1976
The Jean Cocteau Cinema started in 1976 as the Collective Fantasy, a cinema house run by four hippies with eclectic tastes in film.
1983
In 1983, Brent Kliewer, who had been the programmer for Collective Fantasy, purchased the venue and renamed it in honor of the famous French filmmaker and artist, Jean Cocteau.
2006
Later it was purchased by Trans-Lux, but the theatre went dark in 2006, much to the disappointment of many in Santa Fe, including 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 manager and programmer for the theatre. Jon has since retired, but he helped bring the theatre back to the spotlight as a shining treasure of downtown Santa Fe.
Today, the Jean Cocteau Cinema is once again an eclectic movie house, but it’s also much, much more. The Jean Cocteau has become a mainstay of the Santa Fe community and hosts artists, singers, comedians, magicians, and authors, as well as showing a fine selection of films; everything 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 has it all. And don’t forget we have organic Amish popcorn with real butter! We hope you’ll come visit us and experience what the theatre has to offer. We’ll be waiting for you!