Austin is a film lovers’ paradise, and when the mercury rises in the summer months, an air-conditioned movie theater can be a fine place to spend a couple of hours. But instead of shelling out your hard-earned dollars for the overhyped summer blockbusters, why not check out the amazing programs that our locally-run cinemas offer.
In addition to providing numerous community resources and education for aspiring filmmakers, the Austin Film Society also operates the AFS Cinema, a two-screen art house theater located at 6259 Middle Fiskville Road (between ACC’s Highland campus and I-35, just north of FM 2222). AFS’ calendar features a dizzying mix of first-run films, as well as obscure cult films that can rarely be seen on a big screen. Also throughout June, they’re featuring the films of the great Ingmar Bergman. Check out https://www.austinfilm.org/ for all the details.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Theatre, the city’s oldest movie palace, has kicked of its popular Summer Classic Film Series. Built in 1915 as the Majestic and used primarily for live vaudeville performances, this Congress Avenue landmark was renamed the Paramount after a 1930 art deco renovation that turned it into a major film venue. After a downturn in fortunes in later decades, the Paramount was saved from destruction in the early 1970s and remodeled into the downtown showplace it is today.
The Paramount’s Summer Classic Film Series, now in its 43rd year, features 110 films, including a variety of both classic and contemporary favorites. Additional screenings are held in the smaller Stateside at the Paramount next door. Single show admissions are $12, but there are a number of discounts and memberships if you want to catch several shows. Plus, the series features a number of double-features, where one admission is good for two back-to-back films. For more information on the Summer Classic Film Series, including the full schedule, visit austintheatre.org.
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