EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Movie lovers will soon have a chance to see classic films on the big screen in one of El Paso’s most iconic venues as the Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to downtown next week.
Organizers say watching favorites at the Plaza Theater offers a different kind of experience than a typical movie screening.
Festival Director Doug Pullen described the Plaza as “an atmospheric movie palace,” adding that “it was intended to be this elegant movie theater when it first opened in 1930.”
Pullen said the setting helps create a more engaging night at the movies.
“When you come in and watch a movie in this 2000 seat theater, you’re watching a movie on a 43-foot-wide screen, 20 feet tall; it’s huge, and it’s very immersive. So you get in there, you kind of get lost in the movie,” Pullen said.
He added, “It’s more of a communal type experience where it’s you and, you know, a couple hundred of your best friends. You react together, and hopefully you put your cell phone away.”
Organizers say the festival will include a variety of films, ranging from children’s movies to Hollywood classics.
The event will also feature special guests, including actress Ann-Margaret, known for films such as “Viva Las Vegas,” and Oscar-nominated director Gregory Nava, who made films including “Selena.”
The festival starts July 16 at the Plaza Theater.
Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre Box Office or online through Ticketmaster.
Festival passes are available here.
RECOMMENDED: Selena filmmaker Gregory Nava to attend El Paso’s Plaza Classic Film Festival for Q&A
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox