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i AN ART-HOUSE choosing a suitable venue to display the early films he produced in his Black Maria theater, Thomas Edison opted for one of the most ravishing settings available: the awe-inspiring architectural wonder and once-in-a- lifetime cultural hotspot of the White City built for Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. What a shame then that most cinematic experiences these days (of ever finer and cheaper technology) have to take place amidst the reeking odor of burned popcorn oil, flypaper floors and seat cushions whose best days coincided with the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust. Such was the concern of Athens- by-way-of-Zurich film aficionado Brigitta Hangartner when she and her collaborators began fleshing out her idea for a new movie theater down town. As the project began to evolve, Hangartner, who holds a PhD in psy chology and has helped design numer ous urban public spaces, and the team decided on the historic Snow Tire Recap building at 234 West Hancock Ave. for the home of Cine. THEATER RISES AMONG YOU building proved perfect for stadium seating in the two theaters— one with a stage and 135 seats, the other with 105 seats—each outfitted with state-of-the-art JBL sound systems and sonic mask ing designed by master technician James Bond (the technological wizard behind the exquisite setup for Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival at the Classic Center Theater). Each theater boasts or "only in selected cities," Athens will now be among those privi leged places. Recalling the European art-house cinemas she fre quented in her youth, Hangartner has also given the concessions at Cine a flair that should come as a welcome surprise. The familiar soda fountain and popcorn popper will be accompanied by savory finger foods like nuts, cheeses and olives, as well as espresso and a selection of beer and wine that, when transferred to unbreakable cups, can accompany one into the theater. Moreover, the bar-cafe portion won't be wholly reserved for those waiting for or decompressing after a film. Ms. Hangartner and her crew hope that Cine will be “a space for gathering.” a specially-fabricated screen to maximize the beauty of the films projected from the top-quality 35 mm projectors and astonishing digital towers at the back. P erhaps most exciting for the viewing public, these screens will be playing a rotation of films different from the all-too-famil- iar fare generally peddled on the silver screen. Where once movie buffs let out a sigh and started putting back a store of gas money for a trip to the ATI whenever a trailer mentioned "limited release” W ith the help of local design firm Department of Corrections, Unlimited, Swiss graphic designer Rolf Will, a host of seasoned theater tech nicians, and plenty of others onboard, Hangartner set about transforming the nearly 70-year-old structure into a modern, environmentally-efficient space, while carefully preserving its historic beauty. The roll-up garage door in front of the box office (with a ^ stylized tire track at the entryway in i homage to the building's previous in- ? carnation), the remarkable weathered 2 barrel roof and skylights that used to hang over the heads of the workers, and even the newly restored "Man Down” graffiti on the west wall all remain, ensuring that the building's roots are intact. But the utilitarian layout has been replaced with a cozy bar, projection rooms connected by suspended catwalks across a roomy central gathering area with tables and chairs, whimsical but practi cal furnishings designed by Didi Dunphy, and a capacious lab space adorned with art, all rendered with sinuous, intuitive lines in tonal shades of blue and aqua. The natural grade of the land behind the Brandon Waddell T his gets at the heart of what its creators envision as Cine's ulti mate purpose. Certainly the uncom mon beauty and power of the films on the screen will be a central player in the experience. Beyond the draw of Athens' very own downtown art-house cinema, though, the group hopes the space will become the nexus of what they see as a burgeoning local film scene—a place where moviemakers, movie lovers, and even casual view ers can convene to ponder a fine film. They hope to draw together those with a love of and stake in the cinematic arts into a coherent com munity with memberships (for singles, couples, students, and even "The Full Monty,” which includes a full year of free admission), films audiences would previously have been forced to drive m t es to see, and, most importantly, the unique experience of sharing these things with others. In her blog at www.athenscine.com, Hangartner recalls a recent evening spent at one of the theaters that served as inspiration for her project: "There was no other place in the world I wanted to be right then. I was in the mood for love, my love for good movies. It made me happy that this combination of bar and theater, an idea we had had for Cine all along, could do this for me." Considering the care with which every detail of Cine has been designed, Athenian audiences should be prepared for nothing less. THURSDAY APRIL 26.2007 ri 6 PM Featured Bands: Modern Skirts . Packway Handle Band Hope For Agoldensummer tickets $10 t i cash or check (credit card /OG 542 98421 WWW.WluAOtO Bald For A Cause fundRAZOR to honor Dan Edward Cfty Salon + Spa is excited to raise money for toe American Cancer Society in their First Annual Papa’s BaW For A Cause fundRAZOR. This event joins two teams who are wiflmg to shave their heads (by tooee who donated money). Half win be on stage at the Athens Clarice County Relay for life, end half w# participate at UGA's Relay for life. Want to be part of it? We need 20 volunteers to help raise $1,000 each. Help start an Athens Tradition by helping us raise $20,000 for Cancer Research!# you are interested or need more information. please emaS us at dtysatonevento@gmaH.com or caS the salon. 1 00 Athens Town Blvri. * 706.552.1515 * www.citysalonamlsija.com 16 FLAGPOLE.COM • MARCH 28,2007 | NEWS & FEATURES I ARTS & EVENTS I MOVIES I MUSIC I COMICS & ADVICE I CLASSIFIEDS