Fort Collins’ only independent film café is celebrating its fourth anniversary this April, and according to owner Ben Mozer, that’s something to be proud of. “Nothing went right in the beginning, but I think we’ve worked out most of the kinks,” Mozer said.
Mozer and his wife Elizabeth opened The Lyric Cinema Café in 2007 with the intent of bringing some much-needed film culture to Fort Collins.
Ben Mozer
During a family trip to Spain when he was young, he got the idea when he went to see Pulp Fiction in a little indie movie house.
“There were couches and beer. It was the coolest thing to sit around with my family drinking and watching a movie,” Mozer reminisced. “That definitely leaves an impression on a 14-year-old.”
He was inspired to study independent film in college and had aspirations of getting into the industry but realized that the commitment was greater than he had anticipated.
“I was married and had a family and a house. Dedicating 14 hours a day was not realistic,” Mozer said.
So, he relocated from Los Angeles with his family back to his native Fort Collins and tried his hand at theater management instead. Opening a movie theater proved to be messy and expensive.
“We had restaurant and movie licensing hoops to jump through. I had to do some research and reach out to people for advice,” Mozer said.
That didn’t stop him though. Passion has a way of fueling a fire. Mozer and his wife got the theater up and running and sifted through hundreds of patron comments ranging from bad hummus to poor sound quality. They made and have created a unique and successful business.
“We figured out how to make it survive and to get by,” said Mozer. “I won’t be a rich man doing this.”
But getting rich is hardly his motivation. The point of offering an opportunity like this to the public is to provide an alternative to big money and sensational Hollywood flicks.
“Back in the 40s and 50s, people went to the movies just to go to the movies. These days, people go to the movies to see the latest bit hit,” Mozer reflected.
Moviegoers have a tendency to avoid movies that they’ve never heard of, and Mozer’s trying to lure them into trying something new.
“It’s like re-training audiences,” He explained. “The Cinemark is not a date night.”
But, heading downtown to the indie house, ordering some tapas and a beer and heading into the theater with other hip folks is, believes Mozer. It’s fun. It’s an experience that will likely entertain and inspire the soul.
The Lyric definitely has an endearing character. It boasts two theaters, a café, a warm inviting lobby with tables and couches and board games. You don’t necessarily have to catch a flick to hang out.
“Instead of serving full meals that stuff you to the brim, we serve more appetizers and finger foods which are modeled after Spanish tapas bars. The idea is that for dinner you hop from place to place, ordering appetizers and socializing with your local community while doing so. This is pretty common in Europe and we find it a great community practice that could, perhaps, be built upon,” according to the cinema’s website.
The foundation is set. The Lyric has plenty of regular patrons, though the clientele demographics vary. Many are retired people who appreciate a quality, original movie. Then, there are the die-hard horror buffs, the hopeless romantics and the gaggle of teens that come to enjoy the bubble tea (a foamy concoction that contains tapioca balls). There are a handful of super-regulars who never miss a thing.
“Owner’s Pick” night is pretty popular too. Mozer picks a film every Wednesday that attracts 20-somethings on their bikes to the free 9:30 p.m. movie. Also free are daily cartoons (except Sunday) from 10:00 a.m. until noon with an all-you-can-eat cereal bar for $5, and matinees for PSD school kids who have days off throughout the school year.
If these choices weren’t enticing enough to make the trip, the Lyric attracts those who want to have a cup of coffee and write in their journals, catch up with a friend or play some board games. There really is something for everyone.
Mozer is also planning a new series featuring local filmmakers, debuting on April 1st. “We’ll start with what we have every other week, then once we get enough submissions, we’ll make it a regular deal,” Mozer announced.
What’s most important with this endeavor is patron support.
“We need you to come if you want us to stay open,” Mozer said.
Not that the Lyric is in jeopardy of shutting it’s doors: Mozer just wants to emphasize that the wheels keep on turning as long as the doors keep revolving. He’s hoping to reach the five-year mark to really evaluate how he’s holding up in the business.
The independent film industry is established, but fragile. Though he doesn’t feel too threatened by Hollywood or online access to virtually any movie a person wants, Mozer humbly values the exclusive atmosphere he offers to the community.
“Fort Collins needs this,” Mozer acknowledges. “We’re here to stay. People like coming here.”
For more information on The Lyric Cinema Café go to: www.lyriccinemacafe.com.
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