Save Cine Esteli
Esteli is a small town in Nicaragua on the Pan-American Highway, it has one old cinema that serves the local community and it is at risk from being torn down.
Jon Barranechea is the manager of the Duke of York’s Picturehouse and is heavily involved in the charity ‘Save Cine Esteli’, who are trying to keep this old movie house going.
Jon spared some time to answer few questions about Cine Esteli and what is happening to help save it.
· What is Cine Esteli and its history?
(JB) It was built in the 1950s (exact date unknown) and has served at the town’s central cultural centre for decades.
· Why is Cine Esteli important to you?
(JB) I saw many films there when I was growing up. Including my first ever show of Blue Velvet. It was an oasis of cinema in the desert of a impoverished troubled country. It’s a rare single screen historic cinema.
· What kinds of films do they show there, has anything been particularly popular?
(JB) They show all kinds of stuff from Avatar to Inglorious Basterds to Spanish comedies. Apparently the latest Bond was very busy!
· Why is it at risk from being demolished?
(JB) Because it’s in a prime location and a supermarket chain have their eyes on it.
· What is the likelihood of cinemas like these disappearing all together…or is there always room for small indie cinemas?
(JB) There SHOULD be room but unless we fight for it they will disappear.
· Why do you think it is important for people here to get involved in saving Cine Esteli?
(JB) Because when dealing with poor countries, everyone always focuses on the negative, starvation, war, etc – these places also have communities of people that need culture and entertainment just like we do. This is a chance to make a difference.
· Do you have any particular fond or memorable memories of Cine Esteli?
(JB) When I was a teenager I used to go there on dates with girls – as did half the town. It was a funny scene in the back rows.
· Could you say a bit on some of the famous named involved in saving Cine Esteli?
(JB) We’re very lucky to have Ken Loach, Robert Carlyle and Paul Laverty as patrons – they all made a film in Nicaragua in 1995 called Carla’s Song. Greta Scacchi and Alex Cox have also joined us.
· We’ve already had a screening of Cinema Paradiso and The Last Picture Show is coming up. Anymore special screening planned and if so can you give away what they might be?
(JB) We’re definitely going to be doing a screening of Carla’s Song with Ken Loach in attendance. Also trying to get hold of Alex Cox’s masterpiece WALKER (which was actually shot in Nicaragua in 1987)
On Sunday May 9th, the Duke’s is screening The Last Picture Show (Peter Bogdanovich, 1971). It is classic coming of age story set in a small Texas town in the 50s, it follows two young men at a crossroads in life and their association with the closing down of their local cinema. It stars a very young Jeff Bridges and Cybil Shephard.
All proceeds for this event will go into saving Cine Esteli and it truly is a worthwhile cause.
Book Tickets now…HERE….
You can also join the Cine Esteli group on facebook…HERE… http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cine-Esteli/343329765536?ref=ts
Shine A Light - http://filmtobez.blogspot.com/
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