At that point, our host began giving a heartfelt speech about the story's background and major themes, prepping us for the greatest sci-fi movie ever made. At least, that's what I think he was talking about, since everything was in Spanish and I'm nowhere near fluent. His passion, however, translated perfectly, and I was impressed. It was the best pregame speech I've ever experienced. Then the lights dimmed, the movie started, and for the next two hours nothing else mattered.
When the film wrapped up and the lights came back on, the host's wife emerged from the kitchen with fresh homemade drinks and desserts. Our group of a dozen (more had trickled in after the movie began) engaged in a lively discussion about the film and its many themes; still all in Spanish I loved sitting back, listening, and picking out words here and there. I even tried to add a couple of thoughts of my own, apologizing for my Spanish.
It was a blast. And the real surprise came when the host and his wife returned with handmade dolls of each film character that they crafted from local fabrics. It turns out that they prepare dolls for every movie they show. I was blown away. And all that for just $40 pesos.
For that price, I got to see a movie I love on the big screen, surrounded by generous, thoughtful fellow fans, in a charming little home, complete with drinks and desserts. It was a beautiful experience showcasing the passion for a movie that's over 40 years old and still resonating today.
As we left for the night, the host and hostess gave us all big hugs and sent us home with more desserts. What a wonderful evening it was.
I hope you get to experience a showing of Blade Runner like this someday. I thought that I needed a massive theater with booming Dolby Atmos sound and a gigantic IMAX screen, but I was completely wrong. Of course, it wasn't just about the movie. It was also about the personal connections, the emotions, the experience... and those delightful little homemade pastries. So good.
Over the years, I've had the joy of meeting almost the entire cast of Blade Runner. They are a delightful bunch. So, inspired as I was by that night, I reached out to some of those cast members and shared my experience along with some photos of the evening. Despite their busy schedules, a few took the time to write lovely notes to the hosts, thanking them for keeping the movie alive and relevant all these years, and for crafting such beautiful dolls of their characters.
See you at the movies!
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Michael Solof leads SMA Adventure Hound, a group that takes locals and newcomers to brunches and dinners at different restaurants every week. He also offers classes in the Art of Smartphone Photography. You can contact him at WhatsApp +1-443-310-9214 for more info and to reserve.
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Michael Solof moved to San Miguel six years ago. For six years before that he curated dreams at Geppi's Pop Culture, Entertainment and Comic Book Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. It was a dream job, but dreams can twist into nightmares.
Graduating from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism, Michael's life has been a series of oddities. Once a magician, he conjured illusions to amuse, but what he really conjures now are memories captured through his camera lens. An internet producer for a Beatles radio station, a psychiatric child care counselor, and even a Good Humor Ice Cream Man, his roles have been as varied as the masks he wears.
Perpetually caught in the whirlwind of his own making, a whirlwind that leaves him breathless yet exhilarated, he leads locals and newcomers through culinary explorations each week, unveiling the hidden gems of the town. His passion for photography ignites as he teaches others to capture their own eerie beauty in just one short class. But his restless spirit doesn't stop there. He writes for two local magazines, brews secrets as a guest barista in a clandestine coffee shop, and creates "Albums That Never Were" for the internet's haunted corners, all while raising funds for local pet rescues.
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