The Screen is back and ready to serve

The Screen is back — reopening this weekend because of a creative partnership between the city of Santa Fe and the Center for Contemporary Arts, keeping opportunities to see quality cinema alive in the midtown area.

Film lovers had worried that the closure of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design would mean the demise of The Screen, located on the campus. When The Screen announced it was shutting down last spring, it seemed the fears were being realized. With the announcement that the CCA is partnering with the city — owner of the midtown campus — we can all breathe a sigh of a relief. The Screen isn’t going anywhere.

The agreement between City Hall and the CCA emphasizes community-based and educational programming. That means the continued showing of new and classic films, along with films for schools, community gatherings and programs co-presented by a host of local groups. Special emphasis is being placed on serving nearby neighborhoods and the south side. That includes the many schoolchildren in the area.

During the 2017-18 school year, the CCA served 1,200 Santa Fe Public Schools students at its location on Old Pecos Trail. The partnership offers additional opportunities.

With The Screen’s location near Santa Fe High School and the new Milagro Middle School, as well as several elementary schools, serving students will be even more convenient.

What’s more, the location of The Screen in midtown means fine cinema is available within walking distance for thousands of people who otherwise might not want to drive and park closer to downtown. Neighbors can stroll over to catch a film.

Keeping cinema available in the neargeographic center of town is another demonstration of how the 60-acre midtown campus can enrich the surrounding neighborhoods.

By ensuring The Screen remains open, the city of Santa Fe is helping to realize the potential of this site.

Both the city and CCA leaders are to be commended for creating this partnership. Their leaders grabbed opportunity from crisis.

The Screen and the CCA’s Cinematheque each can boast impeccable credentials, with both movie houses having been honored as top Arthouse Theaters in the country by The Sundance Institute at different times. They are movie houses that offer independent, world and classic cinema, a place to escape Hollywood blockbusters and see unique creative offerings. For longtime fans of The Screen, there’s comfort in knowing that founder/curator Brent Kliewer and longtime manager Charlotte Martinez will remain on board.

It all begins this weekend with the opening of The CCA Presents The Screen (see the schedule at www.ccasantafe.org).

Whether you’re keen to see the buzzedabout independent hit Three Identical Strangers, a restored version of the The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine or want to take your grandkids to see an outdoor showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Saturday, a range of programming is available to launch this new venture.

We’re excited to see what unfolds, and we’ll see you at the movies.