by Becky Robbins

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Sitting in a movie theater, do you ever long for the good old days when the Austrian shade curtain would rise signaling the start of the movie? Cinestudio exudes a 1930s vintage design while showcasing choice movies.

A true movie buff can appreciate the splendid dcor of Cinestudio. Housed in the Clement Chemistry Building on the campus of Trinity College, you might question what sort of atmosphere this theater could have. From the gold Austrian shade curtain to the curved balcony and deep red walls, you will feel like you are taking a step back in time when you enter the room. On the deep red carpet, gold running lions have become the logo for Cinestudio. The gold lions honor Hartford native Katherine Hepburn's movie "The Lion in Winter."

Cinestudio's rise to earning the "Best Independent Cinema" award from Connecticut Magazine began in 1970. The lecture hall was converted into a 1930s film house by a group of students. The students managed all facets of the film house's operation. In fact, two of the founding members are still managing day-to-day operations.

The film house made its cinematic mark through controversial films. It even debuted now cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." This has graduated into showing foreign films along with classics from the silver screen. Occasionally you can catch big screen releases and art house premiers. Cinestudio is open to suggestions from its patrons.

There are several film festivals hosted at Cinestudio throughout the year. The April in Paris film festival has completed its tenth year in 2009. The theme changes, but the careful selection has not. There is a quiet determination to make sure each film fits into the theme and is equally enjoyable for those who attend. Another film festival held annually at Cinestudio is the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. November 2009 will mark its 11th year. It has won awards and 2008 welcomed a record setting number of filmmakers, cast, and crew members from the films. There is even a student film festival held annually.

Modern day theaters lack the magic that you will find at Cinestudio. It is a place where reality and fantasy meet and become intertwined. This magic is what brings the movies to life for viewers. Whether you are a film buff or not, plan an evening at the movies. You get so much more for less than the cost of a ticket at the modern movie theaters.

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