I’d never heard of Cinema Revolution to know that it had closed, but then it reopened, but now it’s closed again.
The mission of the Cinema Revolution Society is to invigorate film culture in Minnesota. The organization presents with Intermedia Arts curated public screenings of some of the best local, domestic and international films, offers open forums on film theory and history through its film discussion series, and supports local filmmakers through its commissioning programs.
Cinema Revolution began in 2003 as a locally owned and independent DVD rental store which quickly became sought out for its selection of hard to find films, recognized by City Pages for “Best DVD Rental” in 2004, 2005, 2006 and “Best Place to Rent Foreign Films” in 2007. Past event highlights of the store include the monthly Cinema des Artistes screenings at the Varsity Theater, two Anniversary parties featuring local film and music, the originally commissioned Fortune Cookie Film Project, Wednesday Night Film School and the Film Discussion series. In 2009 the store transitioned into a nonprofit corporation and became the Cinema Revolution Society.
The DVD rental store had reopened, briefly, inside Intermedia Arts, who appears to be sticking with its efforts to try anything and everything to keep afloat (which is not to say that they have no standards, just that they’ve expanded).
Still, Cinema Revolution has other activities ongoing.
Revolution Reel is a series of screenings of locally produced films.
This new program, curated by Cinema Revolution founder John Koch and presented by the Cinema Revolution Society and Intermedia Arts, screens local films by emerging and mid-career filmmakers in a social setting. Dramatic, sarcastic, ecstatic, hilarious, beautiful, informative, shocking or just plain bizarre, the series exhibits the breadth of filmmaking talent that this community has to offer. Beer will be available at the events on a donation basis, as well as snacks from Sweet William Catering.
Remaining on the schedule:
Tues. September 22, 7:30 PM: “Will Work For Food” a documentary by Tom Maertz.
Tues. September 29, 7:30 PM: Short Film Showcase featuring a lineup TBA
Tues. October 6, 7:30 PM: “The Adventures of Northside Johnny: A Subprime Mess” (Preview and Discussion) dir. by Gabriel Cheifetz.
All films are screening at Intermedia Arts. Tickets are $5 at the door. Seating is general admission.
The Dance Film Project is also ongoing.
The DANCE FILM PROJECT is an outlet for dancemakers and filmmakers to collaborate and create original short works for the camera. The project aims to explore choreography through a cinematic language.
It appears to be a little late to submit your work for it but you can still attend the screenings in December.
