COLUMBIA CITY – SEEDArts and the Columbia City Cinema Advisory Board – a group of volunteer community members trying to bring back the popular movie house – are hosting an outdoor movie night next month at Columbia Park.

The cinema, which featured first-run films on three screens, was popular with all of the neighborhoods in Southeast Seattle until it closed last year. Since then, local residents and businesses have repeatedly expressed a desire to reopen the beloved movie house.

In response, SEEDArts has been working with the community advisory board to raise the funds necessary to refurbish and reopen the cinema.

“[The] goal is to maintain a critical cultural space in Southeast Seattle, an underserved area that represents one of the nation’s most diverse zip codes,” said SEEDArts Executive Director Jerri Plumridge.

The group is trying to raise approximately $1.1 million to renovate the building, fix the code violations and establish operations.

“Cinema Under the Stars” – featuring The Lorax – is planned for Sat., Aug. 18.

The Lorax is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a boy as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

There will be a community picnic at 7 pm and the film will start at 8:30 pm.

“Folks can bring blankets, low back lawn chairs and picnic food,” said spokesperson Kathy Fowells. “Concessions will be available for sale; free soda has been donated by Pepsi.”

Sponsors include Pepsi Beverage Company, Windermere Real Estate, Tutta Bella Pizza, Dwell Construction, Columbia City Gallery, Stash Quilt Shop, GBK Realtors, SustainableWorks, Rainier Valley Chiropractic, Columbia City Ale House and Security Properties.

Photo/Rainier Valley Post