HISTORY OF THE CINEMA

1976

In 1976, a group of film-loving hippies built the space we now occupy, and christened it the “Collective Fantasy.” Like the Jean Cocteau today, the Collective Fantasy operated as an art house cinema with eclectic taste. It screened 16mm films, which meant it could only show movies that had already been out for a year, no new releases (since these were all coming out on 35mm film). Along with City Lights Cinema, it was one of the only art house theaters in Santa Fe at the time. The Collective Fantasy ran for almost ten years before it started failing.

1983

Then in 1983, Brent Kliewer, who had previously been the programmer for the Collective Fantasy, bought the theater and renamed it the Jean Cocteau Cinema. He also installed a 35mm film system, meaning that the space could now show current films as well as older films. The Jean Cocteau started offering “new and interesting” concessions, like coffee, alongside standard popcorn-style options, and business boomed for a while. It won multiple “best of Santa Fe” awards from local publications like the Santa Fe Reporter. It was eventually purchased by Trans Lux.

2006

The Jean Cocteau Cinema went dark in 2006, much to the disappointment of avid movie fans, including Santa Fe resident George R.R. Martin. 

2013

Saddened by the loss of this community gem, George decided to purchase the theatre in 2013 and reopen its doors. He purchased the entire building so that he could fill it with artistic tenants who are a part of the magic of Santa Fe.  He also hired a Santa Fe local, Jon Bowman, to be the original theatre manager and programmer. Jon has since retired, but he helped bring the theatre back to the spotlight as a shining treasure of downtown Santa Fe. 

2021

The Jean Cocteau Cinema is once again an eclectic movie house -- and much, much more. It is a mainstay of the Santa Fe community and hosts artists, singers, comedians, magicians, and authors. Its curated selection of films provides a draw to cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike, pulling from new releases to beloved classics. Forbidden Planet, representing George’s love of fantasy and science fiction, kicked off the grand reopening, and Jean Cocteau’s famed La Belle et la Bête is typically played once a year, usually on the theatre’s anniversary. Author events, art openings, and live performances:  the Jean Cocteau Cinema has it all!