and documentaries sit in storage gathering dust because movie projectors and VCRs are obsolete. This showing is designed to help others learn how California Revealed can assist with preserving old film & audio recordings. “We know local agencies, churches, businesses and even families have priceless memories and important history stowed away in garages and attics that should be preserved and shared,” notes Tawni Thomson of the Bishop Chamber.

Four movies will be screened each day including:

“The Film of All Ages”
“Mule Days with Slim Pickens
“Champion Spark Plug Mine”
“This is Bishop”

On Saturday, August 26^th the films will be shown at Bishop Twin Theatre, 12noon – 2pm.

On Sunday, August 27^th, the event will be at the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, 1pm – 3pm.

Local history experts Roberta Harlan and Dave Woodruff will be on hand at both events to introduce the films and answer questions.

On Monday, August 28^th, Pamela Vadakan of “California Revealed” will hold a workshop to help those interested in submitting old video and audio files for digitization. The workshop will be at the Bishop Library, 10am-2pm.

The project is sponsored in part by Inyo County’s CPSP grant program. All events are free; however any donations to help offset costs would be greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact Tawni Thomson or Joe Pollini at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. 760-873-8405 or email [email protected].