But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

But I'm a Cheerleader is screening at The State Theatre on Thursday, August 27, as part of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series. It's the 1999 cult comedy that's earned its reputation as a queer cinema staple, and seeing it in a theater is a different experience than catching it on a small screen.

The movie follows a cheerleader who is sent to a conversion camp when her parents suspect she's gay, and it's known for its bright, candy-colored aesthetic and its sharp, satirical take on the whole thing. It's one of those films that has stayed in the conversation long after its release, and it fits right into the Summer Classic series, which brings older favorites back to the big screen throughout the season.

The screening is hosted by the Paramount and Stateside Theatres, which are run together by the Austin Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Paramount itself is a bit of a local landmark—built in 1915 on Congress Avenue, it's the city's oldest surviving theater. It opened as a Vaudeville and variety house and still operates as one of the few remaining 'hemp houses' in the country, meaning it's rigged with ropes and sandbags. These days it stages everything from comedy and drama to music, dance, spoken word, and children's programming, alongside its film screenings. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as both a City of Austin and a State Landmark.

Doors open at 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 27, at The State Theatre in downtown Austin. The screening is part of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, so if you're into cult comedies and seeing them on the big screen, this is one to keep on your radar.