What happens when you combine great weather with a return to inner cities, you get the rising popularity of the open air cinema (therina) in Athens, Greece, where a hundred of them now thrive.

Another reason for the return of the outdoor theaters (there used to be thousands in Greece) is that digital technology is allowing just about any film to be shown, anytime, anywhere. Thus, even cold weather cities are taking advantage, like “Living Room Theaters in Portland, OR.

The key historic characteristic of the therina in Athens is ‘laid back’.  You’ll get drink tables to host your beer.  No velvet seats, but directors chairs. Gravel instead of carpeting. The scent of honeysuckle and jasmine. Sunflower seeds over popcorn, and the open moonlit sky replacing a drop ceiling. However, if you want a little more ‘culture’, newer theaters feature state-of-the-art sound systems, buffets, a restaurant and even reclining chairs.

Perhaps it’s time to inject a little cinematic cool into your neighborhood…