Ciné — Attraction in Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

I went to Ciné for an event hosted for my girlfriend's end of year celebration and had a great time in spite of the venue. My girlfriend wanted to get a drink but was engaged in the celebration, so I said that I would get one for her. When I went to the bar to order the drinks, they stopped making it and started to accuse me of purchasing a drink for an underage person. I tried to calmly explain to them that she was just busy and I was trying to do something nice. I told them I could get her ID or bring her to the bar, but all 3 bartenders proceeded to continue to yell at me about how "They knew what I was doing". I then got my girlfriend after the meeting to have her show her ID to obtain the drink, and instead of receiving an apology for being accused of committing a crime I received a dismissive comment from one of the bartenders about how "It's part of the job" and the rest pretended I didn't exist. I never received an apology for being yelled at and accused of committing a crime. I understand asking for proof of an ID with the person there, but this simply isn't how this went down. They jumped to accusing me and insulting me. The staff was objectively horrible the rest of the night to all of the other people at the event too, despite the fact that we cleaned up after ourselves and left early. If I wanted to watch a 3 hour black and white film of a cigarette slowly burning to the nub while smooth jazz plays in the background or at least if I looked like the person who would enjoy such a thing I suppose maybe I would've been treated better. If you think you'd enjoy that, then please attend this theater! If you are a person who expects to be treated with common decency, then maybe attend another theater or stream at home. I understand this place is important to the artistic integrity of this city as a place for short film artists and lesser known directors to showcase their work. I only wish they could present their art somewhere decent where anyone who wanted to come could appreciate it. Overall, a mediocre place with below...

So disappointed in what was first promoted as an art cinema where we would finally be able to see more acclaimed international and independent films and classics. What happened???? Now showing a poor, unappealing selection of films as well as the same commercial blockbusters shown at other theaters in the area— just on a smaller screen and a week or two after they open at the other theaters in the area. Ask your patrons and supporting members what they want to see and what times are best for your older patrons. I remember that one of the most crowded (and most enjoyable) showings that I attended was the classic favorite “Roman Holiday” on a Sunday afternoon at 2pm. (On a positive note, Athens Ciné does provide an active community center which many seem to enjoy. Just please provide a better and different!...

Perhaps I am a bit biased since I used to work as a projectionist there, but this is one of the only places in Athens (indeed, one of the only places in Georgia) making specific strides towards preserving the art of 35mm exhibition. Though they are now outfitted with brand-spanking new digital projection systems, they are still dedicated to the 35mm format and independent film as a medium. There's always plenty of seating in this intimate 2 auditorium hall with an event space if you want to have a concert or corporate get-together. Everything served there is of a quality above and beyond your typical theater and, to top it all off, they serve alcohol. What more could you want? A non-profit? Well, they're that too as a 501C3 who is entirely community supported. Stop in and see something and say hi to Manny while...