Ragtag Cinema facts for kids
Ragtag Cinema is a special independent movie theater in Columbia, Missouri. It's a non-profit organization, which means it uses its money to support the community and art, not just to make a profit. Paul Sturtz and David Wilson started this unique theater in May 2000.
Ragtag Cinema is also home to the Ragtag Film Society. This group works to share the magic of movies and other art forms. They help people learn about films, new ideas, and support local artists. The theater is also a main spot for the True/False Film Fest. This popular film festival was also started by Paul Sturtz and David Wilson in 2004.
The first Ragtag Cinema was a small place on 10th Street. It had comfy couches and chairs for about 75 people to watch movies. In 2009, the theater moved to its current, bigger home on Hitt Street. Other cool businesses, like Uprise Bakery and Hitt Records, are also in the same building.
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The Story of Ragtag Cinema
How Ragtag Film Society Started
The Ragtag Film Society began in January 1998. Their main idea was to show movies in downtown Columbia that people couldn't see anywhere else. Some helpful people, like Richard King, Janet Marsh, Sally Beattie, and Sam Black, made this possible. The name "Ragtag" came from a funny moment. At an early meeting in a park, an official walked by and said, "Sounds like a ragtag operation to me!" The name stuck!
From Small Screenings to a Cinema
The group started with little experience in movies or technology. But the community really supported them. People kept coming to the film showings, and volunteers helped keep everything going.
After some fundraising, including a special movie showing at the Missouri Theater, they bought a 35mm movie projector. In May 2000, they opened a new place called The Ragtag Cinemacafé on Tenth Street. It was a mix of a café, movie theater, and a place for film lovers. The very first movie they showed was Waiting for Guffman, a popular film about Missouri.
Moving to a New Home
In 2009, Ragtag Cinema moved to its current, larger spot on Hitt Street. This new building is 10,000 square feet! A local architect named Brian Pape designed the new space. It has more room for movies and is used very well by all the businesses inside.
One movie room has traditional theater seats and can hold 130 people. The other room, for 70 people, looks like the old theater. It has cozy couches and vintage chairs. The building now includes Uprise Bakery, a full bar, Ragtag Cinema, and Hitt Records. This historic building is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
Choosing Movies to Show
Ragtag Cinema creates a monthly calendar of movies and events. They usually have about 12 different things to see each month. The cinema tries to pick a variety of films that their audience will enjoy.
They read reviews and check what other film societies and independent theaters are showing. This helps them decide which movies to bring to Columbia each month. They want to make sure there's something for everyone!
