Viewing: December 12,2025
Join us Friday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. for a two-fold celebration of classic cinema as we honor both our fantastic group of Athena Members and the 75th anniversary of Sunset Boulevard!
FREE Admission for Athena Members + 1 guest / $8 admission for non-members – Tickets are required
About the film
This year marks the 75th anniversary of one of the greatest films in cinema history: Billy Wilder’s film noir Sunset Boulevard. William Holden and Gloria Swanson star in this sordid tale about fame’s flickering flame. Down-and-out screenwriter Joe Gillis (Holden) is drawn into a web of intrigue by nearly-forgotten silent film star Norma Desmond (Swanson) who seeks to manipulate Gillis into writing a fresh script that will initiate her return to the big screen. As the pair get more involved in the project, it becomes clear to Gillis that Norma lives in a world of fantasy where her former fame is still at its apex even though the trappings of a lavish Hollywood lifestyle are now beyond her means. When Norma’s delusions cause her to fall in love with Gillis, things take a dark turn when she realizes that he may just be using her as much as she has sought to use him.
Nominated for 11 Academy Awards (and winning 3), and considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time, Sunset Boulevard is the quintessential film noir — a story full of deceit, double-crossing, and, ultimately, death. In addition to Holden and Swanson, the excellent cast boasts solid performances by legendary actors Erich Von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, and Jack Warden; in addition to featuring cameo appearances by some of the era’s top Hollywood icons like director Cecile B. DeMille, gossip columnists Hedda Hopper and Sid Skolsky, and actor Buster Keaton.
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Academy Award-winning actress Juliette Binoche stars opposite Benoît Magimel (Binoche’s one-time partner in real life) in this deliciously romantic period-piece set in France in the 1880’s. THE TASTE OF THINGS is a love letter to food and to love — the kind of film that is a feast for the eyes and mouth-wateringly charming.
Dr. Tiffany Arnold is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the College of Health Sciences and Professions where she coordinates the Appalachian Studies Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs. Additionally, she teaches Public Health and Environmental Health Courses Focused on Appalachian studies.
Rose Frech is a licensed social worker with broad expertise in navigating the complexities of the health and social services in Ohio. She has served in key positions in fundraising, policy analysis, program management, and advocacy in multiple areas of the sector, including community mental health, food and public benefits access, Community Action, Medicaid, and early intervention. A longtime social work educator, Rose has had the privilege of teaching new social workers for over 10 years. Born and raised in Athens, she is a passionate advocate for the Appalachian Ohio region. Rose currently serves as the Director of External Affairs at Integrated Services for Behavioral Healthcare, a behavioral health and housing organization serving 21 counties across Southeast Ohio.
