Athena Cinema announces Holiday Movie Series

The holidays are here and that means it’s time for the Athena Cinema to announce the lineup of classic holiday films for the 10th annual Holiday Film Series.

Beginning on Friday, Dec. 2, the series offers free admission to holiday movies in exchange for food or cash donations for the local food pantry.

From Dec. 2 through Dec. 22, the Athena Cinema of Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts will partner with Arts for OHIO, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, the Athens Uptown Business Association and Athens Food Pantries to bring back the traditional holiday movie series.

The Athena Cinema will be changing the lineup this year by kicking off the event on the same night as the Athens Tree Lighting.

• The first event will take place the evening of Friday, Dec. 2, presenting “Edward Scissorhands” at 7 p.m.
• The second event will feature “Elf” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.
• On Saturday, Dec. 10, the theater will show “A Christmas Story” at 3 p.m. and there will also be an Ugly Sweater Contest taking place before the movie.
• “The Grinch (2018)” will be played at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.
• The final event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 22, and will be a 7 p.m. screening of “White Christmas.”

“We are thrilled to host the 10th year of the Holiday Series. There is something magical about watching holiday movies together on Court Street and this experience is one of our favorite annual traditions” said the Athena Cinema 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. Over the past 10 years, this event series has raised nearly 7,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations and around $4,300 in cash donations for the Athens Food Pantry.

Tickets will be available one week before each scheduled screening. This year tickets will also be available online with monetary donations. 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 Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 – 8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 4 – 10 p.m., Saturdays 2 – 10 p.m., and Sundays 2 – 8 p.m.

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. All students, faculty, staff and area residents are invited to support the initiative, take advantage of local shopping/restaurants and enjoy a fun holiday event with family and friends.

Further information and movie trailers can be found on the Athena Cinema website at http://athenacinema.com/holidayseries/