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Author Archive | Alex Kamody

MONSTER

Watch Trailer Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Writer(s): Yuji Sakamoto
Cast: Sakura Andō, Eita Nagayama
Awards: Best Screenplay - Cannes Film Festival

About the Film

When her son Mintao begins to exhibit strange behavior, single-mother Saori decides to investigate the matter. This leads her into a confrontation with one of Mintao’s school teachers; however, the truth behind Mintao’s acting-out ends up being more convoluted than Saori could have imagined.

Featuring the final score composed by renown Japanese film composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (who sadly passed away just months before the film’s release, and to whom the film is dedicated), MONSTER is a gripping, poetic, and engaging drama that examines the way “truth” is perceived depending on one’s perspective. The film has been nominated for countless awards, and the script by Japanese playwright Yuji Sakamoto won the award for Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

 

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Running Time: 127 MIN127 MIN
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MOVIES WE MISSED

In July 2021, the Athena reopened after a 16-month closure due the pandemic. We ran a series of films dubbed “Movies You Missed” as an opportunity for our community to see the films of the past year and a half as they were intended to be seen, on a big screen, in a darkened theater, with a group of friends, neighbors and strangers. We wondered if people would still come to the movies. The same films they had the opportunity to stream from the comfort of their living rooms over the last year and a half.

In the following few weeks, months, year, we learned the answer was a resounding “yes”. People craved the connection and experience they had been participating in since the Athena opened in 1915. Two pandemics, fires, wars, home television, streaming services—none of this had changed what this gathering spot offers our community. Lovers, widows, children, all are welcome here.

When we closed suddenly due to necessary structural repairs, we didn’t have the anxieties we had a few years before. There was a faith in the community and their support has been so visible, consistent, and meaningful.

So, this time, we present to you a different type of series “Movies We Missed”. The whole world wasn’t on pause this time as it was in 2020. But we were. And this series is a thank you to our community and each patron who has supported us, patiently, through the closure, coming to the parking garage roof, the Ridges, putting up with tech glitches and more.

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Haiku Contest

Let me get this straight:

Writing a movie haiku

wins me free popcorn?

…that’s the gist of it, yeah!

For the sixth year running, the Athena Cinema is accepting submissions of movie or theater-related haikus from the public for our Annual Haiku Contest.

Submissions will be accepted from Black Friday through noon on December 31st, 2024. The best haiku will be announced on New Year’s Day, and the winner will receive free popcorn at the theater for all of 2025! You might even get to see your haiku on our marquee…

You can enter by submitting your poem via the submission form below or email us at athenacinema@ohio.edu. Be advised that your Haiku must follow the 5/7/5 syllable count to be eligible. Inability to adhere to this format will disqualify your submission.

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HOLIDAY FILM SERIES

Support Athens Food Pantries!

Celebrate the holidays with loved ones!

Enjoy the nostalgia of classic holiday films on the big screen!

 

It’s the 12th annual Holiday Film Series & Canned Food Drive! The price of admission to each show is a non-perishable food or monetary donation to local food pantries.

 

We are always excited to bring you another batch of fun, family-friendly films that are sure to put you in a holiday mood! And, as an added bonus, this year’s series will take place here at The Athena now that all three of our theaters are back online. We hope you’ll join us in our annual celebration and fundraiser for the Athens County Food Pantries.

As always, admission is a canned good (or other non-perishable food product) or a cash donation to the Athens Food Pantry. You can bring in donations and pick up tickets to the movies ahead of time during the Athena lobby hours, or online.

Holidays Series Line-Up:

Friday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. – Classic Christmas Shorts: Frosty the Snowman + Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Saturday, December 7th at 3:00 p.m. – Elf

Saturday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m. – National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

Saturday, December 21st at 3:00 p.m. – The Grinch (2018)

 

Sponsored by Athena Cinema, Arts for Ohio and Ohio Arts Council

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Sponsored by Ohio University's Department of Real Estate Management, Community Engagement and Economic Development.

HEROES IN COLOR

The mission of this film series is to synergize education and entertainment, creating a unique experience for our community. At the heart of the Heroes in Color film series lies a commitment to celebrate voices and stories of people of color that have traditionally been marginalized within popular culture. By showcasing a kaleidoscope of cinematic heroes who reflect the spectrum of human stories, backgrounds, and aspirations, we strive to redefine heroism, proving that anyone, regardless of their origin, can rise to greatness.

Each show will feature added content such as trivia, introductions, raffles, themed drinks and more!

Sponsored by Ohio University Division of Diversity & Inclusion, Multicultural Center, Black Student Cultural Programming Board, Division of Student Affairs, Office of Global Affairs, Ohio Men of Excellence Network and Ohio Arts Council

For questions, contact series organizers Brandon Thompson and Dr. Gordon Briggs at info@therearemoreofus.org

 

                                                                                            Brandon Thompson                      Dr. Gordon Briggs

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PIRATES VS. THE KRAKEN: An Animated Short

We are excited to announce that we will be premiering a special animation project right before GHOSTBUSTERS at our Rooftop Screening this Thursday. Admission is included with GHOSTBUSTERS tickets.

This project is a collaboration between the Ohio Arts Council, the Athena Cinema, Passion Works Studio, and artist Jeremy Bessoff.

About the short film: A group of salty pirates and enchanting mermaids find themselves entangled in a battle for survival in this interactive, animated adventure. The rag-tag crew inadvertently wake a fearsome kraken in the deep, uncharted waters of the coast of Athens … Ohio.

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Halloween Rooftop Double Feature: GHOSTBUSTERS and THE EXORCIST

Who ya gonna call…Ghostbusters or an exorcist?

Join us on the rooftop of the Athens City Parking Garage on Thursday, October 26th for our Halloween Rooftop Double Feature screenings of GHOSTBUSTERS and THE EXCORCIST! Admission is $12 for a single film or $20 for the double feature.

Seating Begins         7:00 P.M.

GHOSTBUSTERS       8:00 P.M.

THE EXORCIST       10:00 P.M.

GHOSTBUSTERS

After the members of a team of scientists lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to become “ghostbusters” to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. They stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will release evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction.

THE EXORCIST

In remembrance of William Friedkin, still dubbed SCARIEST movie of ALL time, THE EXORCIST is a tale of an exorcism based loosely on actual events. When young Regan starts acting odd — levitating, speaking in tongues — her worried mother seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest, however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert to help with the difficult job.

Admission is $12 for a single film or $20 for the double feature. Tickets cannot be shared or passed from one individual to another.

No outside concessions or alcohol permitted. Specialty cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase, in addition to concessions.

We encourage patrons to bring blankets and layers. It gets chilly when the sun goes down.

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Running Time: 250 MIN250 MIN
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The Met: Live in HD

The 2024-2025 season of Metropolitan Opera performances return to the Athena!

The Met: Live in HD is the Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award–winning series of opera performances transmitted live from the stage of the Met into movie theaters worldwide.

Experience extraordinary opera performances live from the Metropolitan Opera in your local cinema. The season features live transmissions starring the greatest artists in opera.

All events feature intermissions.

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

 

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Fall Sustainability Series: TAKING ROOT: THE VISION OF WANGARI MAATHAI

Watch Trailer Director: Alan Dater, Lisa Merton
Cast: Wangari Maathai

About the film

Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy—a movement for which this charismatic woman became an icon and an international inspiration. This film, by co-directors Alan Dater and Lisa Merton, weaves a compelling and dramatic narrative of one woman’s personal journey in the context of the turbulent political and environmental history of her country.

About the series

Athena Cinema, University Libraries, and OHIO’s Environmental Studies Program present the 11th annual Sustainability Film Series.

This year’s batch of films will be centered on reflecting the urgency of what is before us. After a decade of screening movies and hosting discussions led by experts from the OHIO student body and faculty and the Athens community detailing the problems facing the world, this semester’s focus will be on solutions.

The films will demonstrate that a collaborative approach to problem-solving — involving all members of our global community, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender — is a necessity. Education is the first crucial step in both understanding the world’s problems and developing sustainable solutions.

Following the screening of each of these beautiful, thought-provoking, and timely films, audience members are invited to join us for a panel discussion hosted by OHIO faculty members, students, and members of the Athens community.

This screening will take place at The Ridges Auditorium located at 135 Ridges Circle.

The series is possible thanks to the support of: Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, OHIO Honors Program, Honors Tutorial College, Cutler Scholars, Office of Sustainability, Center for Campus & Community Engagement, University College, Athens International Film and Video Festival, and beloved nonprofits and businesses.

Free admission and post-show discussion as part of the Fall Sustainability Series.

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Running Time: 81 MINS81 MIN
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The Met: Live in HD: Jake Heggie’s DEAD MAN WALKING

American composer Jake Heggie’s compelling masterpiece, the most widely performed new opera of the last 20 years, sees its premiere at the Met: Live in HD in a haunting new production by Ivo van Hove. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, Dead Man Walking matches the high drama of its subject with Heggie’s beautiful and poignant music and a brilliant libretto by Terrence McNally. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium, with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato starring as Sister Helen. The outstanding cast also features bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as the death-row inmate Joseph De Rocher, soprano Latonia Moore as Sister Rose, and legendary mezzo-soprano Susan Graham—who sang Helen Prejean in the opera’s 2000 premiere—as De Rocher’s mother.

Due to the current repairs going on at the Athena Cinema, this program will be presented as a pre-recorded encore at the Ridges Auditorium. The screening starts at 12:55pm and is estimated to end at 4:09pm. 

Content Advisory: Dead Man Walking contains a depiction of a rape and murder, as well as other adult themes and strong language.

Admission $20 (senior $18, children $8)

OHIO Student: Free

Thanks to Arts for OHIO, we are able to offer a limited number of FREE student tickets available on first-come, first-serve basis. Must have valid student I.D.

Click here to view the rest of the Met: Live in HD schedule.

 

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

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Running Time: 194 MIN194 MIN
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