Academy Award winner Richard Linklater has plenty of projects to his name, but Austin Film Society is a particularly important one. Founded by Linklater in 1985, AFS is responsible for highlighting Texas filmmakers and screening hundreds of movies at AFS Cinema, formerly the Marchesa. After closing in November for extensive renovations, the cinema is opening on May 26 with new programming and a number of changes that position it to be one of the best spots to watch classic and independent movies in Austin.
The former single-screen theater has added a second screen, a brand-new lobby and bar, an upgraded sound system and an event space. The renovated theater soft opens with a series dubbed "Texas Christening," highlighting five films that include August Evening, Rio Bravo, Tender Mercies, The Last Picture Show and The Sugarland Express. The opening program will also include "Comedy, Italian Style," a six-film lineup featuring Mafioso and The Passionate Thief, among others. Finally, "The Noir Canon" will feature four films that represent the best of American Film Noir, like Angel Face and Kiss Me Deadly.
Chef Peter Kline is behind the food program at the cinema's bar and café, with plans to serve an Austin-centric menu that includes sausages and hot dogs from East Austin's Smokey Denmark, egg salad toast with trout roe, an Antonelli's cheese plate and more. The bar will offer beer from local breweries, plus signature cocktails and a full coffee menu.
Linklater has decorated the cinema with vintage posters and movie-soundtrack album covers from his personal collection. But the real show is on the screen—now, both of them.
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