The annual Art House Summer Film series, hosted at the Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa, will start its run this summer on June 10. The series will feature six independent films in an attempt to bring contemporary film entertainment to the West Alabama area.
The Bama Art House series began in January 2010 to appeal to a growing interest in independent films within the community.
“For several years before, sporadic screenings of independent and foreign films were shown as Cinema Nouveau at the theatre,” said Ann Bourne, member of the Board of Directors of the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County. “Films ran for one week at times when The Bama did not have bookings. Attendance varied widely, and the tighter concept of the Bama Art House series grew out of that effort.”
One of the major changes in this summer’s series is the newly integrated Proludio digital film service being used by the Bama Theatre. While some filmgoers might miss the 35mm formatting, the new Proludio system, geared towards art house theatres, will allow a new approach to the series and help the Bama Theatre financially.
“We are excited about having this opportunity at The Bama because our contract with Proludio allows us to continue the Bama Art House series seamlessly,” Bourne said.
Bama Theatre manager David Allgood said that the films chosen are obvious art house fare: independent, genre-breaking movies that would not usually play at the multi-plex.
“We read reviews, watch trailers and keep an eye on what’s playing at art houses around the country – as well as which films have played and won awards at Sundance, Cannes, South by Southwest and Tribeca,” Allgood said. “This year – with a shortened season – we have six very strong movies.”
The box office will open up at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Discount punchcard tickets will be available for $50 at the door prior to screenings and will be good for any ten Bama Art House films. Single tickets will be priced at $7 for general admission, $6 for seniors and students and $5 for Arts Council members.
See also: “Bama theatre brings film series back for summer months“
