There are big fights going on around the Castro movie theater in San Francisco and it looks like the great, alternative programming they usually have at the theater may be in jeopardy.
The Castro is a true San Francisco institution. Located in the heart of the gay section of the town, The Castro is a beautiful theater which hosts various film festivals alongside great regular programming. I spent a lot of hours there while I was a film student and later on as a resident of the neighborhood. They have an old-fashion live organ music show before the movies start which was always a thrill for me. Moviegoing doesn’t get any better than this.
Looks like the owners of the theater have just fired their well-known programmer and might consider doing the job themselves:
« It is believed that the Nassers (owners) would like to screen more family fare. Karen Nasser recently initiated Sunday morning children’s films such as « National Velvet » and « Cheaper by the Dozen. »
Wisnia said the Nassers have « complained about the gay content of some of the films. » When a double bill of « Proteus » and « Superstar in a Housedress, » both gay-themed, did not do well at the box office « it seemed to set them (the Nassers) off in a way. » According to Wisnia, they also were unhappy with a Bruce Weber photo on a recent program cover showing men with their shirts off and their arms around each other. » (From the SF Gate).
The Castro is not a gay movie theater but its location in the heart of the gay neighborhood makes it a favorite with the locals. The crowds there are loud in a participative kind of way and people came for the movies AND the audience. Alternative film programming is a huge thing in San Francisco and I’m sure local film enthusiasts won’t let this one go commercial without a fight.