The Avalon Theatre won't stop showing movies anytime soon.
There once was a time when attending the theater to see a film was an experience. One would don his or her finest garb and take in the atmosphere of the movie venue for all that it was worth. However, with today's large, corporately owned movie theater chains, the classic simplicity once attributed to seeing a film has nearly been eliminated.
The Avalon Theatre, located in Chevy Chase, D.C., is the only venue of its kind left in this area. Upon entering the Avalon, one may notice its beautiful art-deco design, high ceilings and spacious seating. Built in 1922, it retains its aged movie house vibe and remains the oldest and only independent theater in D.C.
The closing of the local art and movie house Visions in 2004, among other old movie theaters of its kind in recent history, is disappointing for many throughout the D.C. area.
"It's nice to see that not all the old D.C. movie theaters have turned into CVS [stores]," AU Department of Literature assistant professor Jeffrey Middents said. With a degree in comparative literature and film, Middents said he appreciates the caliber of movies only a truly independent theater such as the Avalon can bring to audiences: "It's a space that shows movies other places don't."
Yet if it weren't for the efforts of the surrounding community, the Avalon wouldn't be up and running today. The theater closed in 2001 when its former owner, Loews Cineplex, filed for bankruptcy.
"The community activists in the Chevy Chase area wanted to save the theater," Andrew Mencher, Director of Programming for the Avalon Theatre Project, said. "Once more people seemed interested in the restoration of the theater, the Avalon Theatre Project was created."
The community raised $750,000 through various organizations to restore the Avalon. By April 22, 2003, it had reopened. However, the Avalon Theatre Project did not stop there. Currently, this organization is trying to buy the building from its current owner. Due to rent for the movie house being so high, it is difficult to take certain risks with the theater.
"Through a capital campaign, run by campaign chairman Geoff Dawson, $2.5 million has already been raised in an effort to buy the theater," Mencher said.
Because this is a non-profit theater, the Avalon often rents its space out for special events, including the theater's weekly Local Filmmaker/Community Night, every Wednesday at 9:15p.m.
"These nights bring in local producers and directors," Avalon assistant manager Richard Godoy said. "They present their short films and discuss them. We offer them the venue to show their dream."
In addition to Local Filmmaker Night, other special events to look out for include the D.C. Independent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, Environmental Film Festival, Asian American Film Festival and other various screenings.
Currently, "The Constant Gardener," "Memory of a Killer" and "2046" are playing on the Avalon's two screens. A particularly noteworthy documentary coming to the Avalon this fall is "Touch the Sound," the story of Evelyn Glennie, a Grammy-winning percussionist who is nearly deaf. The documentary shows the various ways people sense music through beautifully shot images.
More importantly though, not only is the Avalon relevant for its foreign films, complex documentaries, special events and being a historic D.C. landmark, but also for the experience of simply being there.
"I like the old cinema feeling," Pat Kiley, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business, said. One can make a whole night of it.
The area neighboring the Avalon is quiet and very family-oriented. However, the suburban surroundings are nothing to look down upon. This area of Chevy Chase, D.C. is very quaint and full of Greek, Italian and American restaurants and a few bars. The Avalon Theatre is located on 5612 Connecticut Avenue and is only a short walk from the Friendship Heights Metro station on the red line. Presenting a college ID knocks admission down to only $6.75.
Simply put by Middents, "Thank God it's here." With the help of area supporters, it's sure to stay.
