‘Marqueetown’: How Two Traverse City Filmmakers
Are Saving Michigan’s Cinema Soul
A Tale of Resilience and Reels: Traverse City’s ‘Marqueetown’
Documents the Arthouse Era
Summary
- Two Traverse City filmmakers have made a captivating documentary called “Marqueetown” that delves into Michigan’s arthouse movie heritage.
- The film explores the rise and fall of the cinema industry, focusing on the iconic marquees that still stand as reminders of a bygone era.
- Director Joseph Beyer’s journey back to his Michigan roots led him to the story of Bernie Rosendahl’s efforts to revive a downtown theater in Marquette.
- Despite Rosendahl’s unsuccessful endeavor, the legacy of these theaters lives on through a replica marquee.
- The documentary not only honors the history of arthouse theaters in Michigan but also celebrates the sense of community they inspire.
- “Marqueetown” will have its world premiere at The Alluvion and will be shown in various locations across Michigan.
- The film highlights the importance of movie theaters as cultural landmarks and all proceeds will support these cherished venues.
Two Traverse City filmmakers have woven the tale of Michigan’s cherished arthouse movie heritage into an enthralling documentary titled “Marqueetown.” Once bustling with cinema life, Marquette mirrored Traverse City’s present with its two prominent single-screen arthouse theaters. Although the days of flickering projectors in these theaters have faded, their iconic marquees remain, standing tall as vestiges of a resplendent era. The odyssey to preserve these historic signs is a narrative rich with economic fluctuations, the ascent and descent of malls and multiplexes, and the dynamic ebbs and flows of the movie industry. “Marqueetown” is set to captivate audiences with its world premiere at The Alluvion next weekend.
Joseph Beyer’s dream of directing this film materialized over five years, leading him from a bustling career in Los Angeles back to his roots in Michigan, eventually stumbling upon the story that would become “Marqueetown” during a visit to Marquette. There, Bernie Rosendahl’s initiative to resurrect the Nordic, a cherished downtown theater, caught Beyer’s attention. Despite Rosendahl’s efforts not materializing as envisioned, the legacy of these movie houses was honored through a replica marquee, rekindling the magic of cinema history.
Inspired by the profound saga of these arthouse relics, Beyer, teamed up with Jordan Anderson, embarked on creating “Marqueetown.” This documentary not only traces the heritage of Michigan’s arthouse theaters but champions the communal spirit they incite. The filmmakers’ debut signals the kickoff of a heartfelt quest to celebrate the timeless allure of cinema. The premiere is eagerly awaited this Easter Sunday at Traverse City’s Alluvion, with further screenings across Michigan and beyond. This endeavor underscores the enduring significance of movie theaters as cultural keystones within our communities, ensuring all proceeds support these beloved cinematic venues.
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