"It's true that Julie Blonshteyn and Catherine Moraetis no longer have anything to do with this property we will have exciting news for the community soon," Stone said. "This is a big loss for the culture of Eugene-Springfield."ĭarren Stone, a co-owner of the Jennings Group, which acts as the property manager, confirmed Blonshteyn and her business partner, Catherine Moraetis, were no longer involved with the business. "It was one of the first places to share LGBTQ+ positive storytelling, or to introduce plots that don't neatly follow conventional movie beats, or to bring the lives of people in foreign countries or isolated communities to brilliant life for us regular folks in Lane County," McDaniel said. The Bijou represented an important part of the Eugene-Springfield community, she said, as one of the only sources of independent movies that were not mainstream and blockbusters. Springfield resident Staci McDaniel, 44, said she remembers going to see "Dazed and Confused," when employees said those who "felt inspired" to smoke marijuana in the theater would cause the film to end, but that "smoke coming from the courtyard isn't as alarming, and none of us are going to tattle to the police." Past moviegoing attendees lamented the end of the business in emails to The Register-Guard , recalling fond memories of quirky films, dates that went wrong or led to lifelong partnerships, and more.ĬAFE 541: Lane County an emerging film industry destination 13th Ave., had been showing movies on its two screens since 1981. It closed at the start of the pandemic and never reopened. The Bijou, an independent movie theater in the Wilcox Building at 492 E. "I feel privileged to have been a steward for this beloved Eugene institution for the past eight years, but the current circumstances make continuing our operations impossible." "It is with great sadness that I must announce the closing of the Bijou Art Cinemas," theater operator Julie Blonstheyn wrote in a letter to its patrons on Friday. ![]() Kudos to the Bijou for supporting Community Arts from others! We surely look forward to other first-run foreign & independent films, + classic cinema.The operators of Bijou Art Cinemas announced they are permanently closing the iconic Eugene movie theater, following financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing disputes with its landlord, the management company Jennings Group. The young staff are remarkable – warmly welcoming you, & sincerely wanting you to enjoy the show! When we were there, children’s artwork decorated the lobby walls. Free parking is in an adjacent lot, & just a short walk to the side entrance to the theater. Restrooms are accessed through an outside courtyard, and then down a narrow hallway to interior rooms. The movie prices are very reasonable, & just $7 for students, and $6 for seniors. We were there to see the premier showing of the Eagle Huntress – filmed in Mongolia – an awesome documentary & heartfelt story – beautifully filmed, and a MUST see! In fact, it was so popular, it was held over. Special cup holders by cushioned chairs, make it extra comfortable. Sound is good, and it all feels very special! Just outside the movie room is the snack area – including sale of delicious fresh popcorn with assorted toppings, plus local beers & ciders, and wine by the glass – all which you can take into the theater. Very enchanting atmosphere! Although seating is not tiered, the seats are staggered, allowing good viewing of the 30-foot-screen. ![]() ![]() Willcox’s students helped design other features – including the showy copper lamps that still hang from the Italian Gothic beams of the vaulted wood ceiling in the former chapel area which is now the main movie theater with 104 seats. Willcox (a professor/& Dean of Architecture at the University of Oregon). ![]() We were thrilled with the cozy atmosphere of this charming downtown movie venue! It felt very homey inside and the outside was noteworthy – a historic church with tall cathedral glass windows, and notably designed in 1925 by W.R.B.
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