The Chattanooga Film Festival announces Cine-Rama has found a home on Chattanooga’s Southside in the former Grocery Bar building.
Cine-Rama is an art house theater that officials said will show quality films of all genres, and will serve as a year-round classroom for arts education within Chattanooga’s arts, music and theater scene.
Initially, the plan was for Cine-Rama to be housed in The Arts Building, however construction became a challenge. "We were honored to be offered a space in The Arts Building among so many of the leaders of Chattanooga's arts and culture scene. We loved that building deeply, but after months of trying to wrap our heads around how to put a functioning theater space in there we had to admit to ourselves that the space just wasn't ideal for film presentation,” said CFF Executive Director Chris Dortch.
Mise En Scenesters, a film club with the goal of "providing more opportunities for people to see great films that aren't likely to ever play a multiplex near them," will also continue its efforts through Cine-Rama with weekly midnight offerings.
“Since MES started now nearly 7 years ago it's been our goal to open an indie theater in Chattanooga,” says Mr. Dortch. “With two years of the Chattanooga Film Festival, and an amazing third year on the way, being able to stand in the Cine-Rama building is truly surreal. This theatre is something Chattanooga deserves, and we can’t wait until we can open the doors.”
The 12,000 sq. foot space will include over 200 seats for film screenings, comedy events and live music events. Although Cine-Rama hasn’t open yet, partnerships with local organizations are already forming.
Mr. Dortch says that Cine-Rama will officially open in mid-April. Following tradition, the festival will still be held at the Carmike Majestic 12 in downtown Chattanooga.