Bored with bland Hollywood releases? Tired of sticky floors and endless previews? Want to see your classics on the silver screen once more? You’re in luck! Two new theaters with visionary creators are on the way to bring a novel taste in movies back to Seattle.

Nestled in the heart of the Rainier Valley is the diverse Columbia City neighborhood. Loaded with aging and vintage property, in recent years developers have sprung at the chance to spruce it up and refurbish some of the historic buildings. Lacking even a movie theater within walking distance, Columbia City has long lacked a center for a pleasant evening date, cheery matinees, or trendy film festivals.

In an effort to provide the area with such a place, the group “Friends of Columbia City Cinema” has scouted out the archaic Ark Lodge. It served as a hub for the neighborhood back when it was built in 1921, and the group hopes to restore it to its former glory. Currently, an outdoor film festival is underway to raise money for the restorations.

A similar effort is underway in our very own Central District. Kevin Spitzer, a local artist, recently moved to the CD to help his commute to work. Seeing an absence of a theater, he struck upon the idea for the Seattle Central Cinema. Inspired by the Parkway and the Alamo theaters (in Oakland, California and Austin, Texas respectively), he envisions it as a movie and restaurant combination. Ideally, he wishes to tailor his menu according to what’s playing.

“You can expect things like Dilettante Truffles while seeing Chocolate, or spicy noodles while seeing Tampoco,” he said. “Seating will be arranged in a diner booth style or with sofas.”

He also hopes to become a partner with film organizations such as Cinema Diaspora, Rakumi Arts, and Tasveer Films, in an effort to make a diverse and exciting program. Although he has the majority of his funding under wraps, Spitzer is still in limbo while trying to obtain the necessary building permits and architects for the job. Until the construction gets underway, he will be holding informal screenings in the back room of his current offices.

Take a break from your mindless popcorn crunching movies and try something different! Both of these theaters look to add some character to our city, and bring business and entertainment to their neighborhoods. Get involved and help out for this great pair of upcoming cinematic hot spots.