FILM/SNEAK PEEK : YOU CAN SEE INDIE FILMS FIRST.

Byline: - Bob McCarthy

You be the judge.

That's the intention of a new film and discussion group that previews independent and foreign releases before they they have a chance to generate industry buzz or reviews. Called the Key Sunday Cinema Club, members arrive at Laemmle's Monica Theatre unaware of what they're about to see. This approach has proven extremely popular in making insiders of ordinary moviegoers who would otherwise have to wait weeks before the commercial release of these art films.

The concept was started in 1992 in Washington, D.C., and spread to Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta and Portland before coming to the City of Angels. Once the film's closing credits roll, a question-and-answer and discussion time follows, with members stepping into the role of critics without any spin from the studios or any media outlet.

Club members in other cities have viewed such outstanding productions such as ``Gods and Monsters'' from Bill Condon, the Oscar-winning ``Shakespeare in Love,'' ``Passion Fish,'' ``The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' and first-time director Joan Chen's ``Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.''

The premiere series starts on Oct. 3 at a cost of $100 for seven meetings. Other dates are Oct. 10 and 24, Nov. 7 and 21, Dec. 12 and Jan. 9. Organizers plan to bring in film critics, scholars, actors and directors as guest speakers on a regular basis.

In a departure from normal rules, the club is announcing the first art-house film to be shown. ``Man of the Century'' from Fine Line Features, stars Gibson Frazier, who is also the writer and producer of the film. Sessions begin at 10 a.m.

The theater is at 1332 Second St., Santa Monica. To get information or to join, call [phone] weekdays.

Fonda, Hopper ride again

A restored print of ``Easy Rider,'' the 1969 biker movie that was nominated for two Oscars, will be screened at 8 tonight at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills.

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper climbed aboard their choppers in search of freedom in America's roiling 1960s and made one of the decade's most memorable social commentaries. Hopper, who co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay with Fonda and Terry Southern, will attend and talk about his experiences making the film in a panel discussion afterward. Other cast and crew members, including film editor Donn Cambern, will participate.

The print being screened is a newly restored version by Sony Pictures and features digitally remastered sound.

Jack Nicholson earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role. Tickets cost $5 for general admission and $3 for academy members. The theater is at 8949 Wilshire Blvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call [phone].

Noel, Noel

A series titled ``Mad About the Boy: Noel Coward on Film'' starts at 7:30 tonight with a double feature of ``Private Lives'' (1931) and the musical ``Cavalcade'' (1932) at Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Bing Theatre.

The series, which runs through Oct. 2, resumes 7:30 Saturday night when ``Designs for Living'' and ``The Scoundrel'' are shown. Tickets are $7 for general admission, $5 for museum members and students with ID. Call [phone] for ticket information. The museum is at 5905 Wilshire Blvd.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO A restored print of ``Easy Rider,'' starring Dennis Hopper, left, and Peter Fonda, is being screened tonight at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Hopper will participate in a panel discission afterward.