The ShowRoom Opens in Asbury Park
Saturday, April 11th marks the official return of cinema to Asbury Park. Film-industry veterans Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino will open The ShowRoom, an independent, digitally-equipped theater on Cookman Ave. dedicated to showing the best in critically acclaimed, independent film. The ShowRoom is the first venue devoted to film in downtown Asbury Park in more than thirty years.
In many ways, the opening of The ShowRoom signifies an integral part of Asbury Park’s renaissance. It is this Cookman Avenue block that, in the past, had been known as the “Art Bloc.” While culinary culture and a bevy of art galleries have resurfaced in downtown Asbury Park, the city has been devoid of a film venue for decades. It is now with Sodano and Sabino’s new, multi-faceted space that a strong, cinematic presence in the city will be realized.
“As a filmmaker and producer, I can think of no better place for The ShowRoom than Asbury Park,” said Michael Sodano, co-owner of The ShowRoom. “The city has a rich cinematic history that, unfortunately, has been missing from Asbury Park’s cultural fabric for many decades. Our goal is to restore cinema in the city by developing consistent, quality screenings that highlight the best the film industry has to offer – from both the past and present.”
Sodano and Sabino handpick films for The ShowRoom’s monthly schedule, which will include award-winning, classic, independent, foreign, family and festival-winning films. During its debut month, film screenings at The ShowRoom will include: A Hard Day’s Night, Once, a compilation of Oscar®-nominated shorts, Diner and Eat Drink Man Woman. The film venue will also welcome local author Helen Pike who will host an interactive discussion about the history of film in Asbury Park.
“In addition to our own love of cinema, Asbury Park’s diverse cultural offerings and special events are a constant inspiration to our film line-up,” said Nancy Sabino, co-owner of The ShowRoom. “Monthly happenings like Collide-A-Scope and First Saturday, along with special events like a Taste of Asbury, the Tri City Arts Tour and Road Trip, present great opportunities for The ShowRoom to organize thematic film weekends that align themselves with the city’s special events.”
In addition, the 49-seat venue also serves as an open, multi-purpose space with projection capabilities for business meetings, books signings, art openings, speaker symposiums, live performances and more. Sodano and Sabino are excited to collaborate with local retailers, restaurants and galleries to create joint ventures that best serve the diverse, culturally savvy community of Asbury Park. They view this symbiotic relationship as integral to the cultural resurgence of the city.
The ShowRoom’s April screening schedule begins Saturday, April 11, 2009. Sodano and Sabino encourage their audience to contact The ShowRoom to suggest films they would like to see featured at the independent theater.
To learn more about The ShowRoom or to view a full list of April’s screenings, please visit www.theshowroomap.com.
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