Arts & Entertainment
Encore Showing of Kings Park Documentary on Sept. 29
"Kings Park: Stories of an American Mental Institution" will be shown at the Huntington Cinema Arts Center.
Popular demand has brought "Kings Park: Stories from an American Mental Institution" back to the big screen.
Huntington Cinema Arts Center will screen the Kings Park documentary made by former patient and film maker Lucy Winer for a sixth time on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
The documentary follows the personal story of Winer, who was 17 years old when on June 21, 1967, she was committed to the female violent ward of Kings Park State Hospital following a series of failed suicide attempts.
Now, more than 30 years later, Winer returns to the grounds of the Kings Park to learn the story of the abandoned mental institution that held her captive. The filmmaker meets with other former patients, their families and staff to reveal the painful past of the mental health system and its demise.
The documentary has sold out previous January and March showings at the 275-seat Huntington Cinema Arts Center.
"We've sold out shows before, but the clamor around this is different," said Susan Finkestein to Patch in March. "People are anxious to get tickets and we have never sold out before the shows. The minute we say the show is sold out, they want to know when the next one is."
Winer is grateful for the response and support.
Find out what's happening in Kings Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"The Huntington Centre has been wonderful to open their doors again," said Winer. "The film is really touching a nerve."
O Jan. 30, the movie became available on DVD. Finklestein said, though the movie can be seen at home, the experience of sharing it with the audience is not to be missed. Following the movie, Winer and members of the cast and crew are on hand for a Q&A with the audience.
Find out what's happening in Kings Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"It's really different to see it in the theater, with the director there to answer your questions and we do a wine and cheese reception," said Finkelstein. "I think people lose the feel of community when you are starting at your small or big screen at home."
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