The 7th annual “Beat the Heat” Family Film Series returns to the Athena Cinema June 29
Athena Cinema presents the 7th annual Beat the Heat $2 Days family film series, June 29–August 17, 2019.
The Athena Cinema invites audiences to stay cool and make a positive impact in Athens this summer through its annual “Beat the Heat $2 Days”fundraiser for Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring (formerly Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Athens). The film series will feature seven family film events and fun for all ages from June 29 to Aug. 17.
The price of admission to these screenings is a suggested minimum donation of $2 per ticket and for no additional charge, all ticket holders will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win prizes such as Splash Passes, which offer 10 admissions to the Athens City Pool donated by Athens Community Arts, Parks & Recreation and a pair of admissionpasses to COSI in Columbus. Athens Public Libraries will also hand out free books at the screenings.
“We are so excited to present a lineup that showcases some beautiful, world animations and classic nostalgic films,” said Alexandra Kamody, director of the Athena Cinema. “We’ve picked movies that appeal to a range of generations, from tots to teens, and films tocoincide with community events.”
All shows take place on Saturdays at 3 p.m., except the Movies for Big Kids event which will screen “Napoleon Dynamite” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2.
The first film of the series, Miyazaki’s “Ponyo,” will screen Saturday, June 29, followed by “Ernest and Celestine,” on July 13; the 1971 original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” on July 20, which will be a part of the Ohio Brew Week Last Call celebration; “Song of the Sea,” on July 27; the 1973 version of “Charlotte’s Web” during Athens County Fair Week on Aug. 10; and ending with the 2003 French animated film “The Triplets of Belleville” on Aug. 17, which coincides with the Athens Community Arts & Music Festival.
“Our goal is to provide a low-cost entertainment option to area families, support area children's organizations and bring business to uptown Athens in the summer,” Kamody said.
Tickets will be available one week before each scheduled screening, which are one-time only events with a limited number of tickets available. Tickets may be purchased in the Athena Cinema lobby. Summer hours are Sunday from 2:30-8 p.m., Monday-Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday from 2:30-10 p.m.
This series is made possible with the generous support of the Athena’s partners: Ohio University, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens County Children Services and Ohio University Credit Union. Additional partners include Athens County Public Libraries and Athens Community Arts, Parks & Recreation.