MoPix West Michigan

 

c/o Joe Sibley -

4942 Walton Ave SW

- Wyoming, MI 49548

 

 

For Immediate release:

 

Contact: Joe Sibley (MoPix West Michigan) (616)949-1100 ext 223
Contact: Steve VanWagoner (Loeks Theatres Inc.) (616)447-4253
Monday September 11, 2006

 

Blind, Deaf enjoying movies in the theatre! Celebrating a year of MoPix at Studio 28!

 

(Grand Rapids) Through a partnership between Loeks Theatres Inc. and MoPix West Michigan, those who are blind, deaf, visually impaired, or hard of hearing have been able to fully enjoy first run movies at Studio 28. Michigan's first MoPix system was installed in theatre 11 at Studio 28 in July 2005. The MoPix system uses rear window captioning and audio description to provide those who are blind or deaf all of the information to fully enjoy the movie. The experience for patrons not using the system is not changed.

 

 

MoPix West Michigan raised half of the cost of retrofitting theatre 11 with the system. Loeks Theatres Inc. matched that cost and provided a home for the new technology.

 

 

On Thursday September 21 from 5-7 pm area dignitaries, guests, and media are invited to Studio 28 for a one year celebration of MoPix in Michigan! Please come and join us for:

 

• Food and refreshments provided by Celebration Catering!

   

• * A chance to sample the MoPix equipment during the screening of a current movie!

   

• * Guest speakers, and the story of how this project became a reality!

   

• * Learn where MoPix will be expanding in the Grand Rapids area!

   

• MoPix West Michigan is an organization of local advocates, most of whom are blind, deaf, visually impaired, or hard of hearing working together to bring MoPix to our community and other areas.

   

 

  "We are celebrating inclusion"? said Joe Sibley of MoPix West Michigan.  The blind, deaf, visually impaired and hard of hearing can go to the movies with their friends and family.  We think it's special and it's only the beginning."

 

 Always a community leader, Loeks Theatres Inc. operates Studio 28, Celebration Cinema North, and Celebration Cinema South in the Grand Rapids area. They also have theatres in Lansing (now with MoPix), Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Mt.Pleasant, and Benton Harbor/St. Joseph. Visit: www.celebrationcinema.com.

 

 

For more information on MoPix and the Motion Picture Access Project visit: http://www.mopix.org/