Deep in the heart of Tennessee, a podcast born out of a university club has quietly become a global phenomenon. The Cinematary podcast, originating from Knoxville, is set to celebrate its 500th episode with an event at Central Cinema. This milestone marks not only the culmination of over a decade of passionate film discussions but also the beginning of a new chapter for the show. With four dynamic hosts and a loyal international audience, Cinematary has grown far beyond its roots as a local cinema club project into a platform that connects cinephiles worldwide.
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Film and Friendship
In the vibrant city of Knoxville, on May 3rd, the world of cinema enthusiasts will converge at Central Cinema located at 1205 N. Central St. The evening's centerpiece is Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel," chosen both for its universal appeal and its significance as the first film dedicated to an entire Cinematary episode. Following the screening, the hosts will engage in a live podcast session, reflecting on their cinematic journey while interacting with the audience through an interview led by Darren Hughes. This gathering symbolizes the strong ties within Knoxville's film community, showcasing how podcasts can bridge gaps between creators and fans.
The Cinematary story began humbly at the University of Tennessee when journalism student Zach Dennis proposed the idea to UT Cinema Club leaders Andrew Swafford and Dylan Moore. Initially unsure about the concept of podcasting, they eventually embraced it, launching their inaugural episode in 2014. Over time, they developed themed series such as "Young Critics Watch Old Movies" and "Tennessee Auteurs." These ventures allowed them to explore diverse cinematic landscapes, from classic films like "Blade Runner" to regional auteurs influencing modern filmmaking.
With growing recognition, Cinematary expanded its reach, featuring international guests including early contributors to Letterboxd before its rise to prominence. Hosts Michael O’Malley and Grace Winburne joined later, bringing fresh perspectives that invigorated the show. Their dedication culminated in invitations to prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival and collaborations with other festivals locally and abroad.
A New Era Dawns for Cinematary
As Cinematary embarks on this transformative phase, the team plans to refine their approach by focusing on one series at a time rather than maintaining bi-weekly episodes. This shift aims to enhance depth and quality, allowing deeper dives into specific topics while granting more preparation time. Each completed series will be followed by a hiatus before restarting anew—a strategy designed to maintain listener engagement while fostering creative growth among the hosts.
Reflecting on their journey, each host fondly recalls standout moments. For Dennis, it was witnessing the evolution from the inaugural episode to attending the Toronto International Film Festival. Swafford cherishes the chaotic yet insightful summaries during past anniversary specials. O’Malley treasures opportunities to curate specialized series based on personal obsessions, enriching shared experiences. Meanwhile, Winburne holds dear an episode featuring her father discussing David Lean’s masterpiece, highlighting intergenerational connections fostered through cinema.
From a journalist's perspective, Cinematary exemplifies how passion projects can transcend geographical boundaries, creating meaningful communities around shared interests. Their transition underscores adaptability essential in today’s media landscape, proving that staying true to core values while innovating ensures longevity and relevance. As we witness their next steps, it serves as a reminder that authentic storytelling remains timeless, resonating across cultures and continents alike.