Pascall brings the world to BIG ARTS through film

JR Pascall After residing and working in Europe and Asia for nearly 25 years, JR Pascall returned to the United States moving to Sanibel shortly after retiring from the pharmaceutical industry. In the past 12 years since moving to Sanibel, Pascall has been a committed volunteer, an Angel supporter for BIG ARTS, a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of both the Film and Marketing Committees.

He recently made a major planned gift to BIG ARTS that will be used to help ensure the continuation and future development the BIG ARTS Film Society program and other related activities. Film program sponsorships and Estate Planned Giving are what provide the fuel for the on-going upgrading and enhancement of the film program.

During his overseas years Pascall was responsible for setting up the overseas operations of IMS, a consulting and informational company for the pharmaceutical industry. This resulted in his having resided in 10 countries each for a period of two years or more.

Ten years ago when Pascall first launched the BIG ARTS film program he saw it as an opportunity to bring the world to BIG ARTS through the medium of film. And so was born the "Windows on the World" series. Focusing on award winning foreign films from many different countries proved to be a winning formula for growing Monday evening film audiences.

This in turn led to the launching of the "Academy Awards Contender" series with Island Cinema, the Film Fan Club Discussion Group at The Bean, the Film Director Master classes, and various other film related activities and programs at BIG ARTS.

The Mission of the BIG ARTS Film Society is "To bring the world to Sanibel audiences through the medium of high quality award winning films." However, Pascall has a vision for the film program that goes beyond its Mission Statement.

"I would like to see Sanibel become a recognized vacation destination for people who love good films," he said. "Am I dreaming the impossible dream? Maybe not."

For information about upcoming events and workshops at BIG ARTS, to purchase tickets, or to sign up for workshops, stop by BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road Sanibel, call (239) 395-0900, e-mail info@BIGARTS.org, or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.