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When it comes to the local film scene, I’m pretty well informed. News of productions, projects, and screenings tends to travel quickly among local filmmakers, but last week I was taken aback by news of a new pop-up theater that popped up…popped up…in downtown Little Rock.
The new theater, called Cinema I/O, was formed by Omaya Jones and Michael Carpenter, the Film Quotes Film duo who curate the monthly Arkansas Times film series at Riverdale 10. After finally hearing the news on the Arthouse Garage podcast and Sean Clancy’s article in the Democratic Gazette, I decided to check out last weekend’s screenings to see what this Cinema I/O was all about. what happened.
The first thing to know about Cinema I/O is that it’s a miniature theater, an eight-seat black box theater and projection booth. As seating is very limited, you must reserve your seat online. To my surprise, tickets to these screenings are free. Considering the direction of inflation and the quality of the movies being shown, that’s a lot of money. So, I booked free tickets to Saturday’s movies: two-point screenings of the 1996 French film “Frozen” and the 2005 Korean film “Film Story.”
Due to unforeseen circumstances and a lengthy interview, I was well behind schedule – the movie was almost 20 minutes late. I was speeding somewhere along I-630 around 2:00 p.m. when Carpenter called and asked if I was still at the movies. I explained the situation and my lateness. He made me wait a minute, then came back and told me that other theatergoers didn’t mind waiting until I showed up. I told him to move on and start filming. Maybe it’s because they know I’m coming to review their new film, but Cinema I/O’s dedication to audiences is unexpected and unparalleled. Even after the movie ended, they would rewind the movie and play the first 20 minutes I missed.
I arrived at 420 Byrd St., Cat’s Corner at Lost Forty Brewing, 20 minutes late. The building was formerly a plumbing supplies warehouse, but is now home to the Little Rock Fine Weather Gallery. I walked into the modestly furnished space and was greeted by Carpenter and Jones. I can only describe the venue as cool, funky, punk and grunge (in the best way). It fulfills my idealized fantasy of what indie/art cinema should be – something away from the mainstream that makes it special.
I went to the commissary and bought popcorn and water, which were completely free. Then it was off to the very private black box screening room. I highly recommend not being late for the movie, as I was hypersensitive to every movement and sound I made as I walked towards the close vacant seat in the screening room, trying not to disturb anyone’s view of the movie. Once I’m snuggled up in comfort, I can enjoy “Irma Vep,” a movie I’ve wanted to see for a while.
After the credits were over, everyone left the screening room and went back to the lobby, where we discussed the film. I brought up the fact that I’ve seen the 1915 movie series “Vampires” on which “Irma Vep” is loosely based. But each viewer offers their own take on the film, and Jones asks thought-provoking questions about the film’s style and structure.
After the discussion, I turned to Carpenter and asked what the “I” and “O” in their theater names stood for. He explained that this is an acronym for Input/Output. He goes on to argue that film is not just something people consume, but something we share on a public basis, helping to provide social insight, understanding and empathy. The post-screening discussion of Irma Vep is a perfect example of this input-output approach in action.
While waiting for “The Movie’s Story” to begin, I perused the art gallery section of the building, which includes a mannequin leg installation that supports the artwork. Jones walked me through the exhibit, explaining its origins and the theater’s partnership with good weather. We were walking and talking, and I asked, “Why eight seats? Why is it so small in the first place?”
He pulls out a book on the history and function of Cinema 16, the motion picture society founded by Amos Vogel in New York in the 1940s. He more or less said that this is his inspiration and guideline for starting and operating micro-movies-start small, build a base, and show a variety of unique and inclusive films. He hopes to find a solid base of 100 or so patrons and fans who can attend these weekly screenings to help make the effort sustainable.
For my part, I’ll be a loyal patron because I find the whole movie experience to be one of the coolest things to happen in Little Rock; and I think everyone should experience this intimate, interactive art theater at this location at least once .
Cinema I/O is currently showing Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can find more information about theaters and showtimes on their website, cinemaio.org.
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