The Alamo as Austin’s Best Export
The Forrest Four-Cast: May 31, 2017
If you are unaware of the current controversy and social-media-magnified outrage surrounding the decision of the Alamo Drafthouse to create several female-only screenings of the upcoming film “Wonder Woman,” then you have probably been living in a cave for the last week.
Of course, some would argue that these kinds of pre-historic lodging arrangements are the most appropriate characterization of the intellect of people who have voiced their opposition to this promotion. In the interest of a more civil society, let’s please stay away from these characterizations.
While school-yard threats of violence by the so-called leaders at the Texas Legislature make the Lone Star State look pretty stupid, the Alamo’s actions over the last 10 days are smart — very smart. They have stood tall against their critics by doubling-down and adding more women-only screenings. Plus they have generated a ton of free publicity for their out-of-the-box thinking in terms of attracting an influential demographic that many businesses too-often ignore. Two very good wins here.
In their home city of Austin and in their many franchise locations, this theater chain has always been ahead of the curve in its attitude and approach. With their “Wonder Woman” efforts, they are again reminding the world of the creative culture that is Central Texas at its finest.
Hugh Forrest tries to write at least four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts often (but not always) cover technology-related trends. When not attempting to wordsmith or meditating, he serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW in Austin.
