More Than Multiplexes

The Dope on Cinema, Film Fests and Archives

originally published August 8, 2008

Between the traditional multiplexes and various campus venues, plus the occasional screening at a music club (the Georgia Theatre and Flicker Bar, most commonly), Athens has always been blessed with diverse options in terms of moviegoing. (There’s a drive-in on Highway 17 out in Madison County, too.) That landscape improved markedly in 2007 with the opening of Ciné, the downtown art-house theater in the remodeled Snow Tire recap plant. Ciné is itself a sign that Athens’ film “scene” is on the rise, and the nonprofit Film::Athens is a key support structure for all those involved. Ciné also works in conjunction with various departments at UGA to bring us German, French, Ecofocus and various other film festivals. Film:: Athens’ activities include music video screenings to coincide with AthFest every year. Another big event on the local calendar is Robert Osborne’s Classic Film Festival, at the Classic Center. Significant, too, is the fact that UGA’s library hosts the Walter J. Brown Media Archive and Peabody Awards Collection, and the university is a key player in that annual, national award for excellence in entertainment.