When the Athena Grand on East State Street permanently closed Jan. 5, Ohio University students and Athens residents lost one of their main movie theaters. The shutdown has shifted business to the Athena Cinema, located at 20 S. Court St., as well as Movies 10 and Fun Barn.
Athena Cinema’s assistant manager and projectionist Daniel Schwartze said the closure created an influx of customers in the theater. He said although some people travel to Movies 10, the downtown location is especially convenient for students living on campus without transportation.
“I think that since the (Athena) Grand closed, both student and community movie goers have really taken a hit,” Schwartze said. “Since then, we've tried our best to accommodate and have a little bit of something for everybody.”
The Athena Cinema offers general admission for $6.50, senior tickets at $5.50, movies before 5 p.m., or matinee, for $5 and a Tuesday discount at $4. They also sell different types of memberships. Special events such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” cost $8. Concessions range from $3 to $4 for popcorn, $2 to $3 for drinks and $3 to $3.50 for candy.
Mea Hofstatter, an assistant manager, said showing newer and more popular films has brought in more customers, though the theater continues to feature independent titles.
“I still think it's nice to have small art house movies that will draw in more crowds and movies audiences have never been able to see before,” Hofstatter said.
The Athena Cinema is currently running its first Hispanic film series as part of the fall schedule. The series continues Sept. 30 with “Boca Chica,” followed by “Los Lobos” on Oct. 7, “Bacurau” on Oct. 14 and “Moon’s Heart (El Corazón de la Luna)” on Oct. 21. All screenings are free with a ticket and begin at 7 p.m.
Other upcoming events include a one-night-only showing of “Candyman” with trivia, prizes and appearances from Gordon Briggs, an OU professor in the Fine Arts department, in costume. The 50th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will also be celebrated this weekend, paired with the documentary “Strange Journey.”
Surcha Weir, a freshman studying social work, saw “The Evening Hour” last week at the Athena Cinema. Since having been at OU, they have seen about three movies and said pricing is low, and the theater itself is accessible. Not only did Weir express appreciation of the low prices, but also being a short walk away is another perk.
“I just think it's really nice that we have this one theater.” Weir said. “(It’s) super accessible, super fair priced and has all these free events.”
Weir said they plan to return for “The Blair Witch Project,” part of the Appalachian Stories series, as well as films in the Hispanic and sustainability series.
The theater also collaborates with community groups. In partnership with Friends of India, the Athena Cinema will show “The Queen of My Dreams” on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m., with free chai and Indian snacks provided. The event is free with a ticket.
In addition, the theater recently screened “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” which Schwartze said brought in a large crowd. Upcoming titles include “Wicked: For Good” and “One Battle After Another.” The cinema is currently showing “Hamilton” and “The Long Walk.”
Although the Athena Cinema only operates three screens, Schwartze said the theater provides something larger than movies.
“This is one of the only places in Athens where you'll see students and community members share the same space.” Schwartze said. “That's really important. You don't really see that in a lot of other places in Athens.”
