New Magic Lantern? Stay tuned

Received a comment this morning that I include below:

Dan, the following was just posted in the comments section of the Magic Lantern’s Web site. Have you heard anything about this?

“Hey, I heard a rumor and I’m pretty sure it’s true. The Magic Lantern is about to reopen (under new management). Word on the street is they’ve turned it into a cafe, with espresso, wine, beer and desserts. This on top of running independent films which can usually only be seen in cities like Seattle or San Francisco.

“The new owner is dedicated to bringing independent, short, and foreign films back to Spokane. Don’t take my word for it however, stop by 25 West Main Ave (across from Zola’s and next to Isabella’s) and see for yourself. I’ve even heard they will be playing the Harry Potter series starting on July 7th and going til the 11th.

“Want more info? Email this streetwise person at treegem@gmail.com.”

My answer: Yeah, I heard that a couple of guys have bought the theater and have been working to open it. I’ve seen no exact dates or other information, though, so this is interesting.

I always worry, though, when I see descriptions such as “films which can usually only be see in cities in Seattle or San Francisco,” which both ignores history — this will be at least the fifth gestation of the ML that I know of — and reality, which refers to the art and independent films that AMC brings in on a regular basis.

I’m also concerned about the Harry Potter series. Is that what we mean by art and/or independent film?

Of course not. And if these new owners do it right, by offering what seems to be a broad expanse of entertainment options (food, local offerings, offbeat film schedulings), then they just might make it work.

I hope they do. And I would urge everyone to try to contact the theater directly to see what the actually story is. It’s pretty hard to do that from Colombia.