EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Movie lovers will soon have a chance to see classic films on the big screen in one of El Paso\u2019s most iconic venues as the Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to downtown next week.<\/p>\n
Organizers say watching favorites at the Plaza Theater offers a different kind of experience than a typical movie screening. <\/p>\n
Festival Director Doug Pullen described the Plaza as \u201can atmospheric movie palace,\u201d adding that \u201cit was intended to be this elegant movie theater when it first opened in 1930.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pullen said the setting helps create a more engaging night at the movies.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Organizers say the festival will include a variety of films, ranging from children\u2019s movies to Hollywood classics. <\/p>\n
The event will also feature special guests, including actress Ann-Margaret, known for films such as \u201cViva Las Vegas,\u201d and Oscar-nominated director Gregory Nava, who made films including \u201cSelena.\u201d<\/p>\n
The festival starts July 16 at the Plaza Theater.<\/p>\n
Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre Box Office or online through Ticketmaster.<\/p>\n
Festival passes are available here. <\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Selena filmmaker Gregory Nava to attend El Paso’s Plaza Classic Film Festival for Q&A<\/a><\/p>\n