Iowa City FilmScene Formally Announces Pedestrian Mall Cinema to Open September

Media Release

This fall, the bright lights of the big screen will again illuminate downtown Iowa City. Today, FilmScene formally announces Scene 1, a cinema and lounge set to open on the Pedestrian Mall this September.

The space will be part of the newly renovated Packing and Provision building operated by Moen Group at 118 E. College St. Scene 1 will include an intimate 85-seat theater with full surround sound and high-end digital cinema projection. The venue will be a dedicated year-round cinema showcasing the best in contemporary cinema, including American independent, documentaries and foreign films—first-run movies that are not regularly offered at commercial multiplex theaters.

“We’re thrilled to be opening in such a beautiful space,” said Andy Brodie, FilmScene co-founder and board chair. “It will allow us to build on our momentum and foster a more robust film culture and community in Iowa City.”

Filmgoers will be welcomed through a lounge that will offer catered food and desserts, traditional moviegoing fare, and fine wine, cold beer and hot coffee. Café seating will provide an area for lively discussion before and after the film, as well as a casual meeting place for movie lovers.

Preliminary renderings crafted by Neumann Monson Architects show the lounge's soaring 25-foot exposed-beam ceilings and skylight, a ticketing and concession bar, plus the adjoining gallery space featuring reclaimed hardwood floors and the building’s original tin ceiling. 

“Many historic materials have been exposed to provide FilmScene with a contemporary theater facility that maintains the warmth and patina of the historic building,” said Tim Schroeder of Neumann Monson. “The result melds old and new to provide a unique destinationn for cinema within our creative community.”

FilmScene will build on tradition through a partnership with the University of Iowa’s Bijou Cinema that will integrate the student group into FilmScene operations and the new downtown location. 

“We are proud to partner with an organization with such a rich history,” said Brodie, himself a former director of the Bijou. “Together, we’ll build a home for film that Iowa City will be proud of.”

Scene 1 marks the return of full-time cinema to downtown Iowa City, which hasn't had a dedicated movie theater since the sale and closure of the Campus 3 in 2007. In a city-sponsored market survey in 2011, respondents cited “movie theater” as the most-wanted entertainment addition for downtown.

"What's exciting about this project is that it continues to diversify the mix of uses and activities for both the community at large and for students Downtown,” said Nancy Bird, Executive Director of the Iowa City Downtown District. “These cool cinema houses are emerging in some of the nation's hippest metropolitan cities--it’s a natural fit for the Iowa City Downtown District."

The former location of Vito's has been named in homage of its first tenant, the Iowa Packing and Provision Company, which operated out of the building in the 1860s. The building's ground floor will include an additional retail tenant and small art gallery. The previously unused second floor now houses the Iowa City office of Modus Engineering.

“It's a dynamic building” said FilmScene co-founder Andrew Sherburne. “It's really a microcosm of the downtown area, with retail, office and entertainment all under one roof.”

Scene 1 will address the immediate demand for quality film programming in Iowa City and serve as a stepping stone for FilmScene's long-term plans of a two-screen venue and educational facility to be housed in The Chauncey development at Gilbert and College Streets. The Chauncey is anticipated to open in 2016.

“Scene 1 is a tremendous opportunity to deliver on our promise to Iowa City film fans,” said Sherburne, “as well as build for the future.”


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ABOUT FILMSCENE

Established in 2011, FilmScene is dedicated to enhancing the cultural vitality of the Iowa City area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form. With programming that entertains, inspires, and educates, FilmScene works to build and connect the community through film.

Working to open a full-time cinema in downtown Iowa City, FilmScene's primary program areas include:

First-Run Films: American independents, documentaries, and foreign films.

Repertory Selections: Classic films on the big screen, presented from restored or archival prints whenever possible. Selections include American and foreign classics, genre works, and programs by guest curators.

Filmmaker Support: FilmScene seeks to provide a creative home and venue for film and media artists. Support services include fiscal sponsorship, residencies, facilities and other resources as available.

Community Development: Lectures and conversations with film professionals, partnerships with other nonprofits and community groups on film-based events, and other activities that engage the public in a continuous dialogue about film and contribute to a vibrant local arts community.

FilmScene Board of Directors
Andy Brodie, Cofounder/Board Chair
Andrew Sherburne, Cofounder/Vice Chair
Nick Arnold
Laura Bergus, Secretary
Doug Ongie, Treasurer
Karen Chappell
Thomas Dean
Evan Evans
David Gould
Tommy Haines
Kembrew McLeod
Andre Perry

www.icfilmscene.org