To the Editor:
As the closing of Cinemagic steadily becomes inevitable, there have been many suggestions as to what should be done with the space. I urge Penn to seriously consider inviting an arthouse theater that specializes in independent cinema to fill the location.
There is great demand for independent cinema within Philadelphia and the University City community. The Ritz, located downtown, is currently the only theater in the city that shows independent films.
New York, by comparison, has at least 16. Boston has no fewer than seven. Dallas, not particularly known for its artistic community, has five. Philadelphia, which prides itself in being an incubator for the arts, seriously lags.
An independent theater would be a boon for the University City community, especially if it is serious about cultivating its image as a vibrant, lively center for young adults. The theater would complete the development of the intersection of 40th and Walnut, and, if combined with additional shops and restaurants, it could become a center for Philadelphia nightlife.
Although there may be concern about building two theaters in such proximity to one another, an arthouse would draw a different audience than does the Bridge and so would not be a direct competitor.
Finally, the theater could benefit the University by working closely with its new Cinema Studies program, perhaps holding viewings and lectures and inviting independent filmmakers to introduce their works. The theater would be an attraction to those considering coming to Penn for the program and would generally improve the arts at Penn.
There are many reasons that an arthouse theater would be an excellent choice to replace Cinemagic. These are only a few. As Penn decides on what to do with the property, it should consider this and other unorthodox solutions.
John Backes
College '06
