The Coolidge Corner folks put it this way: A film producer creates the conditions for making movies and must therefore be an initiator, a coordinator, a supervisor, and a controller. Thomas is also a gifted encourager of talent who believes in making films that are bold and highly individual. His independent spirit as a producer has paid off both artistically and commercially. Since starting out in the 1970s, he has worked with outstanding directors. He harnesses the talents of iconoclastic veterans and nurtures the work of nascent filmmakers. His output of over forty works includes films directed by Nicolas Roeg (Bad Timing), Bernardo Bertolucci (The Last Emperor), Bob Rafelson (Blood and Wine), (David Cronenberg (Crash), Nagisa Oshima (Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence), Wim Wenders (The Palermo Shooting), Julien Temple (The Great Rock and Roll Swindle), and Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast). He is ... smart, stylish, and supremely skilled.
The opening award ceremony costs $35. Attending will be Tim Roth, Debra Winger, Julien Temple, Nicolas Roeg and Bob RafelsonThe centerpiece of the Coolidge Award events, this celebration recognizes Thomas's career and artistic achievements. A high profile event, it includes testimonials from Mr. Thomas's friends, colleagues and special guests, selected film clips from his work, and a musical performance by Balla Tounkara & Groupe Spirit. The program concludes with the presentation of the fifth annual Coolidge Award to Thomas.
The following day, at 2 p.m. it's "An Afternoon with Jeremy Thomas." That costs $9.75.Thomas takes us on a guided odyssey through his distinguished career as a film producer, followed by half-hour Q&A with the audience. The 8 p.m. ocassion is a panel discussion where Roth, Temple, Winger and others join Thomas to share their experiences in bringing a film to life from page to screen. Followed by half-hour Q&A with the audience. Cost: $20.

290 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-734-2000 www.coolidge.org