In an era of streaming services and home theaters, it’s easy to assume the traditional movie-going experience is a relic of the past. However, as the executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee—a space that features an IMAX theater—I can tell you firsthand that there’s something irreplaceable about seeing a movie in a real theater.
At home, distractions are everywhere. Your phone buzzes, a neighbor’s dog barks, and it’s easy to press pause. The magic of cinema thrives on immersion—on the sense of being transported to a new world and staying there. In a theater, the screen towers above you, and the sound wraps around you, making every moment more impactful. You’re not just watching a movie; you’re experiencing it.
Beyond that, a theater is a shared space, where communities form around stories. I’ve seen audiences cheer together at a hero’s victory and sit stunned in silence after a powerful ending. This shared journey connects us in ways solitary streaming cannot. We laugh louder, cry harder, and thrill deeper when surrounded by others equally invested.
Exterior image of the IMAX theater at the Challenger Learning Center in downtown Tallahassee, FL
This communal experience is central to the Challenger Learning Center. Our IMAX theater isn’t just about entertainment—it’s an extension of our educational mission. A space documentary on a screen the size of a building makes the vastness of the cosmos awe-inspiring in a way no TV can replicate, sparking curiosity and lifelong learning.
Movie theaters also serve as vital cultural hubs. The Challenger Learning Center proudly hosts the Tallahassee Film Festival, celebrating independent cinema with films and perspectives that might never reach mainstream services.
Since May 2024, we’ve also hosted weekly screenings for the Tallahassee Film Society after tornadoes damaged their theater. These screenings bring a diverse slate of arthouse and international films to the community, underscoring how theaters anchor culture, even during challenging times.
Additionally, we feature locally produced films—stories that capture the heart and creativity of our region. These screenings not only entertain but support our local arts scene, creating opportunities to celebrate neighbors’ work and connect through shared stories.
Interior image of IMAX theater inside the Challenger Learning Center in downtown Tallahassee, FL
And, of course, theaters remain the best way to experience big Hollywood movies. Seeing Captain America: Brave New World in IMAX 3D is a thrill that can’t be recreated at home. From stunning visuals to booming surround sound, blockbusters are designed for theaters, where every action-packed moment is immersive and unforgettable.
Tallahassee Film Society screens “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” at the Challenger Center IMAX Theater on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.
Theater spaces also host special events, such as live Q&As, themed screenings, and educational programs. These events turn a night at the movies into a unique, interactive experience, reinforcing that theaters are places to learn, connect, and engage.
Movies also provide escapism—a chance to forget our worries and let our imaginations soar. Theaters create sacred spaces for that kind of wonder, enveloping us in stories bigger than ourselves.
As the world changes, the value of movie theaters remains strong. The Challenger Learning Center offers a space where science, storytelling, and community converge, inspiring future dreamers. What matters is stepping away from home screens to immerse ourselves in experiences that connect us to each other.
So, the next time you’re deciding what to watch, consider making a night of it. Go to the theater. Get lost in the story. Let yourself be moved. The magic of the movies is still very much alive… and it’s waiting for you on the big screen.
Alan Hanstein
Alan Hanstein is the executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, the K-12 STEM outreach program of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
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Alan Hanstein
Executive Director
Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
200 S. Duval Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 645-7770 (o)
(850) 339-7806 (c)