NOLA Culture

Historic Prytania Theatre to Screen New Electronic Music Documentaries

The historic Prytania Theatre of New Orleans has always prided itself on its generational reach. Four generations of the Brunet family have upheld the 100-year-old theater – while continually staying innovative in their film choice.

Longtime owner Rene Brunet Jr. – who just passed away last fall – had been running the Prytania with care for over 25 years. He was a lifetime movie buff, New Orleans theater historian and neighborhood advocate. Rene worked the ticket booth in addition to curated and hosting the weekly classic movie series well into his 90s. He had a passion for all things film, and the Prytania blossomed under his watch.

In the coming weeks – alongside their regular film screenings – the Prytania will also be debuting a new series called ‘Music in Movies’ with Digital 4K Projection and Dolby 7.1 Concert Sound.

What We Started

On March 22, the indie film What We Started debuts. This historical narrative takes a backstage look at the self-driven industry. But instead of only looking at the pinnacle-heights of festival EDM that currently flood the mainstream, this documentary also explores the scene’s underground exposition in the late 80s in England. Pioneers such as Carl Cox and Moby juxtaposed against the young DJ superstar Martin Garrix; What We Started has gained notoriety as the premier film on electronic music.

Above & Beyond Acoustic: Giving Up the Day Job

The next week, Grammy-nominated trance act Above & Beyond take the screen. Giving Up the Day Job is a new concert documentary coming to the Prytania on March 29. The film showcases the trio’s journey from electronic act to acoustic band nearly two years ago. The group decided to take their chart-topping club hits and rework them for orchestral performances. Fans had no idea what to expect. The film culminates with the group’s sold-out performance at the Hollywood Bowl on May 28, 2016.

With these special Late Nite screenings and new electronic-based films, surely the Prytania will get some fresh eyes to their screens. It’s a testament to the theater’s ability to maintain their historical integrity without being intolerant. With this kind of recognition from admired art institutes, electronic music is on its way to gaining credibility from the masses.

Showtimes:
What We Started:
Friday, March 30th at Midnight
Tuesday, April 3rd at 10:00PM

 

Above and Beyond Acoustic:
Saturday, March 31st at Midnight
Wednesday, April 4th at 10:00PM

 

Tickets for What We Started and Giving Up the Day Job can be purchased now on the Prytania’s website.

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