Athena Cinema kicks off season of giving with 13th annual Holiday Film Series

For the 13th year, the Athena Cinema will support Athens’ food pantries and provide low-cost family screenings for the community as it kicks off its annual Holiday Film Series beginning Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. 

Over the course of the 12 years of community participation, this holiday fundraiser for the Athens County Food Pantry has had 5,871 attendees, 7,449lbs of food donated and $6,168 of cash donations have been collected.  

The goal of the Athena’s Holiday Film Series remains the same: offer low-cost entertainment options for area families, increase traffic in the Uptown for the holidays and to use both occasions to support those dealing with food insecurity in our community.  

“Our holiday movie series is one of the brightest parts of the season for our team at the Athena Cinema. Come share the magic of music, movies, and giving back as we celebrate together,” said Athena Cinema Executive Director Alexandra Kamody.  

All you need for admission is a canned or non-perishable food product, or a monetary donation to a local food charity, and you can join in this year’s fun.

The Ohio University Trombone Choir will add additional cheer with a brief performance Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., just before the classic animated short, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” The OHIO Trombone Choir has showcased its artistry across Ohio and on prestigious stages while producing outstanding educators, musicians and versatile performers.  

On Saturday, Dec. 6, there will be screenings of “Elf” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with a short performance by The Tempo Tantrums prior to both showings. The Tempo Tantrums are an 18 member all-treble-voiced a cappella ensemble of “fresh, diverse, and musically talented young people…[who] prepare and share original a cappella arrangements of pop culture music.” 

Other titles throughout the month that will continue to support the Athens County Food Pantry include “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.”  

You can learn more about the film series by visiting https://athenacinema.com/holidayseries/.