Avalon Park Film House

Movies in Your Neighborhood

The Vision

Avalon Park and Chatham deserve their own cultural heartbeat. Currently, residents who want to catch a film, visit an art gallery, or attend a theatrical production must travel to other neighborhoods—often a 40-minute bus ride or drive—a barrier that shouldn't exist in a vibrant community like ours.

The closest movie theater recently closed, and with it went a beloved community gathering space that featured both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films, complete with a bar and affordable tickets. That loss highlighted what we're missing: local cultural outlets where neighbors can come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections.

Why This Matters

Cultural spaces do more than entertain—they create belonging. Unlike places we simply pass through (the gym, grocery store), theaters and galleries are where people gather for extended periods, where conversations flow naturally around shared ideas and experiences. These spaces help us know our neighbors, find common ground, and feel rooted in our community.

The Avalon Park Film House project aims to fill this cultural void and prove that art absolutely belongs here.

The Project Journey

This initiative was developed during my six-month fellowship with the Change Collective, where I explored how to address the cultural gap in our South Side neighborhoods through community-centered cinema programming.

Project Goals

Short-Term Goals

  • Host at least three pop-up screenings to build community interest

  • Attract 25+ attendees per screening

  • Partner with two local filmmakers and two local businesses for space, refreshments, or co-hosting

  • Launch a critique group for local artists and filmmakers

Long-Term Goals

  • Develop a sustainable calendar of regular community film events

  • Spark new local collaborations and creative projects

  • Attract funding, sponsorship, and city support for ongoing cultural programming

  • Create a lasting cultural footprint that demonstrates Avalon Park's commitment to the arts

  • Ultimate Goal: Open a permanent Avalon Park Movie House—a dedicated space for film screenings, community events, filmmaker support, and genuine cultural connection on the South Side

Get Involved

Whether you're a filmmaker, business owner, community member, or someone who simply misses having a local place to catch a great movie, there's a role for you in bringing the Avalon Park Film House to life.

If you know anyone already doing this kind of work, I’d love to connect. I don’t know what I don’t know, and I’d be grateful to link up with as many folks as possible along the way.

Because every neighborhood deserves its own cultural gathering place