The Athena provides access to the most recent art-house and international films. The theater is the best place to view some of the most recent features from large studios like A24 and Searchlight Pictures and smaller features from around the world. The Athena provides a rare opportunity to discover the latest films that large cinema chains don’t provide.
Films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, CODA and Everything Everywhere all at Once have appeared in the Athena. While in recent years, more blockbusters have appeared like Logan and The Batman. The theater provides a wide range of films throughout the year and provides an opportunity to see blockbusters and award-winning features.
The theater hosts special events based around themes, anniversaries of films and live improvised music. The Athena gives audiences the rare opportunity of seeing classic films on the big screen, with the occasional guest speaker.
There are also special weekend events where the Athena puts on films for moms, sibs and fathers weekends. The films on display are from all genres, with Princess Bride being a favorite. Around the holidays, the theater hosts a charity holiday series. The charm of the small college cinema is being part of this close-knit community.
There are several accessibility options and weekly events that provide incentives to attend, like discounts and free popcorn. The interstitials between films show off photos from the Athena’s history and ads from the 1910s. Occasionally, the screen flashes up photos of people’s experiences with the theater, Cards proclaiming repeat visits to see Grand Budapest Hotel andBlue Velvet, the history adding a rather unique element to theater.
These elements create the atmosphere of the Athena. Crossing under the marquee and entering the lobby pulls one back in time. For students attending Ohio University, going to the theater is a necessary experience. It stands as a time capsule for an era of cinemas across America that once existed, that have now faded away with larger movie chains.
The cinema is never without a new film, and this summer is no exception. David Cronenberg’s new film Crimes of the Future proves to be a must-watch while additional films will come and go with the season.
The Athena is not the only option for a theater in Athens, but it stands out as one of the best. Having unique films and a rich history, going to the Athena provides a rare experience to enjoy a piece of Athens history and indulge in the current cinema.
Benjamin Ervin is a senior studying English literature and writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Benjamin know by emailing him be425014@ohio.edu.