First Sundance Cinema opens in Madison, WI

Last weekend, I had to go to Madison, Wisconsin, for a short business trip. It was also It was my first time visiting this quaint little university town so I was excited to explore the city. Turns out, the same weekend, Sundance Cinemas was opening its first official theater, Sundance 608, located at the Hilldale Mall in Madison.

I have been looking forward to the opening of Sundance Cinemas ever since they made the announcement a few years ago, but hadn't heard much lately. So it was great for me to hear about this grand opening, not from the film community, but from the citizens of Madison itself. Without even knowing about my cinephile tendancies, almost everyone one I met brought up this new addition to the city.

The idea behind Sundance Cinemas was to create a moviegoing exprience that was different from the mainstream. The Madison theater, and each theater that will be built in other cites, will be designed with that city in mind, creating a sense of place that matches the city. The theater has stadium seating, a bar and bistro, and will sell artwork from local artists, in an attempt to create a place where new audiences can not only see new films but discuss them and meet other indie film lovers.

Sundance Cinemas will play films that played at their festival, but will also use this venue as a way to feature the shorts and features that are looking for exposure. The next Sundance Cinema set to open will be the newly remodeled Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. So stay tuned!

Long live indie film,

Michelle