Spoiler Alert! The Strand Theatre In Motion

When the Chamber Ambassadors visited the Strand 3 Theatre last year, manager Leo Garcia and his team had dreams of reinvigorating the community to engage with the Strand 3 Theatre. With the launch of their Showtime Specials coupon program, their participation in downtown events, and their partnerships with local filmmakers, it’s no wonder they were honored as Retailer/Restaurant of the Year at the Chamber’s recent Annual Celebration!

“We have so many exciting things happening at the Strand,” says Garcia, who stepped into his role over a year ago. This week alone, the Strand is showcasing an exhilarating lineup of films, including the highly anticipated “Project Hail Mary,” “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” and “You, Me & Tuscany.” Plus, Garcia’s Showtime Specials partnerships with Prairie Hospitality Group, West Side Family Restaurant, Grinnell Craft Brewhouse, and Pagliai's Pizza have led to a successful expansion of clientele to the Strand (coupons are still valid before June)!

The quintessential movie theater has also released dates for its summer matinee series, a weekly showing of free films throughout the summer. And most excitedly, Garcia is spreading the news about their visual and hearing assistance devices, included with every ticket! Movie lovers can request caption readers and read captions from the device’s box display.

“Every film is encoded with captions, so it’s a pretty simple adjustment,” explains Garcia. “We are always looking to make movies more accessible.” The Strand offers caption readers in the shape of glasses, too, if you wish to keep your eyes on the screen! Similarly, headphones are available for those who wish to lower the volume of a film or turn up the sound.

But a recent development at the Strand is Garcia’s exciting work with local filmmakers. Last Saturday, the Strand premiered “Jury of Her Peers,” a local film produced by Iowa filmmaker William Rock. Over 60 people came, some equipped with brilliant questions that left the audience buzzing.

“I felt a little bad,” Garcia laughs, “I kinda had to kick everyone out because the Q&A was about to cut into the next movie showing. But it showed just how much people were enjoying themselves.”

This premiere was only the beginning — you might know Kamal Hammouda and Laura Fendt as the brilliant chef and partners behind The Iowa Kitchen. On April 16, the Strand will feature a documentary about their journey in Grinnell: “Kamal’s.”

“It was a long process,” says Hammouda, who joined the Ambassadors this morning. “It took 3 years and it was by pure accident.”

The film was produced by Nich L. Perez, a former Grinnell College professor. He had pitched his documentary’s idea to Hammouda following his retirement.

“He said, ‘Maybe we should film a documentary about you,’” Hammouda recalls. “And I thought, ‘Who the hell would do that?’”

But Perez persisted, eventually premiering the film in Washington, D.C. in front of a focus group.

“It honestly made us feel like celebrities when we were in D.C.,” says Fendt. “Everyone was coming up to us saying, ‘It is so nice to meet you!’” In the documentary, catch glimpses of Hammouda’s delicious dishes and melodies from the oud, an instrument tied to Hammouda’s Egyptian heritage.

With half the screenings’ tickets already sold out, Hammouda is looking to book a second showing in town. “But Nich also hopes the film will be picked up by a streaming service,” shared Hammouda. “All of its proceeds would go to The Iowa Kitchen,” says Hammouda.

And what’s the story behind the film’s title? Hammouda’s wife. “I really resisted the film’s title, but Laura prevailed as always,” Hammouda smiles, pulling Fendt into a hug.

“I thought it was appropriate,” Fendt explains. “When people would come to our restaurants, they would say, ‘Let’s go to Kamal’s.’”

The free screening will be on April 16 — grab a seat by calling the Strand or stopping in person. A Q&A session will follow.

Stay informed by the Strand’s news by subscribing to the Chamber newsletter: https://www.grinnellchamber.org/subscribe/, and watch the Strand’s award announcement video for a recap of their successful work this past year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldlIHuZkrAU

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Donna Fischer — UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center
• Sarah Smith — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic PLLC
• Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Fran Conn
• Hannah Greene — Bayer Crop Science
• Leo Garcia — Strand 3 Theatre
• Ashley Sorensen — Volunteer Iowa
• Jennifer McAlexander — JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Laura Fendt — The Iowa Kitchen
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Kamal Hammouda — The Iowa Kitchen
• Sara Whisenand — Community 1st Credit Union
• Erin Bustin — Grinnell School of Music
• Libby Eggert — Grinnell College
• Monica St. Angelo — Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Evan Petig — The Grinnellian
• Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell Poweshiek
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber
• Becky Broadston — Comfort Inn & Suites