Guild Cinema — Local services in Albuquerque

UPDATED January 28, 2025: Keif is an absolute sweetheart. He continues to look out for me in myriad ways, which I deeply appreciate. 5 stars for Keif--and yes, I am utilizing a weighted scale for my 4/5 review

However, my first time visiting The Guild was during the Way Out West Film Festival in October 2024. I was excited to visit the Guild for the first time as I had heard great things and wanted to learn more about the film festival. I had multiple poor experiences there, though I later learned that during the Way Out West film fest, the theater was primarily staffed by film fest volunteers [as opposed to Keif or other Guild staff].

ORIGINAL: I tried to buy a ticket at the box office window but discovered it was not attended to. I walked inside to try and buy a ticket. Stopped at the table with posters, merch, and a sign advertising ticket passes and ticket prices to be ignored for 3-4 minutes. At that time, I was also hit by the door by people entering the theater and zero acknowledgment by the staff (to buy a ticket or being physically hit by the door). Then, I tried to buy a ticket, standing in the ad hoc line formed in the lobby. I got to the front of the line and was ignored for another 2- 3 minutes. Eventually, the staff member who had initially ignored me at the table asked if I had been helped. Eventually, I was asked if I wanted to buy a ticket, payment method, and a signature—1’d was misgendered during checkout. I was then told to give my ticket to the individuals staffing the door despite not having been given a ticket. I was then given a ticket and asked in the future if I wanted to buy a ticket what the process was meant to reflect; I was told to try online (though online purchases are shut off 24 hours in advance) or the box office window (which I did not have luck with today). I then left this review, recognizing it would be one of the few ways to have my voice heard.

Later, I talked with Keif and the film fest representatives. In a moment of bravery, I decided I wouldn't let that first experience hold me back, and I was pretty interested in the film lineup. I had 1-2 uneventful experiences. However, after one of the following shows, I found myself trapped, as it was a small lobby that was overcrowded with no clear exit route. I initially tried the door that was traditionally used as the front door with no luck. I tried to let the film fest volunteers know about my concern, but I was initially ignored. Eventually, a path was made, but I opted to stay in hopes of making it a safer place in the future. The film fest director then shoved me, and after a few minutes, we stepped outside the theater and talked as a small group. There are two good people as a part of the film fest volunteer group (you know who you are, and thank you), but overall, I do not find that Way Out West film fest to be...

There is no other theatre where I'd rather see a movie. The Guild is not only the place to see films you likely can't see anywhere else, but it is such a rare atmosphere; It's an ABQ historical icon. The owner loves movies and loves ABQ, and he loves bringing movies to ABQ. The Guild is single handedly keeping the spirit of "cinema" alive in this town.

With the option for watching nearly anything through streaming services, attending a showing at The Guild is a reminder that movie watching is a communal activity. Film as entertainment is far more enjoyable with friends & strangers than it is as merely a solitary experience. Watching with others gives a better sense of togetherness and is a reminder for most of us that we need others to have a more than satisfactory life.

The prices are crazy low on both the ticket and the concessions. It is clear that The Guild cares about the community, and I hope you will join me in letting The Guild know that the community cares about its existence just as much.

Anyone that cares about their community, as well as believing a healthy community comes from our shared experience, should take the time and energy to support this ABQ landmark. There is little reason not to spend some time, energy, and finances, on watching a new or classic movies at The Guild Cinema.

If you haven't ever been - go this week. If you haven't been in a while - go this week. If you already went last night to the Friday Night Midnight Movie Madness showing - go again this week.

It's always worth it, and I can't recommend an experience at The Guild Cinema enough. I...

Nobody can deny the great variety to be seen here. Unfortunately the same goes for the clientele. With only 1 person on staff who is busy running the machine, there is nobody to keep order. We had a dirtball in the crowd constantly talking and picking fights with strangers. Someone went to get the staff and there wasn't anyone to do anything. Things got loud with people telling him to stop until the man upstairs had to stop the movie and turn on the lights. Most of the crowd just stared blankly at the screen, like zombies, as if this was normal. After asking maybe 1 question they declined to eject the troublemaker, instead offering several of us who just decided to just leave a voucher for another movie. Yeah, no thanks. Staff has poor judgment and inadequately dealt with what would've been a relatively simple situation at any mainstream theater. I blame it partly on the location, as Nob Hill is well known for random varieties of people, including druggies, bullies, thieves, and drunks throwing up on...