Athena Cinema Announces 7th Annual Holiday Movie Series

The 2018 Holiday Movie Series opens November 29 and runs through December 22, at the Athena Cinema, Athens. Photo courtesy of the Athena Cinema.

The Athena Cinema of Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts is excited to announce this year’s lineup of classic films for its seventh annual Holiday Film Series. From Thursday, Nov. 29, through Dec. 22 the series will offer free admission to holiday movies in exchange for food or cash donations benefitting the area food pantries.

The Athena Cinema will partner with the Department of Real Estate Management, Community Engagement and Economic Development and Athens’ food pantries to bring back the traditional movie series. As part of the events, patrons will receive a complimentary snowflake cookie to enjoy during the movie.

Following last year’s success, the Athena Cinema will kick off the event series on the evening of the Athens Uptown Business Association (AUBA) Uptown for the Holidays event on Thursday, Nov. 29 with the 1966 short, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” This year’s AUBA event will also features wagon rides, visits with Santa, and the Large Mouth Brass Band.

The other scheduled screenings will take place on the following Saturdays;

• Dec. 1: “Elf” at 1 and 3 p.m.
• Dec. 8: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at 1 and 3 p.m.
• Dec. 15: “A Christmas Story” at 1 and 3 p.m.
• Dec. 15: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 7 and 9 p.m.
• Dec. 22: “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m.

“We look forward to this series year-round and are excited to see area families and children come out and celebrate the holidays Uptown,” said the Athena Cinema’s Director, Alexandra Kamody.

To benefit area families in need, the price of admission to these screenings will be a non-perishable food item or cash donation per ticket.

“To date, 3,450 Holiday Film Series moviegoers have donated over 5,250 pounds of food and more than $1,580 in cash to this initiative since the seasonal event began in 2011,” said Kevin Markielowski, manager of real estate operations at Ohio University.

Tickets will be available one week before each scheduled screening. Donations may be dropped off during regular Athena lobby hours. At the time of the donation, tickets will be issued. The Athena Cinema lobby is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 10 p.m.

Named by Ohio Magazine as one of the "Best of 2017" last year, the purpose of the Holiday Series initiative is to give back to the greater Athens community and families in need during the season. The Cinema also hopes to provide an affordable Uptown entertainment option and increase traffic to area businesses. Please come out and support our initiative, take advantage of local shopping/restaurants and enjoy a fun holiday event with your family.

Further information, and movie trailers can be found on the Athena Cinema website.