How to support local (and other) cinema
It’s pretty much assumed that the film-going experience has
changed drastically – perhaps irrevocably – in 2020. Alternatives to theatrical
releases have proven robust, and while more movies are being watched through
streaming services (and I’m supposing even physical media via Redbox still),
these are not necessarily the way movies are intended to be seen. But for now,
it’s almost all we’ve got.
Of course, in addition to drive-ins, some chains and independent
theaters are open with limited, staggered/socially distanced seating, but as
stalwart as I am, I can’t justify the risk-benefit ratio on in-person attendance.
It pains me to write that because, let’s face it, cinema is dear to me, as it
is to many millions around the world.
So what is there to be done to keep theaters alive and
continue vital programs to bring artists to their audiences? There’s actually a
fair amount we can do and I’m happy to dedicate today’s post to a small sampling
of ideas of how to do that.
Right now, I’m writing this in Houston, Texas. Houston had,
at one time, a fairly vital repertory scene and for all that those days are
over, it still boasts great programming at the Museum of Fine Arts, via the
Rice Media Center at Rice University, and the River Oaks Theater (which is run
by Landmark Theaters but is the go-to for indie and smaller releases).
The Houston Cinema Arts Society’s film festival just wrapped
and this reminded me that it’s cinema societies, film schools, repertory
theaters and their respective programs are key to supporting venues that
provide access to films that have little to no chance of being seen elsewhere.
In the greater Houston area there are also the Alamo
Drafthouse, University of Houston, the Goethe Institute, and more. Truthfully,
I’m not sure how much programming and what parameters exist at each of these
venues or for all of these organizations. So much is streaming right now and as
far as I know, smaller theaters are not open for audiences (for example, the
Brattle in Cambridge, Massachusetts comes to mind). This parenthetical note
brings me to the possibility of supporting cinemas that are not necessarily
local but worthy of assistance.
I often joke that I have dual citizenship, having lived half
my life in the Boston area. If it’s a choice between the ‘stros and the Sox, my
soul is sore vexed by division. Not as vexed, though, for promoting the Brattle
Theater (where I first saw “Der Blaue Engel” in the late seventies), the
Harvard Film Archive (an embarrassment of cinematic riches and the best
programming in New England), and the Coolidge Corner Theater (another ace venue
that combines repertory as well as first-run films).
The Somerville and Arlington Theaters, neighborhood theaters
that offer both new films and in the Somerville Theater’s case participation in
the International Film Festival – Boston (along with the Brattle and the
Kendall Square Cinema, also a Landmark theater) are also worthy of support.
You can help out one or more of these venues and
organizations by buying access to individual films, by purchasing subscriptions
to film festivals or by becoming a member where that’s an option.
Throw a streaming party! If you have a smart TV, cast a
stream onto it and gather your peeps around the screen (well, maybe wait until vaccines
are deployed before we get too enthusiastic).
Alternatively, have you and your friends decide on films you
want to watch at this or that screening option, set the time aside to
coordinate and watch together virtually (or simpler, just watch the flick and
gab about it on Zoom – after the film’s over, naturally).
Will this save theaters? I think it will take a bit more to
do that, but if enough folks do stuff like this, it can go some way to ensuring
their survival.
Just this past week, I’ve enjoyed several offerings from the
Houston Cinema Arts Society’s Film Festival and next week, I’ll be hitting up
the Virtual Brattle. To be super clear, these are my local (and not-so-local)
suggestions. If you’re anywhere in the U.S. (or the world), chances are that
you have a local theater you support or maybe a film society or the like.
Do them (and yourself and your community) a solid and watch
a few films, subscribe or take out a membership. Of necessity, I do a lot of
screenings online and like everyone, via platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime,
Hulu (and Tu.bi, Vudu, YouTube, and the Internet Archive and others). However,
if you’re like me, you miss the theater-going experience and if they’re going
to be there for us post-pandemic, we can be there for them now.
Theaters and organizations to support near here (Houston):
Museum
of Fine Arts Houston Virtual Theater
In and around Boston (and again, choose venues in your
locale!)
Neither the Boston
Museum of Fine Arts or the
Harvard Film Archive have any programming available right now. The Boston
MFA is pointing people toward movies streaming on different platforms. That
said, they are both worth supporting when their schedules resume.
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