Survey asks film buffs to help shape movies at the Panida

By Reader Staff

The Panida Theater is hoping to enlist local cinephiles in providing input on how to broaden and improve the films it brings to the big screen.

Kicking off the effort, the Panida launched a survey including 20 questions asking respondents to identify their favorite film genres, their preferred days and start times for screenings, how they find out about films, whether they’d like to get involved with the theater and more.

The survey is online now at bit.ly/panidamovies and will be live for about two weeks. Completing the survey takes about seven minutes.

“Movies have been shown at the Panida Theater since its opening night in November 1927, when it screened the brand-new silent film Now We’re In the Air,” stated Panida Board Member Chris Bessler. 

Movies and live entertainment have changed dramatically over the intervening 99 years, from the introduction of television to multiplex theaters and streaming services — all of which have changed what’s feasible for a single-screen venue like the Panida.

“But all that said, we’re committed to making the Panida a wonderful place to see films that both fill a niche and bring our community together for the shared experience,” Bessler added. “And while we’re in the midst of building ways to make the Panida more community-oriented, we hope everyone will let us know all their thoughts about having movies at the theater.”

For more info on the Panida, go to panida.org. Find the survey at bit.ly/panidamovies.