Saving (a) Local Cinema

The Landmark River Oaks Theatre, Houston TX, photographer not known

 

I’ve often said that coming up in Houston, I had a year round film school. There was the Rice Media Center, the River Oaks Theatre, Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and other venues that are no longer with us. The three I just mentioned still are, but one we are very close to losing.

I’ve been going to the River Oaks Theatre since the mid-70s. I saw Fellini’s “Amarcord”, Bergman’s “Seventh Seal”, and far too many more to recall. We were, some of us anyway, scandalized when the River Oaks began emphasizing first run films (admittedly, I’d moved away by then, but kept tabs on the cinema scene); but what films they were (and continue to be). From Linklater’s “Slacker” to Lanthimos’ “The Favourite” lay decades of so-called art cinema, auteurist film, and frankly, the best from independent voices.

Given the onslaught of the pandemic and the toll it has taken on local and small businesses, it feels inevitable that with the Alamo Drafthouse filing for bankruptcy, my – our – beloved River Oaks Theater may well shutter its doors.

However, there’s always time for a Hail Mary pass!

As a movie goer, I know there’s always that last-ditch, go for broke optimism that can save the family home from foreclosure, destroy a death star, and win the game.

First, where you can start. Information about the issue. It’s not just that the theater has taken a hit on operations and rent during COVID. Weingarten Realty has refused to work with the theater or Landmark to ensure its presence as a, well, landmark, in Houston. Mind you, this is one of the last movie houses from its era left (the doors opened in 1939).

Future of River Oaks Theatre uncertain as lease negotiations stall

Don't go, River Oaks Theater: Houston iconic venue faces risk of closure again

Next, there’s a Facebook Page for updates on what you can do, including letter-writing and protests: https://www.facebook.com/RiverOaksTheatre.

For example, through March 13, you can do this: https://www.landmarktheatres.com/protect-river-oaks-theatre or read the copy at the end of this post.

As I post this, there’s a protest going on near the theater as a sign of support.

The River Oaks Theatre has come close to extinction before and survived; admittedly, these are dark times for the theater and Houston but it’s sad that in a city that prides itself on being so hip, it can’t step up and preserve its landmarks, its history (trust me, it’s not just this theater), or its cultural touchstones.

Here’s the body of the copy of the letter-writing campaign. Also, even if you live out of state, but feel that independent cinema is at all important, feel free to write to Weingarten Realty’s head and my city’s officials. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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Landmark Theatres has delivered new art house films as well as popular revivals of classics to Houston via the 1939 River Oaks Theatre, since 1976 – and as far as we’re concerned, we’re not done yet! We do have one monumental problem, the landlord has not responded to interest in renewing our lease, which expires on March 31, 2021.

 

We know that the River Oaks means a lot to the arts and cultural life of the community. It is now THE ONLY historic movie theatre left in Houston. There are INTACT Art Deco reliefs on the walls inside! We also know that you want to help. Well, here’s how.

 

We need letters of support to keep Landmark at the River Oaks and we need a lot of them fast because time is running out. Below we have listed a group of emails to send your letter to. You can use the sample letter below, but we strongly encourage you to USE YOUR OWN WORDS. Write about your fond memories. What did you see there? Who did you see it with? What does the theater mean to you? How has it figured into your life?

 

Send your email to ALL of these addresses:
pmanchi@weingarten.com, mayor@houstontx.gov, james.koski@houstontx.gov, districtC@houstontx.gov, Julia.Retta@houstontx.gov, landmark.theatres.publicity@gmail.com

 

Sample Letter:

Dear Honorable Mayor Turner:

I am writing today in support of Landmark Theatres renewing their lease at the historic 1939 River Oaks Theatre. Landmark’s programming is as integral to the culture of our community as the existence of this iconic, much beloved Art Deco Houston landmark itself. It is the last historic theatre in Houston. I feel strongly that the experience of watching a movie in a classic venue is unparalleled. The disappearance of Landmark programming in our community would be an extremely disappointing loss.

Weingarten Realty’s statement to the press indicates that they acknowledge that the pandemic has significantly strained the theatre business, but it is troubling that they don’t appear to be making an effort to work with Landmark as they struggle to bring their business back to an adequate level. Their President Paul Serwitz states that business is down 90%. Due to the pandemic, their ability to attract an audience is not surprising. In time, business will normalize.

Please encourage Weingarten to work with Landmark Theatres. With the theatre business at unprecedented low levels nationally, it is not likely that Weingarten will get a higher paying operator into the theatre. Supporters of the River Oaks chatting online, are extremely worried that losing Landmark Theatres as the tenant, will lead to the rationale that the theatre should be demolished. I understand that despite the theatre’s landmark status, the preservation ordinance in Houston will not protect it against an owner initiated demolition.

The neighborhood will not be the same without the River Oaks where audiences have enjoyed movies on the big screen for over 80 years. Once the last historic neighborhood theatre is gone, Houston is at a loss forever.

Sincerely,

 

[Your Name
Your City and State or full mailing address
If you live in Council District C, please indicate that.]

Here is who you are writing to. If you want to tag in tweets, Instagram or on Facebook, information is below:

 

Mr. Andrew M. Alexander
Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer
Weingarten Realty
2600 Citadel Plaza #125
Houston, TX 77008
713.866.6000
Twitter: @WeingartenRlty

https://www.facebook.com/WeingartenRealty/

https://www.instagram.com/weingartenrealty/

Patrick Manchi
Area Vice President, Leasing
Weingarten Realty
pmanchi@weingarten.com

 

Hon. Sylvester Turner
Office of the Mayor
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562
mayor@houstontx.gov
Twitter: @sylvesterturner

 

James Koski
Deputy, Chief of Staff
Mayor’s Office
james.koski@houstontx.gov

Council Member for District C

Abbie Kamin
districtC@houstontx.gov
Twitter: @AbbieKamin

 

Julia Retta
Chief of Staff District C
Julia.Retta@houstontx.gov