Culture
Athena Cinema and Ohio University Host Fifth Year of Holiday Movies
< < Back toFor many people, the upcoming holidays will usher in a season of good food and shopping. If you are looking for alternative entertainment in uptown Athens, the Athena Cinema has a great option. The fifth annual Holiday Film Series began Saturday, Nov. 26 and offers tickets to holiday movies in exchange for food or cash donations for the local food pantry that benefit area residents in need.
From Nov. 26 through Dec. 17, the Athena Cinema of Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts will partner with the Department of Real Estate Management, Community Engagement and Economic Development and Athens’ food pantries to bring back the much-loved movie series. As part of the screening events, patrons will receive a complimentary snowflake cookie to enjoy during the movie.
The Athena Cinema will be showing afternoon screenings of popular family films every Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The films include Elf on Dec. 3, The Muppet Christmas Carol, on Dec. 10, and Miracle on 34th Street, on Dec. 17. This year’s program includes a special evening screening of Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, at 7 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 10.
“The Cinema hopes people will see this as a chance to enjoy time with their friends and family without spending much,” says the Athena Cinema’s director, Alexandra Kamody. “There can be a lot of stress around the holidays and this is a great opportunity to get out of the house and have fun with your loved ones.”
To benefit area families in need, the price of admission to these screenings will be a non-perishable food item or cash donation per ticket. The food items and cash will be donated to Athens city food pantries and other hunger relief programs.
Last season’s Holiday Film Series raised nearly $400 in cash donations and 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food.
Tickets will be available one week before each scheduled screening. Donations may be dropped off during regular Athena lobby hours. At the time of the donation, ticket redemption will be given. The Athena Cinema lobby is open Monday-Friday from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays 2:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
The purpose of this initiative is to give back to the greater Athens community and families in need during the season. The Cinema also hopes to provide an affordable uptown entertainment option and increase traffic to area businesses. Please come out and support our initiative, take advantage of local shopping/restaurants and enjoy a fun holiday event with your family.
Further information, and movie trailers can be found on the Athena Cinema website here.