AFS Cinema Will Open New Third Theater on October 24
The 169-seat John H. McCall Theater will feature 4K digital projection and 7.1 surround sound.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Austin film lovers can look forward to a new viewing experience starting October 24, 2026, when AFS Cinema debuts its third screen. The addition of the John H. McCall Theater marks the return of the venue to a fully functional cinema space.
Why it matters
This expansion allows the local institution to host a broader range of film titles and longer screening runs. The project was made possible through a donation from Amy McCall to honor Texas Film Hall of Fame inductee John H. McCall.
The new theater adds 169 seats to the AFS Cinema footprint, representing the facility's expansion back into a larger working venue. The space is equipped with 7.1 surround sound and 4K digital laser projection.
The players
AFS Cinema
A local film organization dedicated to the exhibition of classic and independent cinema.
John H. McCall
A filmmaker and 2018 Texas Film Hall of Fame inductee.
Amy McCall
The donor who provided the funding for the third screen expansion.
Neon
The film production and distribution company releasing Paper Tiger.
The details
The theater was created by converting the existing Marchesa event space back into a dedicated cinema. A slate of 4K restorations, including The Color of Money, Marie Antoinette, and Unzipped, will inaugurate the screen on opening day. Supporters can get a first look at the theater during an invite-only donor preview on October 23. A special red carpet screening of Paper Tiger will follow on October 27.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Donors attend an invite-only sneak peek.
October 24, 2026: Public screenings begin at the new theater.
October 27, 2026: Red carpet event for Paper Tiger screening.
November 13, 2026: Paper Tiger wide release by Neon.
The Texas Context
The theater honors John H. McCall, who was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2018. This addition continues the local trend of preserving and expanding film exhibition spaces for community audiences.
Residents can purchase tickets for the new theater starting October 24. Fans of independent cinema should monitor the AFS schedule to see how the increased capacity allows for longer engagements of festival-selected titles.
The takeaway
The addition of the John H. McCall Theater marks a shift toward higher capacity for Austin's independent film scene. Keep an eye on the theater website for the upcoming screening calendar following the red carpet event for Paper Tiger on October 27.
Further reading
You can find more coverage of independent film and local screening venues in our Science Fiction section.
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