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["DEBORAH THOMAS-VIGLIANO" <dtv13@verizon.net>]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SC_VOLCANO_MOVIE_SCOL-?SITE=SCGRE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


Some IMAX theaters not screening volcanoes flick

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- The IMAX theater in Charleston and several others 
in the South have passed on showing a science film on volcanoes because of 
concerns it might offend those with fundamental religious beliefs.

"We've got to pick a film that's going to sell in our area. If it's not 
going to sell, we're not going to take it," said Lisa Buzzelli, director of 
the local IMAX theater. "Many people here believe in creationism, not 
evolution."

Buzzelli said while the Charleston theater doesn't rule out showing 
"Volcanoes of the Deep Sea" in the future, she considers people's religious 
views when showing films.

The film makes a connection between human DNA and microbes inside undersea 
volcanoes. Buzzelli said the handling of evolution was considered in her 
decision.

IMAX theaters in Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas have declined to show the 
film, said Pietro Serapiglia who handles distribution for Stephen Low, the 
film's director and producer who is from Montreal.

"I find it's only in the South," Serapiglia said.

Some people worry screening out such films will discourage filmmakers from 
making others in the future.

"It's going to restrain the creative approach by directors who refer to 
evolution," said Joe DeAmicis, vice president for marketing at the 
California Science Center in Los Angeles and a former director of an IMAX 
theater. "References to evolution will be dropped."

The IMAX Theatre in Myrtle Beach also decided against showing the film. The 
theater's director, Jerry Lennard, would not comment.

Some IMAX theaters are connected to science centers. Charleston's is next to 
the South Carolina Aquarium but has no formal relationship with the 
aquarium.

Whit McMillan, the aquarium's director of education, said while evolution is 
taught there, he didn't see a problem with the IMAX decision.

"They're a for-profit theater," he said. "It's basically none of my 
business."