A kaleidoscopic animated film about ancient pre-Colombian creation myths was the featured highlight at a celebration last month of the latest addition to the Hearst Museum of Anthropology's membership cultural interest groups.

Now, museum members can join the Central and South American Interest Group along with the Egyptian Society and Native American Interest Group and have special access to the rich collection of artifacts at the Hearst Museum.

"We're a small museum with a small exhibit space but with tremendous resources. Establishing the interest groups was a way of allowing our members to have greater access to the museum's collection and to zero in on an area of interest," said Deborah Parker, museum membership and public relations manager.

Parker said other interest groups would be added as time and staffing allow. "Given the amount of people interested in other cultures, not to mention the Bay Area's uniquely diverse population, the possibilities are great," she said.

A main goal in establishing the groups was to appeal to the campus's multicultural population of faculty, students and staff who are admitted free to the Hearst Museum and are eligible for a $10 discount on membership dues.

Activities by the various groups include special exhibit presentations, lectures and excursions. The groups also serve as a volunteer base for fund raising.

The Nov. 7 screening of "The Five Suns: A Sacred History of Mexico" in a classroom at Boalt Hall brought together museum members of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in the customs and cultures of Central and South America.

Parker said other special interest group activities are planned, including a presentation of North Coast Native American artifacts and dolls.

For information on membership and interest groups, call 642-3681.