Josh Levin, journalist and co-founder of the West End Cinema, only dreamed of three possibilities for his future: writing, owning a bar and movie theaters. Now he’s found them all.
Levin said he and co-owner Jamie Shor opened the cinema in hopes of “bringing films that otherwise would not get seen in Washington to a theater…and to create space for this kind of culture.”
Keen to attract new and diverse audiences, Director of Programming Renee Tsao rejected the idea of college students as a lost market. Although the theater competes with students’ busy schedules and new forms of entertainment, Tsao said she believes the theater experience is still unlike anything else.
Having seen college students from AU and other local universities at his theater over the years, Levin is optimistic.
“Especially when you’re talking about college students who are open-minded and willing to try and discover new worlds and cultures and new ways of telling stories, we have a lot to offer,” he said, adding with a laugh, “and we have a bar if you’re 21 and over.”
Boasting “the best popcorn in D.C.,” Tsao said the theater offers more than its screens. Aside from non-mainstream films, the theater also features a variety of music programming from opera to rock’ n’ roll. The programs are weekly and while the operators makes their best effort to determine what will work with their audiences, they can never be sure.
“That’s just the way the industry is,” Levin said. “You apply your best guess and make your best effort and hope more turn out well than don’t.”
While its programs are intended to be entertaining, the West End Cinema sees its role in the community as a neighborhood amenity as well. The theater is starting a non-profit education initiative to allow teachers from D.C. public and charter school to bring students to the theater free of cost as part of its curriculum this year.
“Film as a medium is a very impactful way to deliver ideas and stories and information,” Tsao said.
As the theater prepares for it’s three year anniversary on Oct. 9, Levin says he is always looking for new and interesting stories and ways to stay true to West End Cinema’s tagline, “all stories told here”.
The West End Cinema offers a $2 student discount with AU ID. Hours and location can be found at their website.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
