Leigh Lindsay did it, she brought Zoetropolis back.
She couldn't stroll on a sidewalk in downtown Lancaster for very long without someone asking her to consider it. I know I stopped her many times, poked and prodded and hinted and encouraged her to do it - and now she has. The old Zoetropolis was really special. And so is the new one.
I went and saw my first film there last night - Leonie. It was just the type of film that wouldn't make it to Lancaster without a Zoetropolis. Don't believe the hype - Penn Cinemas bring in very very few truly small indie films, but rather occasionally use a screen to show and very big and widely accepted "independent" film that may or may not be very truly independent. They have tried but they are not in a position to be a true indie champion. It is impossible for the larger multiplexes to really dedicate space to independent works so they can only wade in every so often and only so far. For many years now Lancaster has not had exposure to some of the world's most interesting cinema. The Point of View gamely tried but may have recently ran their last lap. The Ware Center is a wonderful addition to our city, but is not set up as a dedicated film venue and film is not their primary mission. There is but one venue truly dedicated to independent films. That is Zoetropolis.
The experience entering the film screening room is one of the best I have ever seen. Gorgeous hardwood floors, creative layout of seats including comfy sofas that you will remember being a hallmark of the old space, as well as at least double the number of seats total compared to the old screening room. The projection and surround sound were first rate and the acoustics in the room were excellent. It is an ideal film experience.
Now it's your turn.
You see, the reason Lancaster has been left out of the national conversation when interesting smaller films gain a buzz is because a city our size is just on the cusp of numerically being able to sustain such a venture, in fact our little city is probably just below the threshold of being the right size from a strictly monetary theatrical investment standpoint for an arthouse venue. That means we will only be able to have such an experience in our town if we make the effort to support it.
It is not a difficult effort. An evening at Zoetropolis will be more fun and easier on your pocketbook than a trip to the crowded, sticky, teen infested multiplex. They will be showing films on the whole that will be more intelligent. But we in Lancaster who care about these things need to make one little adjustment - and as you plan your day, just remember that we now have a little gem in our midst - one with a entrepreneur, a female owned business that has taken a gamble to make our town a little bit better, a little bit more sophisticated and a little bit more in the national and international loop.
Vote with you pocketbooks and with your time. You will be rewarded. My evening at Zoetropolis last night was my best moviegoing experience in a few years. They say hello and ask you how you enjoyed your evening and the film. When was the last time anyone asked if you enjoyed the film at a multiplex? These are your neighbors creating this for you.
Let's tip our hats to them and better yet, show them what this means to us. Lancaster is the better for it. Now let's show Leigh that we are a good enough city to deserve this.
http://www.zoetropolis.com/
