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Austin Film Society Unveils New John H. McCall Theater with 'Paper Tiger' and Restorations

By Moira Callahan, Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 20, 20241 note

Austin Film Society’s latest addition, the John H. McCall Theater, will premiere with a weekend of restored classics and the debut of James Gray’s 'Paper Tiger,' featuring a Q&A with Gray and Richard Linklater.

Austin Film Society’s new John H. McCall Theater opens its doors on October 24, marking a significant expansion for the organization’s cinematic outreach in Austin. The 169-seat venue, equipped with 4K digital laser projection and 7.1 surround sound, will host a weekend of screenings that includes a premiere of Neon's 'Paper Tiger,' directed by James Gray. The event is expected to draw local cinephiles and industry figures alike, with Gray and AFS founder Richard Linklater scheduled for a discussion after the film’s debut, according to IndieWire.

The opening weekend also features a curated series of restored classics, including Martin Scorsese’s 'The Color of Money' (1986), Sofia Coppola’s 'Marie Antoinette' (2006), and the 1995 fashion documentary 'Unzipped.' These films will be shown in 4K restorations, emphasizing AFS’s commitment to preserving cinematic history while showcasing technological advances. The initiative aligns with the organization's broader goal of supporting filmmakers, fostering community, and elevating Austin’s cultural landscape. More context: News.

The new theater’s establishment was made possible by a donation from Amy McCall, widow of the late John H. McCall, who passed away in 2021. McCall’s previous support helped fund the renovation of the former Marchesa Theater into the AFS Cinema in 2017. The addition of this third screen is part of AFS’s ongoing effort to expand programming capacity and serve as a hub for both classic and contemporary film. Richard Linklater highlighted that the venue will allow the organization to better serve the local film community and audiences alike.

<img src='' alt='James Gray at Neon's Paper Tiger New York Film Festival premiere'/> The opening event underscores AFS’s long-standing role in nurturing cinema in Texas, dating back to its founding in 1985 by a young Linklater. The organization operates multiple facilities, including Austin Studios—an extensive production hub—and the AFS Cinema, which has been a cornerstone for screenings since 2017. The addition of the McCall Theater signifies a new chapter in the society’s evolution, providing a dedicated space for both archival restorations and new independent works, reinforcing Austin’s reputation as a vibrant film city.

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