Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
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elements that harken to what we love about the medium, like the glamour," says Hsu during the preview. The huge lobby becomes more intimate under a marquee-style light fixture. Warm reds and ambers invite people to stay, eat, drink, and peruse the vintage movie posters and album wall of soundtracks, courtesy of Linklater's collection. "It's important to have a place to talk about the movie before and after," says Hsu. Chef Peter Klein, formerly of Olamaie, runs the cinema's café and bar. The menu includes grab-and-go items for the theater or to enjoy in the lobby, from Austin's Smokey Denmark sausages and hot dogs and an Antonelli's cheese plate to small-batch popcorn, sandwiches, nostalgic candy, and seasonal fresh fruit with a honey crème fraiche. The bar offers Texas beer, select wines, and signature cocktails, and a full espresso bar features Stumptown Coffee. Inspired by the nonprofit Film Forum in New York, the AFS Cinema offers a full slate of diverse programming-- everything from new releases that otherwise wouldn't have a home in Austin to restorations, repertory series, and docu- mentaries. On the bill this summer, the Essential Cinema series will focus on "Comedy, Italian Style," and new monthly series will include "Cinema of Resistance," featuring films about social movements paired with discussions, and "Sunday School," aimed at introducing great cinematic works to audiences of all ages. In a city home to major film festivals (SXSW, the Austin Film Festival, and Fantastic Fest) and the Alamo Drafthouse and Violet Crown theater chains, the AFS Cinema seems like a natural. Says Linklater: "Art cinemas are going away, but we're confident in our community that this will work." 6406 N. Interstate, Suite 3100; 512-322-0145; austinfilm.org . 40 AUSTINWAY.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRENDAN HALL FOR AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY A 35mm changeover projection system allows the Austin Film Society to exhibit archival film prints from around the world. The AFS Cinema also features updated digital projection, in 2K and 4K. A rotating selection of film-focused merchandise on sale at the cinema includes books and limited edition T-shirts as well as AFS-branded totes and pint glasses. Assistant manager Nate Leland (from left), chef Peter Klein, and General Manager David Monahan at the AFS Cinema's new bar. Craft beers, signature cocktails, and select wines accompany Klein's menu of elevated cinema concessions. SPACE DESIGN