the Informer

What once was a small theater formed of two bed sheets hung side by side in an unoccupied auditorium on the campus of Trinity College has morphed itself over 40 years into one of Hartford’s greatest hidden gems for art and cinema lovers alike.

Cinestudio has gained its well respected reputation for its superb selection of contemporary to classic films amongst others, not to mention the rich and classic ambience.

As soon as you step foot into the lobby located in the Clement Chemistry Building just a short walk through campus, it’s clear you’re not just in any movie theater. You’ve just stepped back in time to a classic representation of a 1930’s film house.

The curved balcony, proscenium arch, red interior and gold curtains are just a few of the details that create for an all-engrossing movie viewing experience.

The theater is still run as a cooperative where most aspects are run by students attending the university, however founding members James Hanley and Peter McMorris have been working with the theater since the beginning and guide it through its daily operations.

For those who have never taken a ride over to the campus of Trinity College, I urge you to experience the works of the legendary architecture firm McKim, Mead and White who designed the Clement Chemistry Building. With historic buildings lining brick pathways stretched over 100 green acres, the campus leaves nothing to be desired, especially in terms of the ideal New England college.

The legendary lion logo seen from the walls to the carpet borrowed from ‘A Lion In Winter’ starring Hartford’s very own Katherine Hepburn ties the entire experience together.

Cinestudio beckons you across campus with bright red lights to ensure visitors don’t take a wrong turn as they hurry to catch their 7:30 showing. It’s the greatest place to go see the indie film you’ve been dying to see for months that hasn’t made it to any commercial theaters. In fact that’s how I happened to stumble into it myself.

In the next few weeks to come they have a lovely line up of movies, ranging from ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Midnight In Paris,’ to ‘Another Earth.’ Tickets are $8 general admission and $7 for students. If you’re looking for great place to bring a date that won’t break the bank and will be sure to impress, Cinestudio is the ideal solution for you.

So arrive early and take a stroll through the entrancing campus, just don’t forget to get a grab a great seat in the back to watch the gold curtain rise.