News briefs: Tara Theatre reopens, Amazon supports LGBTQ+ film, more

Less than one year after Regal closed the Tara Theatre in late 2022, the arthouse cinema’s much-anticipated reopening is this Thursday evening. Now managed by Tara Theatre LLC, the new owners include Atlanta Film Society Executive Director and Plaza Theatre Owner Chris Escobar; Steve Krams of Magna-Tech Electronic; Plaza Theatre Booker Michael Spaeth; and other Plaza Theatre staff. Tara Theatre LLC raised more than $50,000 for the Tara’s reopening.

Film-goers who want to welcome the Tara back on her first weekend have their pick of four films based on the history of the cinema: 1963’s It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World; 1989’s Back To The Future Part II; 1997’s Star Wars; and 2022’s Tár. 

“We selected these historic films for our grand re-opening night to celebrate multiple decades of cinema fans who enjoyed Tara Theatre since its opening in the summer of 1968,” said Escobar in a press release.

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Amazon to support LGBTQ+ filmmakers

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival recently announced Amazon Studios as their presenting sponsor for the LGBTQ+ Short Film Competition. These short films will premiere during the festival in October of this year, and Amazon Studios will donate up to $15,000 to winners.

Additionally, Amazon Studios will host a panel discussion on the future of LGBTQ+ storytelling, offer educational opportunities for students and alumni and host a networking session for filmmakers. 

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7 Stages Theatre begins mainstage renovations

7 Stages Theatre is renovating the mainstage theater this month and next with funds from the Fox Theatre Institute Preservation Grant and the Georgia Council for the Arts Cultural Facilities Grant. The space will be updated with new seating, new carpet, wider stairs with handrails and new seating risers for the Black Box. 

“The Plaza Theatre donated the replacement seating we are installing, and day one of on-site renovations [started this week],” said marketing coordinator Devi Wells. “Throughout the rest of May and into June, we will make improvements that create a safer and more accessible space.”