Ciné in dowtown Athens
Located on West Hancock Avenue, Athens theater Ciné showcases a wide variety of independent and foreign films, filling an artistic void in the community.
Founder and Executive Director Brigitta Hangartner, fueled by her love of film, produced the theater to better serve the artistic needs and desires of the Athens community.
“I think people come who want to think about what they have seen and watch films that are fun and beautiful,” Hangartner said. “For them, the films are more than just [entertainment].”
For show times and other Cine events, visit http://athenscine.com/intro.php .
Edited by: Cathryne Keller
Located on West Hancock Avenue, Athens theater Ciné showcases a wide variety of independent and foreign films, filling an artistic void in the community.Founder and Executive Director Brigitta Hangartner, fueled by her love of film, produced the theater to better serve the artistic needs and desires of the Athens community.
“I have a longstanding love affair with cinema and I didn’t want to live in a place where there wasn’t a theater,” Switzerland native Hangartner said.
Ciné opened its doors in April 2007 inside the renovated Snow Tire Company Recap Plant, and local artists began to appreciate the individuality of a theater that catered specifically to them.
Ciné opened its doors in April 2007 inside the renovated Snow Tire Company Recap Plant, and local artists began to appreciate the individuality of a theater that catered specifically to them.
University of Georgia film studies graduate Eric Henson was one of the local artists and film buffs who was drawn to the artistic offerings of the theater.
“I don’t think Ciné caters to everyone, but there is certainly a thriving artist’s community in Athens that enjoys and perhaps even deserves what Ciné has to offer,” the Peachtree City native said. “Athens prides itself on its unique and creative citizens, and what better reward for the community than to provide it with a theater that caters specifically to them.”
“I don’t think Ciné caters to everyone, but there is certainly a thriving artist’s community in Athens that enjoys and perhaps even deserves what Ciné has to offer,” the Peachtree City native said. “Athens prides itself on its unique and creative citizens, and what better reward for the community than to provide it with a theater that caters specifically to them.”
However, Ciné is not simply for artists. The theater provides an opportunity for other Athenians to think outside the box.
“These movies broaden everyone’s horizons and show them how they sync with other cultures,” Hangartner said.
Henson agrees.
“There are only a few cities that have a unique theater such as this, and it adds immensely to the cultural content and growth of the community,” he said.
This desire to experience something new is exactly what drew University of Georgia journalism graduate Sibby Hamilton to Ciné, despite her preconceived notions.
“I had to go in with an open mind,” the Florida resident said. “I was originally afraid of the people that frequent the place, but they weren’t pretentious because I wasn’t dressed like them or anything. We were just there to watch the film.”
Other Athenians attend Ciné not just for the films, but also for the environment.
“It’s a different atmosphere than most other places -- it’s retro and unique,” Chad Geirka, a 5th year student at Athens Tech, said. “You go there for the experience as a whole, not just to eat popcorn and watch movies.”
“These movies broaden everyone’s horizons and show them how they sync with other cultures,” Hangartner said.
Henson agrees.
“There are only a few cities that have a unique theater such as this, and it adds immensely to the cultural content and growth of the community,” he said.
This desire to experience something new is exactly what drew University of Georgia journalism graduate Sibby Hamilton to Ciné, despite her preconceived notions.
“I had to go in with an open mind,” the Florida resident said. “I was originally afraid of the people that frequent the place, but they weren’t pretentious because I wasn’t dressed like them or anything. We were just there to watch the film.”
Other Athenians attend Ciné not just for the films, but also for the environment.
“It’s a different atmosphere than most other places -- it’s retro and unique,” Chad Geirka, a 5th year student at Athens Tech, said. “You go there for the experience as a whole, not just to eat popcorn and watch movies.”
Bar in Ciné 's lounge area
Ciné’s snack bar also differs from the norm, offering coffee, alcoholic beverages, and locally baked pastries. Those who do not wish to attend a movie can enjoy a beverage at the café.
Ciné’s snack bar also differs from the norm, offering coffee, alcoholic beverages, and locally baked pastries. Those who do not wish to attend a movie can enjoy a beverage at the café. This lounge area also provides moviegoers with a place to discuss and review the films.
“You can go there and meet people of any age and background and immediately connect with them through your shared love of film,” Henson said of the café.
Hangartner said that film enthusiasts and the curious-minded alike find themselves attracted to the intellectual depth of Ciné’s films.
“You can go there and meet people of any age and background and immediately connect with them through your shared love of film,” Henson said of the café.
Hangartner said that film enthusiasts and the curious-minded alike find themselves attracted to the intellectual depth of Ciné’s films.
“I think people come who want to think about what they have seen and watch films that are fun and beautiful,” Hangartner said. “For them, the films are more than just [entertainment].”
For show times and other Cine events, visit http://athenscine.com/intro.php .
Edited by: Cathryne Keller
Some good information here, but more telling than showing. People talk about the atmosphere, but we don't see it or feel it. And we don't get specifics about what movies this place is showing.
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