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Update – National Event Day Screening of “1984″

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We’ve overcome some hurdles and are incredibly excited to bring this amazing National Event Day Screening of “1984” to Chico!


Tuesday, April 4 at 7 PM – 10 PM
Chico Theater Company
166 Eaton Rd, Ste F, Chico, California 95973

Tickets are $5 and available at the door, or at www.chicotix.com

On April 4, 2017, over 90 art house movie theatres across the country in 81 cities and in 35 states, plus one in Canada, will be participating collectively in a NATIONAL EVENT DAY screening of the 80’s movie “1984” (www.imdb.com/title/tt0087803) starring John Hurt. This date was chosen because it’s the day George Orwell’s protagonist Winston Smith begins rebelling against his oppressive government by keeping a forbidden diary. These theaters owners also strongly believe in supporting the National Endowment for the Arts and see any attempt to scuttle that program as an attack on free speech and creative expression through entertainment. This event provides a chance for communities around the country to show their unity and have their voices heard.

Progress Update

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Progress Update

We are still working day and night for the El Rey!

Hey everybody, we’ve been out of the limelight for a bit, but wanted to assure you all that we are still persistently working to keep our amazing historic theater from becoming just a memory.

We’ve spent the past couple of months in discussions with investors and the current owner. These discussions are moving slower than any of us expected, but are definitely progressing in a positive direction. Our business plan is in its 3rd draft and disseminated to everyone involved, and we are continuing our due diligence, along with the investors, to make sure it is implemented with the greatest chance of success.  We have also compiled quite a large amount of resource (historical, financial and booking resources) that we are making available to everyone connected with the acquisition.

Needless to say, it has been a ton of work so far, but worth every bit if we end up with a operational, rejuvenated Chico landmark.

There have also been many requests from the community wondering what they can do to help. Earlier this year we established a fund at the North Valley Community Foundation and plan to begin a fundraising campaign soon to help with the eventual purchase and renovation of the theater. Every penny raised will be used for that purpose.
You can also leave a comment below to let us know how you feel about the theater and the effects of its potential loss to the community. Your comments go a long way to letting those involved know how important the El Rey is to our city and its residents (it is really important and believe it or not, makes a huge difference)

Thanks again for all your support!

Indie Movie Theaters Nationwide Screening ‘1984’ | The Huffington Post

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Indie Movie Theaters Nationwide Screening ‘1984’ | The Huffington Post

We have secured a spot on the nationwide roster of art house screenings of the film 1984, now we just need a theater.
If we secure the El Rey on April 4th, we hope that everyone will join us for a night of classic cinema and support of the National Endowment Of The Arts.

A complete list of participating theaters can be found here.

It’s all happening April 4. Mark your calendars, comrades.

Source: Indie Movie Theaters Nationwide To Protest Donald Trump By Screening ‘1984’ | The Huffington Post

Bryn Mawr Film Institute – History

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The Bryn Mawr Film Institute is another fantastic example of a community determined to keep it’s historic cinema alive. Their sponsored National Theater Survey is an eye opener for those who doubt the significant economical benefits of local Art House Cinema and civic performance spaces.

Source: History of Bryn Mawr Film Institute | Bryn Mawr Film Institute

A call to rescue the historic Seville Theater, a center of Bryn Mawr community life since 1926, inspired the creation of the innovative film exhibition and education center, Bryn Mawr Film Institute.

That call, sounded in 2002 by Juliet J. Goodfriend (shortly to become BMFI’s founding president and executive director), was answered by a group of like-minded civic and academic leaders equally alarmed at the prospective conversion of the derelict—but beloved—theater to a health club franchise.

After seemingly endless zoning hearing board meetings and fundraising events, the newly incorporated nonprofit, 501(c)(3), Bryn Mawr Film Institute purchased the building in December 2004 and began a decade-long restoration, renovation, and expansion project. With great community support, the theater complex today boasts four state-of-the-art theaters, classrooms, community gathering space, a café, and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Sundance Art House Convergence – National Theater Operations Survey 2015

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Sundance Institute Art House Convergence
National Theater Operations Survey 2015

The Sundance Institute Art House Convergence’s comprehensive look at Art House theater operations ranging from concessions to fundraising. This survey, and others like it, confirm the viability of cinema and civic performance spaces for local economic and community growth.

national-theater-operations-survey-2015

Community Foundation Fund Now Open!

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We are proud to announce that our fund at the North Valley Community Foundation is now open.

So, if you are still looking for a tax deductible donation on your 2016 taxes, and you want to help us keep the El Rey Theater open and vibrant, what better place than the El Rey Theater Alliance!

Visit our NVCF page below!

El Rey Theater Alliance

Update 11-23-2016

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Update 11-23-2016
Just a quick update on our progress. We know we have been a bit silent for the last month or so, but rest assured it’s not for lack of tireless work on securing a future for the El Rey Theater.

We have finished drafting our business plan as well as a 5 year financial projection, and are currently working with an investor to secure the purchase of the theater. Unfortunately,  more details regarding the sale can’t be divulged at this point.
We have also joined the League of Historical American Theaters (LHAT) which offers a community of other historical theater operators as well as some amazing operational resource that we’ve already been able to take advantage of. We’ve also been graciously invited into the Sundance Arthouse Convergence, another incredible resource of theater operators created in connection with the Sundance Institute in Park City Utah.  We are certain that with our own efforts as well as our collaboration with these, and other prestigious national organizations, the El Rey Theater can become a local and state landmark with regular programming that rivals the most well known and profitable theaters in the country.
As most of you already know, our El Rey Theater is the oldest continuously operated movie theater in California, as well as 3rd in the US. We plan to use this distinction to make it a destination location for cinema and performance audiences worldwide not just for the theater itself, but for all of downtown Chico.

Thank you all for your continued support!

The El Rey Theater Alliance Team

How Alamo Drafthouse is redefining the cinema experience – Videos – CBS News

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Other visionaries that trust in the power of their local cinema house.

If you don’t already know about the Alamo Drafthouse cinema chain, it could change your view of going to the movies. Alamo Drafthouse is the brainchild of Tim League, a hardcore film buff since high school. It started small almost 20 years ago in Austin, Texas, but has grown into a high-concept theater chain with more than two dozen locations nationwide. Dana Jacobson reports from the newest site in Brooklyn, New York.

Source: How Alamo Drafthouse is redefining the cinema experience – Videos – CBS News