by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Almost every night, the Landing features live entertainment and an array of dining options, but “seeing a film” could be an added attraction people can partake in at the Downtown venue.
This weekend could serve as a test run for the idea, as Jacksonville Film Events is hosting the “Viva Cinema” Latino Film Festival at the Landing Cinematheque (formerly Deep Blue nightclub) Friday and Saturday, before concluding Sunday night at the Main Library.
“When I saw the place (the former Deep Blue night club), I saw a lot of potential,” said Jesse Rodriguez, Jacksonville Film Events executive director. “This weekend will be a little test to see if things work out.”
The festival includes a reception Friday featuring director/screenwriter Leon Ichaso and live entertainment, a series of films with Central and South American influences Saturday and a closing reception and film featuring the life and career of Alberto Alonso, National Ballet of Cuba cofounder and Santa Fe Community College (Gainesville, Fla.) professor, Sunday.
Seating capacity for the Landing facility will be around 80 people, said Rodriguez, which he believes will maintain a comfortable atmosphere for attendees watching the digital – not 35 mm – films.
While the location, next to Koja Sushi on the second floor, is usually booked for private events, Rodriguez said Landing owner Tony Sleiman has let the festival use the facility free of charge.
“He’s been a big supporter,” said Rodriguez, who added that Sleiman is also providing sound equipment for the event.
“We’ve always been open to trying new things,” said Rachel Nudge, Landing public relations director. “It’s a test run for them and a test run for us. We hope it will kick off.”
If the weekend’s film festival is successful, Rodriguez said he would start exploring options for making the Landing Cinematheque a permanent fixture with the hope of showing several independent films each week.
Rodriguez believes the potential audience for independent films screened in an intimate setting is large enough and such a feature would become an economic and artistic outlet.
“There is definitely an audience for such a thing in the community,” he said. “And it’s a perfect place to have cinema. People come to see a movie, and they stay Downtown for dining and entertainment before and after. It really can be a positive economic boost for the area.”
The idea of “Cinematheque” becoming a permanent entertainment fixture is something the Landing could also look into.
“If warranted, of course we would explore it,” said Nudge. “We’re like chameleons. We adjust to what people want to do and see here.”
For ticket prices, times and more information on the “Viva Cinema” Latino Film Festival, go to filmfestival.jacksonville.com.
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