There has been a long evolution to the currrent situation at the Bridge. Some will remember that at first it was Sundance who planned the theatre and included aspects such as screening rooms for short artists films, seminar rooms for discussion or filmmaking groups, and a thought that this could be an overall "film center". It was really exciting, til Sundance pulled out during a period of economic downturn. The construction had already begun and so it was a great relief when UA took on the project, though it was clear that the community and cultural aspects were no longer a part of the plan, nor would the films shown be in any way "art films". The screening room is a vestige of the old plan. It is suppposed to show short films, in fact every semester we (at The Graduate School of Fine Arts) at Penn send them a DVD of our best student work. Sometime during the last year they have stopped playing them. When I ask about them they say that the staff forgets, or that I have to ! take it up with managagement in Cleveland or wherever. It is a disspaointment for us that we can't get consistent play, and for the potential viewers, and for the overall possibility of The Bridge. That said, Nicola Gentili who heads the Cinema Studies program at Penn has been able to host quite a few events and special film screenings there, and The Philadelphia Film Fest (aka The World Fest of Cinema) presented many of their films there and hosted panel discussions in the lounge. The Tuesday $1 classics are a great idea too. At these times the potential of the Bridge seems so viable. At other times, when I go into the lounge before a movie to wait for a friend but have to leave because the tvs are blaring inanely, or when I hear talk of an arcade going in, it seems that no one there really gets that where they are is a huge asset and that they could create a cultural resource for film lovers unlike any other in the city. It is a special place with a special possibility! . When I went to see "Ray" there a couple of weeks ago the theatre wa s packed, and it was wonderful experience shared with a diverse and delighted audience. (Keep your eye on the screening room to see if I make any progress on getting them to show our dvds consistently). I do feel an arcade would be a step in the wrong direction.
Ellen Reynolds Post Production Supervisor School of Design University of Pennsylvania ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
