In the bustling Mission District of San Francisco, the historic Roxie Theater stands out not only for its rich history, dating back to 1913, but also for its commitment to preserving the art of film projection.
Inside a projection booth powered by a carbon arc system from the early 1940s, projectionist Minnie Slocombe works diligently to bring classic and indie films to life.
As she powers up the projector, an electrical current creates a white-hot arc of light strong enough to illuminate the screen, initiating the reels for another show.
“Sometimes it feels like a submarine in here,” Slocombe explains, describing the heat and isolation of her work environment. “Like Nicolas Cage in ‘Moonstruck,’ shoveling coal in a sweaty bakery.”
Having worked at the Roxie for six years, Slocombe’s passion lies in the tactile experience of projecting 35mm film, a medium she believes offers something unique compared to digital formats.
“You’re holding what you’re working with. You can see it, thread it, feel it. With digital, it’s all numbers and buttons,” she notes, emphasizing the sense of connection that film provides.
The Roxie is unique in San Francisco for still utilizing the carbon arc projection system, an exception as digital projectors have largely taken over the industry. This vintage setup requires constant attention, as projectionists must manually adjust the carbon rods to maintain a steady light.
However, finding replacement parts for these projectors has become increasingly challenging, with the Roxie relying on a small supplier in Indonesia. As production slows down, the theater faces a bleak future where their projectors may need to be converted to digital bulbs, robbing the films of their warm, rich tones.
“It’s something we have for a limited time, and we want to keep it alive,” Slocombe insists. “There’s a noticeable difference on screen. You can feel it.”
Slocombe’s journey into film projection began in 2019 when she transitioned from running concessions. Since then, she’s handled a myriad of films, from the surreal “Hausu” to the cinematic classic “The Wizard of Oz.”
She recalls her experience projecting Sally Potter’s “Orlando,” which was her first solo run. Each film brings with it a treasure trove of memories tied to the narratives and characters portrayed.
Beyond the films themselves, Slocombe treasures the community around the Roxie. Regular patrons like an elderly man named Bill, who claims his front-row seat, become part of the theater’s vibrant tapestry.
Slocombe and her projection team take personal care of each film print, inspecting them for quality, cleaning splices, rewinding reels, and conducting test projections to ensure a seamless viewing experience. Each film has its own quirks, demanding precision and calm from the projectionists.
“The more you do it, the more it becomes muscle memory. But you still have to be present,” she explains with sincerity. “You’re showing something real to people, and you only get one shot.”
image source from：missionlocal
