Short Subtitle Here
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.
