When I was in Salt Lake City last week, the Sundance Film Festival was beginning in nearby Park City, Utah. The festival is hosted annually by the Sundance Institute, founded in 1981 by Robert Redford to “create an environment designed to foster independence, discovery, and new voices in American film.” Today, the institute’s mission continues through support of independent films, theater artists, and numerous workshops and labs for screenwriters, movie directors and producers.
If you are lucky enough to live in a community with a theater specializing in independent films, you have access to a cultural gem. One such community is Maitland, near Orlando, Florida, home of the Enzian Theater. I had the pleasure of enjoying a show there several years ago, and the wonderful experience has stayed with me. Given the timing of both my trip to Utah and the Sundance Film Festival, the Enzian Theater is a perfect topic for this week’s Sunday Service.
“As Central Florida’s only full-time, not-for-profit alternative cinema, Enzian exists to entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film. For more than 25 years Enzian has championed the belief that “Film Is Art.” Along with first-run independent features, Enzian offers a variety of special events, such the nationally-recognized Florida Film Festival.” (www.enzian.org)
An evening at the Enzian is much more than just watching a movie. While waiting to be seated, you can enjoy drinks at the Eden Bar, an outdoor delight. Once inside,
guests enjoy full table service; drinks and appetizers or a complete meal as they watch the show. The menu reflects the same “creativity and individuality” as the theater’s movie selections.
As mentioned above, the Enzian Theater is also the home of the Florida Film Festival, this year from April 11-17. Described as “the best regional festival I have ever attended” by Eugene Hernandez, editor-in-chief of indieWIRE.com, it celebrates current cinema, independent films, food and fun. For local residents and movie stars alike, the festival is an event in filmmaking.
If you would like to support the cinematic arts through the Enzian, you can become a member of the Enzian Film Society. All members enjoy discounted tickets, a free popcorn at each show, free special screenings, and advance tickets for the Florida Film Festival. Annual memberships begin at $60 and go up to $2200, with corresponding, increasing benefit advantages.
You can also help the theater continue its excellent programming and community arts programs by donating directly to its operation. For 25 years, Enzian has been a non-profit community-supported organization. With only a quarter of its operating budget coming from ticket sales, it cannot operate without financial contributions. If you can help, click HERE and support the theater’s mission to “entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film.”
Even if you don’t have any ties to central Florida, I would urge you to seek out your local indie theater and support it. The arts community in your area needs your help, too.
Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately, connect us. -Robert Redford, President and Founder, Sundance Institute
Photos courtesy of www.enzian.org
