The Interstate Documentary Project is a media initiative of Io Communications in Houston, Texas. It includes a one-hour documentary film titled Before the Curtain Rises and is targeted for broadcast distribution on PBS. Following the broadcast premiere, educational outreach will continue with a VHS and DVD release to educational institutions and historical preservation and urban revitalization advocacy organizations. Complimenting this outreach will be a teacher's guide and an educational website.

Jeffrey Mills, president of Io Communications and producer/director for the film has been involved in researching the Interstate Theatres story for over ten years. It is a subject close to his heart, not only because of his love for the film and exhibition industry, a commitment to history and historical preservation, but also because his father was an Interstate assistant manger in El Paso, Texas.

It is in El Paso too that the present-day story of the defunct Interstate is still unfolding; the successful struggle of El Pasoans to save and restore the last, great Interstate movie palace, The Plaza.

The project's completion date is anticipated to be in 2008.

 

 

 

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