Inspiration – The (Little) Roxie Theatre, San Francisco

Approaching the Roxie Theatre in the rain, I felt as though I’d stepped into a film myself, city lights reflecting in the sodden streets. The signage out front gave me anticipation for the magic inside. This is what going to the cinema offers, a deliberate, communal choice to sit in the dark with strangers and experience art together. It feels rare now. Almost sacred. A small ritual that asks you to be fully present for the next two hours.

I was gently guided from the main Roxie, with 233 seats, to the Little Roxie, two doors down, their sister screen with 49 seats. That felt right. Intimate. Exactly the scale we dream of for Aftersun Cinema.

Inside, a single aisle runs along the left, with rows of five seats, some paired like a small sofa made for sharing the experience with someone special. The seats were super comfortable, with wooden armrests and cup holders. Carpeted walls soften the space and I assume help with sound proofing and the space is lit by a simple string of bulbs. The screen is set high, so there’s no chance of subtitles being blocked by the person in front. I sat at the back and could hear the whirr of projector, but the sound was great, coming from six speakers.

There were maybe twenty people in the room, but it felt full in a way big cinemas rarely do. It’s not about how many seats there are, it’s about how the space is held and who intentionally choses to be there.

I would love to return for one of their curated screenings, where the conversation continues after the credits roll, sometimes with the filmmakers themselves. It echoes the space we try to create at Aftersun Film Club, where films do not end abruptly, but open outward, inviting reflection, conversation, and a sharing of feelings.

“Guided by the passionate belief that engaging with a movie doesn’t end with the credits, we invite filmmakers, curators, entertainers and educators to interact with our audiences. We provide inspiration and opportunity for the next generation, and serve as a forum for the independent film community reflecting the spirit of the diverse Bay Area population.” Roxie Cinema Mission

Find the Roxie here: https://roxie.com/