Ragtag Cinema facts for kids
Ragtag Cinema is a special movie theater in Columbia, Missouri. It's not like big chain cinemas. It's an independent movie theater that doesn't aim to make a profit. Instead, it's all about sharing cool films and art with the community.
A group including Paul Sturtz and David Wilson started the theater in May 2000. It is home to the Ragtag Film Society. This group helps people learn about movies and new ideas. They also support local artists. Ragtag Cinema is also a main place for the True/False Film Fest. This film festival was started by Sturtz and Wilson in 2004.
The first Ragtag Cinema was a small place on 10th Street. It had comfy couches and chairs for up to 75 people. It only had one screen. In 2009, the theater moved to its current spot. This new location is just a few blocks away. Other small businesses are there too, like Uprise Bakery and Hitt Records.
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History of Ragtag Cinema
Starting the Film Society
The Ragtag Film Society began in January 1998. Their goal was to show movies in downtown Columbia that you couldn't see anywhere else. People like Richard King, Janet Marsh, and Sally Beattie helped them get started. Sam Black also gave important support.
The founders say the name "Ragtag" came from a funny moment. At an early meeting in Columbia's Peace Park, an official walked by. He heard them talking and said, "Sounds like a ragtag operation to me!"
From Idea to Movie Theater
The group had no experience in the movie business. They also knew little about the technical side of films. But the community gave them lots of support. This help allowed them to keep showing movies for many seasons. People kept coming, and volunteers helped keep things going.
The society raised money to buy a 35mm movie projector. They even had a special showing of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window at the Missouri Theater. In May 2000, they opened a new place. It was called The Ragtag Cinemacafé. It was a café, movie theater, and film club all in one. It was located in the International Order of Odd Fellows building on Tenth Street. The very first movie they showed was Waiting for Guffman. This popular film was about Missouri.
Moving to a New Home
In 2009, the theater moved to a new, bigger spot on Hitt Street. The new building is 10,000 square feet. Local architect Brian Pape designed the new space. It has more room for movies and is better organized.
The new Ragtag Cinema has two movie rooms. One room has 130 seats, like a traditional theater. The other room has 70 seats. It looks like the old theater, with couches and vintage chairs. The building also has Uprise Bakery and Hitt Records. This building is special because it is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Choosing Films for Ragtag Cinema
Ragtag Cinema puts out a monthly calendar. It usually lists about 12 movies or events each month. The cinema tries to show a variety of films. These movies reflect the different tastes of its audience.
The cinema team reads reviews and opinions. They also look at what other small movie theaters and film groups are showing. This helps them decide which movies to pick each month. They want to bring interesting and new films to Columbia.
