Paramount Theatre Hosts Summer Classic Film Series Amid Renovations
As the warm summer months approach, the iconic Paramount Theatre in Austin is set to delight film enthusiasts by featuring the classic film, Casablanca, as part of its highly anticipated Summer Classic Film Series. This year marks the 52nd annual installment of the series, which runs from May 22 through the end of August. Despite the theatre's temporary closure in June for major renovations, the celebration of cinema will continue at nearby venues, including the State Theatre and the Bullock Museum's impressive IMAX Theatre.
The Summer Classic Film Series is dedicated to showcasing timeless films, bridging the gap between classic and modern cinema. Notably, the series will kick off with a double screening of Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, while also featuring modern classics like Spy Kids, which celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special appearance by director Robert Rodriguez. Senior director of film programming, Stephen Jannise, expressed the series' significance, stating, "The Summer Classic Film Series is woven into the fabric of Austin summers. This year carries something extra, a bittersweetness as we say a temporary goodbye to the Paramount for its long-overdue and much-deserved restoration, and an excitement as we bring the series to new venues and new audiences. The films are as great as ever, and the tradition is very much alive and thriving."
This year's series capitalizes on the use of the IMAX Theatre as a new venue, allowing for a lineup of visually stunning films that evoke nostalgia. Audiences can look forward to screenings of Jaws on June 16, The Wizard of Oz in 3D on June 23, and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey on June 30. The programming is thoughtfully organized into themed blocks, enhancing the viewing experience.
Beyond the film screenings, the series will also host special events, including the fifth annual Majestic Ball on June 6, featuring performances from renowned drag and ballroom artists such as Diamond Dior Davenport, Shea Coulée, and Iconic Mother Natalie Lepore. A visit from speaker Alok Vaid-Menon is scheduled for June 4, followed by a 35mm presentation of Rent (2005) on June 5. Additionally, the education nonprofit Nobelity Project will present a three-film tribute to support university endowments in Kenya and Austin.
With a diverse range of films on offer, tickets for the Summer Classic Film Series are available in various configurations. A regular admission ticket is priced at $15, while a 10-ticket pack is offered at $90 for non-members and $75 for members, with additional discounts for members and children. Double features are available under a single ticket. Moviegoers can purchase tickets and explore the complete film lineup by visiting austintheatre.org.
As reported by austin.culturemap.com.
